#loki multichapter

Loki chuckled to himself. “You really are quite the jester, love.”

You wrapped your arms around his waist, nuzzling your head into the soft green fabric of his back. “Guess you didn’t see the back, then.”

He turned over the paper.

Also: 1. Loki’s soul when I die. Will he be okay?

He remained quiet. When you felt him trembling, you coaxed him to turn around. You held him until his shaking ceased.

***

A full week had passed since you arrived at the cottage. And if holidays involved fucking, sleeping and eating, you were having the perfect break. You made use of the relaxed pace and the distance from the palace, spending time sharing your innermost fears, hopes and dreams.

“There’s something you should know, darling. About Odin.” He picked up tufts of your hair as you lay on his chest in post-coital bliss. “He, umm… he had a mortal lover. Mother told me it’s the reason why he sleeps so deeply now. It damaged his soul.”

It opened up the floodgates. As the sun set in the forest around you and the dusk birdstone enveloped you, you told one another everything. You learned about Thor’s concerns about The Trifecta, and all he shared with Loki after the probably-not-an-orgy after party. He told you about his meeting with Odin the day after the banquet, and all his mother shared with him. He mentioned Caleb, the chocolate box prince, and assured you his ex-fiancé would never be seen again. You confided in Loki and shared every word Frigga uttered in the palace gardens, as well as everything Odin had mused on before he fell into the Odin Sleep.

“I’m so glad there are no secrets between us.” He placed a kiss on your forehead. “My family, they… well.” A pained sigh.

“They keep a lot of secrets.”

“Mmm.” He closed his eyes, his head falling from the weight of his confessions. You guided him down to the pillow and you fell asleep in each other’s arms.

Loki had been sleeping incredibly well. The first night in the cottage, after pulling up on the mare and fornicating in the kitchen, he cooked you both dinner. Afterwards, sleep took him before darkness fell. He remained in a deep slumber when the birds began to sing. But that wasn’t the biggest revelation.

“You can cook?”

He raised an eyebrow and smirked. “You take me as a spoiled Prince, incapable of performing such a task.”

“Well, you do have servants.”

“Staff, darling. Palace staff.”

He served you a delicious concoction which you named Asgardian Risotto, the spices and herbs of which you had never tasted before. As with everything in Asgard, it was familiar, yet different. Timeless, yet ancient. Classic, yet advanced.

Loki continued to cook for you during your week in the cottage, taking the horse mid-week to collect a delivery from who-knows-where. He was absolutely intent that nobody knew of your whereabouts. He returned with a large crate of vegetables, the earthy scent wafting into the cottage as he heaved them onto the weathered oak kitchen table with a huff and a thud.

“You are very secretive, baby.” You looked up from your book, from your comfortable corner of the worn sofa.

“The God of Lies must live up to his title.” He gave a wink and a self-assured tilt of his head.

“They’ll come to your holiday cottage though surely, if they’re looking for you.” Your book closed with a soft thump, finding its place in your lap.

His eyes narrowed in mischief. “I told them we were visiting the mountains. Located on the opposite side of Asgard.” He crawled over you, his knee pressing between your open legs. He purred, “Nobody will find us.”

“Well, it’s err…” You glanced up at the face of the God towering over you, his skin dewy from the exertion of his horse ride in the July morning sun. All you could smell was leather. “It’s a good place to take me if you’re gonna murder me.”

“And how exactly would I do that?” He pushed his knee into you, placing pressure on your clit. You shuddered. “I could pleasure you to death… impale you, perhaps…” His lips tugged up at the corners into a smirk as he leaned forward and kissed you, smiling into the embrace. At your request he held you down firmly, taking you forcefully, as you whined and wriggled beneath him, pretending he was an intruder, a stranger, taking you against your will. Afterwards, he covered you in soft kisses and held you.

***

You were absolutely not ready to meet this wise ancient being, you thought to yourself as you sat on the mare, Loki’s strong chest supporting your back, while you read his set of notes.

Points of Concern.

Her lifespan is increasing. Why? What factors are influencing this change? How would we discover its upper limit and precisely how much time do we have? As these changes take place, how do we keep this at bay, at least whilst Odin remains breathing?

Impact of Seidr on her. Did it contribute to her life expansion? Is it harming her? Or increasing her powers? Is it not related at all?

Is The Trifecta more than a fable? Thor and mother seem to think so. Why? What about the book we read as children?

Odin’s soul was damaged after taking a Midgardian lover. Will I suffer the same fate?

How old are you, really?

You felt a strong arm around your waist. “It will be alright, love. Simply take my lead.”

You looked up at the tunnel of bare, barren trees above you, a tangle of dry branches intertwining like the locked horns of a stag in spring. Beams of sunlight pierced through the trunks, illuminating your path in patches of bright white light.

The sound of the mare’s hooves slowed and you stopped in front of a cave. Loki helped you off the horse and held your hand in his. As you walked into the large open rock, candles lit in alcoves casting shadows on the walls, you whispered to Loki. “How old is she, then?”

“She claims to have been present at my Grandfather’s coronation.”

The cogs of your mind ground to a halt. Slowly, they began turning in the opposite direction. “Hang on… that was… what, 10,000 years ago? 15,000?”

Loki craned his neck one way, then the other, his eyes searching for something on the wall of the cave. He whispered back. “Nobody knows.”

Well hopefully this wise old bird can give us some answers.

“Remember love. She’s telepathic.”

“Fuck.”

As you wandered deeper into the cave, you encountered a blue glow. The candles from the entrance were not present here. They didn’t need to be. You noticed the water cascading down over smooth black rocks, their gentle sound lulling you into a contented state. The rivulets of water gathered in a pool, which ran into a stream trickling beyond your line of sight into a black abyss.

“Ah!” His exclamation echoed around the cavernous space as he placed his palm over a plain flat rock. Smooth. No markings. You felt as though your soul left your body as you witnessed the rock glow under Loki’s touch. He traced a circle using his finger. It lit up in gold. Three fingers swiped down. Three gold lines appeared. He stepped back, looking up cautiously.

You took a step back. “We’re not meant to be here. Are we.”

He paused. His voice was quiet. “No.”

You heard the tumble of rocks crashing in the distance, starling you. You stepped back, feeling cool water smother your ankle. You shrieked from the shock. A hand grab your wrist and another cradle your lower back. You looked up at Loki. “Am I… is it… is it dangerous? The water, I mean.”

He saw your wide eyes. How your chest rose and fell rapidly. “No love. You are at no risk. I assure you.” He lips flattened into a sad smile.

“Then what’s with the weird expression.”

“No reason.” A tight smile. Glassy eyes.

A voice called from within the open door.

“I knew I could count on you, Loki.”

“Oh God. Oh God it’s her isn’t it.”

Two hands gripped just below your shoulders. He whispered. “It’s alright. Remember what we planned. I’ll lead. Alright?”

The tight squeeze of Loki’s hand in yours was all you felt as you walked through the entrance and saw a blur of walls made formed from dark, wet rock. The walls flashed past you through squinted eyes, your claustrophobia rising in your throat as you realised the walls were barely wider than Loki’s shoulders, rising all the way up hundreds of feet beyond your line of sight.

Suddenly you exhaled. Loki had led you into a light, bright open space. The walls were white here. Large pillars of geodes flanked each corner of the room, reaching to the 12-foot ceiling. The delicate grey rock of the geode held small purple stones within, twinkling like galaxies in an inky black sky. Amethyst.

The hairs on your arm flattened. Your gooseflesh smoothed. You glanced around the space.

Selenite. Rose quartz. Amethyst. Citrine. And is that… is that moldavite?

“I always thought it would be Thor. I was wrong.”

You turned in the direction of the voice. The wise old crone.

You’ve got to be fucking shitting me.

The Oracle stood before you, hands resting gently in front of her. A robe draped over her figure and reached all the way to the floor. It skimmed down over her chest and tied at the stomach. Smooth, clear and youthful skin glowing with luminosity. Her lean figure oozing vitality and strength.

She’s Gal Gadot’s fucking double.

I swear she’s not a day over 29. Jesus, Loki!!

She was statuesque. Her skin, flawless. Shoulder-length dark hair slicked back and tucked neatly behind her ears. She radiated femininity. Wisdom. Poise.

Fucking hell.

I don’t know if I want to be her or be with her.

The more you gazed at her, the more entranced you became.

She’s a goddess.

Shit. Shit she can hear me.

She smiled warmly and gestured to two seats in front of a table. The surface of the table glistened. More amethyst.

“It’s fused with selenite,” she told you gently, tracing an elegant finger over the surface. She looked up and smiled at you.

Sorry Lokes I’m running off with this woman and we’re taking the horse with us.

Her lips opened into a smile so brilliant it would lead lesser realms to war.

Oh my god you’re an empress. And yes I know you can hear me. I don’t care. You’re mesmerizing.

She looked at your love. “She is a wonderful choice for you, Loki. The Norns are pleased. I always believed it would be Thor. To pair with a mortal. This was not your intended path. But it is the right one for you.”

Straight in at the deep end. No foreplay. Sorry, Oracle Goddess Lady. Shit.

“I apologise, wise one.” Loki cleared his throat. “What my love wishes to say is that we have some questions we wish to ask. If you would be so generous as to indulge – ”

You raised your eyebrows, surprised to hear Loki’s voice. He had fallen uncharacteristically silent over the past minute or so. Perhaps he was hypnotized by this ethereal being, too.

“I have known you for ten centuries, Loki. There are no need for formalities here. But to answer the question that has kept you awake at night, yes your suspicions are correct. The Trifecta is indeed more than a fable. And so long as the three elements remain, her lifespan will continue to increase.”

Loki frowned. “You are… absolutely certain?”

She tilted her head upwards.

“I… I aplogise, I… I do not mean to question your judgement, it’s only… it has. Well, it was –  Norns.” Loki blew out a sharp breath. You placed your hand on his thigh, gently moving your thumb back and forth.

It’s okay baby. Take your time.

Thank you darling. I love you.

His eyes fluttered closed at his telepathic confession. He swallowed his nerves down, and spoke slowly.

“Wise one, I apologise. I simply want to be certain. The thought of… of losing my love, of her, of her life slipping from…” He held a loosely balled fist to his mouth, his fingers trembling.

Baby may I speak for you?

He nodded.

“It’s been very hard for him, knowing I’m going to well, you know, pass away before him. He tried to keep himself awake to have more time with me, but I stopped him because he was hurting himself. But… I suppose we just want to know how much time we have, you know? So anyway, we sort of broke into the soul forge and it turns out, my life span’s gone up. Which is good, obviously. But we’re worried Odin’s going to find out and...”

“Banish you.” She spoke firmly, her eyes set forward.

A silence fell on the room. You looked around the ancient gemstones in the small cavern. The feeling of warmth, of brightness, of possibility, merely in the space the goddess had created. Her energy so palpable it caught in your throat and rendered the God of Mischief silent or, at best, a gibbering mess, and compelling you to tell her the truth, the whole truth, and absolutely nothing but the truth.

You looked at the magnificent being before you. “He banished you. Didn’t he. Because…” You tilted your head. “You’re more powerful than him.”

She smiled, then glanced at your God. “I like her, Loki.”

“How long have you been here? Since Odin’s been on the throne?”

She gave you one solemn nod.

“I’m sorry.” You reached forward and placed your hand over her arm. “So, erm… how do we keep it from him? My…. powers?”

“It won’t be long now. He is in the winter of his years.” She glanced to Loki. “I apologise. I know he is not your true father, but I understand you will feel a complex range of emotions when he passes.”

They should have told you the truth from the beginning. I remember the day they brought you into Asgard. Tiny. A helpless baby. They should not have taken you.

You smiled at Loki. “That’s sweet, right baby? That she knew you as a kid. She’s on our side, Lokes. I like her.”

The colour drained from the face of the two intergalactics in front of you.

“Well. Even I did not see this coming,” The Oracle stated flatly.

Lokes, you can… you can hear her, right? Her thoughts?

Loki shook his head rapidly, his eyes wide.

“So… how many people can read your thoughts, then?” You looked back to the Goddess.

She placed her hand over yours. “You are the first.”

Your lips trembled. “I really don’t understand what’s happening to me.”

She smiled sympathetically. “Come. Enough formalities.”

With a flick of her hand, a door opened. You followed her into another room which opened up into a kitchen. She placed a pewter kettle on the stove. The set-up reminded you a little of Loki’s holiday home. You imagined this is where he found his inspiration.

“No. He’s never been to this part of my sanctuary.” She turned her head towards you, smiling wryly.

“So we could all talk out loud or use our inside voices, I guess.”

She smiled and placed three white cups on an oak countertop, lifting a chrome tea caddy from a high shelf.

“So just to be clear… I’m not going to die early, right?”

“You will live a very long life.” She opened the lid of the caddy.

“Do you know how long?”

“It depends on a multitude of factors.” She pinched her fingers together and lifted dried herbs and flowers from the caddy into the cups. “What factors do you believe are at play? In addition to The Trifecta.”

Loki stepped forward. “Well, Seidr primarily. I was unsure if it would harm her, so I used a protection spell.”

She looked up from the third cup, holding a pinch of the dried mix. “You used Seidr on a mortal? What for?”

“Well in my defense, it seems as though – in the words of my mother – she’s becoming more than mortal. I… I used Seidr to help her to sleep while I visited Heimdall. And also to ease a bruise on her arm, when we first met. I am ashamed to say it was an injury that I caused. And also to ease a feeling of nausea after a banquet.”

She sighed. “And the protection spell? You used the one I taught you?”

“N-no, I created my own.”

She tilted her chin down and crossed her arms over her chest. Loki needed no further prompts.

“Norner vær så snill å beskytte henne. Beskytt henne mot denne magien. Sørg for at hun ikke kommer til skade.”

AN: Norns please protect her. Protect her from this magic. Ensure no harm comes to her.

The Oracle raised her eyebrows. “You called on the Norns?”

“Many times, yes. And… that’s not quite all. The remainder of the spell.” He paused, then continued to speak. “Med denne trolldommen beskytter jeg henne med kraften til min kjærlighet. Jeg erklærer det. Og sånn ble det.”

AN: With this spell, I protect her with the force of my love. I declare it. And so it is.

The goddess in front of you began to laugh. “Oh, Loki.”

He frowned. “Did I – did I make a grave error? I – did I harm her in any way?” His spoke hurriedly. He reached out a hand. “Please, tell me so we may put it right.”

“No, please do not worry. I simply find it amusing as you are adding fuel to the already roaring fire of The Trifecta. The love, plus magic, and the power of the Norns…” She smiled, looking at each of you in turn. “Loki, you have strengthened your bond with your mate.”

“It’s increased her lifespan?”

“Yes.”

“It was one hundred and eighty when we checked it in the soul forge last week.” Loki stated. “Would it have increased since then?”

She walked towards you and hovered a palm over your forehead. “May I?” When you nodded, the soft skin of her hand made contact with your temple. She closed her eyes. You felt a warmth under her touch. “Two hundred and fifty.” She returned to the stove, removed the kettle and poured hot water into each cup.

God we’re so nonchalant about this. “S-sorry, I… just. Fuck. So… am I immortal, then?”

A wry smile. “Not quite. But you will live as long as your love.”

“You’re… you’re absolutely… I mean, of course you’re sure, it’s just… it’s a lot to take in.” You stopped gibbering when you heard stifling next to you and shaky breathing. “Baby.” You placed your arms around him as he sobbed into the crook of your neck. You stroked his back, the leather feeling thick and weathered underneath your touch.

His tears subsided. He conjured a punchline. “Well I suppose you fell in love with the right God, darling.”

You smiled knowingly.

Yes, I know. I’m using humour to deflect from my feelings.

He reached for your hand and rubbed his thumb over the delicate skin of your knuckles.

You glanced at The Oracle. “Is it based on who I love?”

“Yes.”

“What if I loved you?”

She placed the kettle back in its resting place. “You would adopt my lifespan. In theory.”

You became aware of a presence behind you. You felt arms around your waist and hot lips at your neck. Loki pressed down a kiss. You hissed as you felt his teeth sharply graze your flesh. Mine. All mine. His chest pressed into your back.

“I assure you, Loki. I have no designs on your mate.” She gestured to the tea cups. “It’s a herb tea. No magic. I assure you.”

Loki stepped forward to reach for the brew. You stayed rooted to the ground, thoughts racing.

Five thousand years.

Five thousand years?

What the fuck.

What the actual….

Oh God…

You felt heat rushing through you, beginning in your cheeks and flashing through your body. Feeling your limbs give way, Loki reached down and placed one arm under your knees and another under your back, picking you up.

***

The next thing you remember was the feeling of soft support on your back. A hand on your forehead.

You fluttered your eyes open to see glassy eyes and clear, fair skin. Jet black hair. A trembling lip.

She is more than mortal, Loki. You need not worry. She is not harmed.

You closed your eyes as his gentle lips pressed to your temple. “Did I pass out?”

She held your hand and wore a knowing smile. “Yes. It is alright. It is an enormous amount of information to comprehend.”

“Needless to say, my love… we must keep this from Odin.” Loki paused. “From…. everyone.” He began to cry once more.

“Hey, shhhh shhhh.” You sat up and pulled him into your chest. “It’s okay, baby. Listen, listen… Even if… even if Odin banishes me to earth, worst case scenario – I can come back once he’s passed away. Right?”

Loki’s shoulders shook. “I cannot leave you alone on earth for several centuries.”

“He doesn’t have that long.”

You both looked at your new ally.

“A century. At most. Likely much less.”

“I have a weird feeling we’re going to get away with it, Lokes.” You grinned mischievously, your smile falling when Loki spoke.

“Perhaps. But should the news reach Odin, let me be clear love – the extradition would happen with immediate effect.”

“Okay listen. You have to promise me you’ll buy us time.” Your love didn’t respond. “Lokes?”

“I will try.”

You pulled him into an embrace, grasping at his back, inhaling the comforting scent of leather and sandalwood. “And hey, Lokes. Your soul’s gonna be okay.”

“Actually. That is the only part that is a fable. Come.”

You followed her and sat at the study oak kitchen table, your new friend opposite you and your love beside you.

Gods. Goddesses. Immortality. Totally normal.

“Odin continues to spin the tale of love damaging his soul, I see. Parrying the true reasons for his physical state.” She ran a delicate finger over a strand of hair behind her ear. “The Norns warned him. To reclaim his path. To return to this realm. He lied to the people of Asgard. His people. Created a fiction of a sabbatical on Midgard. It was not a sabbatical. It was… hedonistic. To be sure, he cared for his mortal lover. But it was not love.”

“Hang on. Odin’s soul was damaged because he was fucking around?”

She chuckled. “You have a way with words. And yes. Precisely.”

“So… Loki’s soul was never in danger?”

“Love does not harm another.” She cast a glance between you both. Gingerly, you picked up your cup and sipped at the brew.

“Love is a balm. I told mother. She disagreed.”

“She loves her King. She believed his tale.”

Loki held up his hands in surrender, shaking his head. “You mean to tell me. My mother nursed Odin back to health out of the goodness of her pure heart, all the while he fails to take responsibility for his… hedonism…” Loki held a balled a fist to his mouth, a theatrical display at holding back vomit. “And he influences my mother to believe her sons will be harmed if they love a mortal.”

You knocked back the tea and slammed it into the table with a loud sigh. “He’s a fucking arsehole.”

The Oracle held onto the table and threw her head back, laughing raucously. Once she composed herself, she stood. “It is time for something a little stronger.”

***

“So then I said… listen, Loki can do some fucking cool shit Thor! I dunno. I was a little drunk. I guess I got a bit overconfident, considering it was my first outing with Asgardians.”

“Or perhaps you sensed this realm was to become your home.” The Oracle’s blue eyes fixed on yours.

“It is exhausting to be this wise?” Loki leaned forward, a forearm leaning on his thigh, receiving only a simple tilt of The Oracle’s head as a response. “OH! I haven’t told you the best part of all this.”

She gestured her glass towards him. “Proceed.”

“Well,” Loki started, wriggling in his chair and beginning to move his arms animatedly. “We were on our way into your quarters, and my love here lost her footing, fell back and… wait for the conclusion to this tale, as this is truly extraordinary… she fell into The Spring of Eternal Youth!!”

The goddess gripped the arms of the chair and tilted her head back, a raucous sound erupting from her throat.

“That’s what that was?? Is that why you were crying about it?” You poked him in the side.

“Ow! And no, I did not cry. I simply felt… overcome.”

“Well that’s sweet.” You rested your hand on his leg, his leathers pulled taught over his knees, as your lips grazed his.

She sipped at the ice wine. A delicate blue liquid made from the berries growing high on the snow-capped mountains of Asgard. “And this is the part of the evening where you ask me the one remaining question.”

You frowned. “I think we’ve… we’ve asked you everything.”

“We have not yet discussed Jotun fornication.”

Loki almost spat out his wine, holding long fingers over his mouth as he coughed.

“Yes, their release is an expulsion from the sensitive groove on their hip bone. It feels rather pleasurable when stimulated, if memory serves.”

“Ohhhhh….” You leaned forward, courage coming from the wine and nothing but the wine. You pointed knowingly. “You fucked a Jotun.”

“My love!” Loki was aghast. “I apologise, she didn’t mean any offence…”

She licked her lips and placed the wine down on the floor, crossing her legs elegantly on the chaise she perched upon, effortlessly graceful. “A relation of Loki’s, as it happens. Jotun royalty.”

“W-was it… was it… my father? Laufey?”

She winked. “Your grandfather.”

It was your turn to choke on wine through hiccups of laughter. “That’s a fucking BOSS MOVE!!” You cackled and pointed at a blushing Loki. He spread a large hand over his eyes, bowed his head and shook it in disbelief. The wise one continued to share unsolicited information.

“The males do not ejaculate, as it is the female who holds the seed. The males carry the child, and birth it.”

“Holy shit. How do they…?”

“The indentation in the hip bone opens up, much like a female channel.”

“Alright, that’s enough for today.” Loki stood up in mock offence, walking to the countertop and pouring himself another glass of wine.

“You, erm…” you spoke quietly. “You saw us? Me and Loki. In the rock pool. You can access our memories.”

She shook her head. “Not quite. Though that’s an informed supposition.” She looked up at Loki as he returned to the seating area. “I can access the strands of time. Not only in the future. But in the past.”

“Holy shit. Woah. Okay. So – you’re kind of like Heimdall. But he can see the present and you can see the past and the future.”

She smiled at Loki. “She is incredibly wise, your mortal.”

“My goddess,” he corrected.

“Pffft. I’ll never be a goddess. Or… wait… will I? What’s a goddess? Technically, I mean?”

“A being who lives an extraordinarily long life and possesses extrasensory powers.”

“Well shit.”

A laugh bubbled from The Oracle’s throat. “And to answer your question. I accessed your threads of time before you arrived here. For research, to provide you with the answers you seek. And, frankly, for my own safety.”

“You wanted to know you could trust us,” you stated.

“Yes. And. Whenever I witnessed an… intimate moment… I accelerated through the scene.”

“Thank you. But… you would know everything. So that’s why you trust us, then. Because you know we’re telling the truth about everything that’s happened.”

“Precisely.”

After several hours of drinking with the immortal being, Loki called it a night. Or an afternoon. What time was it, anyway?

“It’s time we were leaving, darling.” He draped a strong arm around your waist and nodded to The Oracle. “We thank you for your hospitality. And the… additional favour… will be completed tomorrow, yes?”

She nodded. “I look forward to assisting you with it. And I assure you, you can count on my discretion.”

As you cuddled up with Loki in bed that night, enveloped in on another’s warmth, you mumbled a request.

“Baby. If Odin kicks me out. You’ll fight for me. Promise?”

He pulled you even closer, his strong forearm around your waist, pulling your back into his chest. “Yes, my love. I promise.”

[ NEXT CHAPTER ]

The nervous god hummed, the song playing through his earbuds under his breath. These walks were good for him, that’s what his therapist said. Still, he couldn’t quite relax. Not when he was still given glares and wary glances from people passing on the street. It wasn’t everyone, but it was enough. Just another left, then two rights, he thought. That’s it and then I’ll be there.

Sure enough, minutes later, he’d arrived at his destination. The Book Nook, the sign proudly read in its faded paint. There was another sign today, though. One printed plainly on paper, taped to the window. Under new management.

He was greeted by the familiar tinkling of the bell hanging above the door. At least that hadn’t changed. Nor had the familiar scent of books, both used and new. Yes, Loki quoted liked this book shop.

Now this was a crowd he could handle. Just a few people walking amongst the shelves, almost always only one person on line at a time. It was small, cozy, and quaint. Loki could only hope this new management wouldn’t ruin that.

He perused the aisles as always, with no preference, just waiting for a title or two to call out to him. Then it would be off to the cafe across the street for a coffee, and perhaps a pastry, if he felt like treating himself. Ah, but today there was a certain obstacle. The new owner. The one working the cash register. You.

Loki had gotten used to the previous owner. He was an elderly man, a little rotund and all his wrinkles dressing from his constant smile. Ed, he’d told Loki to call him when the god started frequenting the store enough to be a familiar face. Loki had never quite figured out what that was for, though, if anything.

Ed used to keep a framed photo of his family behind the register. He’d mentioned to Loki once or twice how he’d like to move close to them again, spend some more time with his grandkids. Well, Loki hoped that was the case, anyway. The other option wasn’t too pleasant to think about. If only missions hadn’t set him back on his reading, he may have been around to say goodbye to Ed.

Now he had to get used to someone again. Had to interact with them. Maybe he really should just switch to ebooks. But they just didn’t have the same feel, cause the same joy. He’d just have to gather his courage, stop hiding around the corner of one of the shelves, and just check out. And he would. Just as soon as everyone else cleared out.

You gave him a smile as warm as the air outside as he approached the register. In return, he mustered a small grin through his nerves. Other than that, he avoided looking at you as much as possible. You rang him up quickly and quietly.

When you handed his now bagged books and receipt to him, an automated voice spoke, “Thank you. Have a nice day.”

It caught Loki be surprise, and he looked up in his shock to find you still smiling and now waving goodbye. “You too,” he mumbled, retreating from the store.

Today, he took his coffee to go. And yes, he did get himself an extra treat too for getting through the interaction. Coffee and boxed up matcha cream puff in hand, the god hurried back through the streets and into the Tower.

Settling on his rug, cocooned in his favorite fuzzy blanket (it was green, of course), Loki fiddled with TV remote. He’d been doing a Studio Ghibli marathon, and next up was My Neighbor Totoro. Still, he hesitated before hitting play.

“FRIDAY,” he called out.

“Yes, Mr. Laufeyson?” the AI responded.

Loki cringed at the name. It was his own choice, though, something he was trying out while the others were away. He wanted to come to terms with his origins. It was just hard. He may ask her to just go back to calling him plain old “Loki.”

“Did we receive any messages while I was out?”

“None, and no threats were detected. Would you like to send a message?”

“That is fine, thank you.”

“Of course. Let me know if you need something, Mr. Laufeyson.” Finally, Loki played the movie, polishing off his pastry within the first few minutes. By the time the film finished, Loki felt a sense of hope in his chest as he snuggled with his snake plushie. It had been a gift from Peter. Loki was quite touched when the spiderling had remembered his birthday. After days of brainstorming, the god finally settled on Noodle for its name.

Unfortunately, something else came with the end of the movie. Silence. A silence filled with his thoughts that decided to wander to you. Perhaps he should have been put off by your silence, perhaps others were. But honestly, he was thankful for it. It made the whole situation easier. Though, one thing still bothered him; Why exactly had you not spoken?

Was it him? Did you recognize him and decide to give him the silent treatment? No, that didn’t make sense; you were so kind otherwise and even had that message at the ready. So then-

“Mr. Laufeyson, this is your pre-set reminder to eat some dinner,” FRIDAY abruptly cut off his thoughts.

He frowned, having set no such reminder. “Who did that?”

“Your brother asked me to remind you daily in his absence.”

The frown softened. “I had a cream puff.”

“Mr. Odinson asked that I insist. He has prepared a list of reasons as to why you should eat. Reason one: It is important to keep your strength up for missions. Reason two: the team cares about you. Reason three-”

“Very well. You win. Or, Thor wins, I suppose. I shall go eat. Just play some music, please,” he requested, not wanting to get lost in thought again. Besides, he knew his brother was right; he should eat. He draped his plushie around his shoulders. “Come along on then Noodle, let us raid the pantries.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Two days was a new record for time between bookstore visits, Loki was sure. But he was also sure he couldn’t get you out of his head. There was something about you he hadn’t been able to put a word to until this morning. You had a certain air that didn’t make Loki’s hands sweat just having to talk to you. Soothing, he realized, the word was.

Taking a deep breath, he pushed into the store. If only he hadn’t needed so much time to convince himself to come, maybe he would have arrived at a time when it was less busy. He made his way to the back of the store and waited for everyone else to filter out, as usual.

Hello. How are you? he rehearsed in his head for the umpteenth time as he approached the register. Nice place you have here. My name is Loki. And you are?

Alas, by the time he reached you, he just stared at his shoes again. Perhaps it was better to just wait for that automated voice again and be on his way. You either couldn’t or didn’t want to speak, and maybe you didn’t want to befriend him either. He shouldn’t force himself on you. No, it’d be better if he just went home to agonize over the situation in silence. It seemed you had other plans.

You slid a letter to Loki over the counter so he would see it. The envelope had his name on it, so with a glance at you and a hesitant hand, he took it and looked at what was inside.

It was from Ed. Loki had been right and he’d moved to be closer to his family, thank the Norns. The little farewell message also expressed Ed’s gratitude for the work Loki did as an Avenger, further warming his heart. And finally, taped to the bottom of the page was a gift card for The Book Nook. Giving back for all the money Loki had spent at the place throughout the years, Ed had wrote.

Taking a deep breath, Loki looked up at you, not quite making eye contact. He fiddled with the drawstrings on his sweat jacket.

“Thank you,” he said as loud as he could manage. “Would you mind waiting here just a moment?”

You shook your head that no, you didn’t mind, and Loki went back into the aisles. He stumbled upon something he hadn’t seen before, a section you must have added. A section with plushies. He bit his lip, considering, but there was a Totoro plushie. Loki had so enjoyed the movie, and he had the gift card to pay for it.

Before he could worry another minute over seeming too childish, he grabbed the stuffed animal and headed back to the register. Your reaction made him feel silly for ever worrying at all.

“I love Studio Ghibli, too,” you signed, hands moving fast in your excitement.

You sheepishly smiled, before going to type something out. When Loki replied, you looked up im delighted astonishment.

“I have not seen all of them yet, but I love them too.”

“You know sign language?!”

In all honesty, Loki hadn’t realized that he did or that he’d even signed just now. Turns out the Allspeak extended to this too. It made sense considering this was a language, after all; the “speak” part of that term shouldn’t be interpreted so literally.

“Yes. Well, it is a bit more complicated than that, I suppose...” he answered, this time using his voice. “But for all intents and purposes, yes. Yes, I do.”

You finished ringing him up, the automated voice giving the same message as last time. You had a final question for Loki before he left. “Would you like to hang out later?”

He was caught off guard, but he had to admit, the idea was rather lovely. “Yes. Where should I meet you?”

You gave him the name of a place around the corner and a time to get there, signed off with your name. The plan was to grab some dinner together, just a casual get together. There was an odd mix of pride and bashfulness in his chest when Loki told FRIDAY he didn’t need a dinner reminder today; he had made plans to eat already.

On the walk to the restaurant, Loki began to panic. If he’d gotten your number, he would have texted you and said he’d come down with something. Ah, but that wouldn’t be fair to you, anyway. Silvertongue was the name he’d earned back on Asgard, and indeed he could weave quite the stories and lies when the situation called for it. But when it was something so casual, he found his mouth dry and palms sweaty. He wondered, then, would it be better to speak or sign?

Upon arriving at his destination, he saw you already waiting outside the door, waving when you spotted him. He quickly and subtly dried his palms before returning the greeting.

The vibe of the restaurant was very relaxed, but the two of you were anything but. It wasn’t until you’d already begun picking at your meals that you decided to try to break the tension.

“How was your afternoon?” you signed.

Loki’s hands shook a little as he replied, “Fine. And yours?”

“Busy. I had a new shipment of books come in.”

Loki debated in his mind a moment. “Would you like help unpacking them?”

“I’m sure you have hero stuff to do, and I wouldn’t want to bother you.” You looked sheepish.

Loki thought about that word. Hero. How odd to have it applied to him. He didn’t much consider himself one.

“I have no plans. But there is no pressure if you still want to say no,” he hurried to add.

“Oh, well, if you’re sure, then yes. I would like some help.”

The two of you settled on heading over once you were done eating. In the meantime, you began to discuss other things. Likes and dislikes. Stories and anecdotes. Childhoods and families. Well, Loki didn’t leave some of his past out, but he didn’t feel comfortable being so vulnerable. Besides, no need to bring the mood down.

You had a lot in common, much to Loki’s delight. He did love the Avengers dearly; they were his friends and found family. That didn’t mean he had many similarities to them. No, it seemed trauma was the main thing that bonded them together, he realized with a sort of rue.

When you finally made your way to the store, you both unpacked the boxes in silence. It was pleasant and companionable rather than the awkwardness of earlier. It wasn’t that you’d run out of things to talk about. There was still plenty. It would take more time to deal with the shipment, though, if you kept pausing to sign. Still, you invited Loki to talk since he could use his voice. He declined, uncomfortable to do so and worried he’d bore you.

After five or so minutes, Loki decided to put on some music. He worked better with some background noise. Pulling out his phone, he saw a message from Thor. There had been no tone to indicate its arrival because Loki kept his phone on silent.

The older brother was just checking in, making sure everything was alright. Loki replied that yes, it was, and against his better judgment added, he was with a new friend. Thor told him to put on the ‘making new friends’ playlist he’d sent him a while back. Loki scrolled through it, but ultimately put on an album you’d both mentioned liking. It seemed more fitting.

You danced a little as the melody filled your shop. Loki would peer at you shyly from around the other side of the bookcase, and ponder what would have happened if he was around when Ed was selling. Maybe he would have brought the place. Maybe you would have wandered in. But he’d never have been brave enough to invite you anywhere or start any conversation. He was glad you were the one who became the new owner.

Once the books were shelved and stored, Loki decided he was ready to head back home. He didn’t want to overstay his welcome, and he didn’t want to overwhelm himself with interaction either.

“Would you like me to walk you home?” he offered, ever the gentleman.

“Actually, I live above the store.” You smiled resplendently at him. “Thank you for today, Loki. People tend to find it too much trouble to listen to me, and would rather just have me listen to them. Thank you for not being like that.”

Loki’s heart broke a little. “I am so sorry they did that. You are captivating.” He blushed as he continued, “Text me if you ever want to meet again.”

With a flourish of his hand and a flash of green, Loki produced a piece of paper with his number on it. You took it and grinned, thanking him once more before quickly jotting your own number down on the back of a stray piece of paper. Though, it wasn’t until he walked out that he realized what had just happened: He’d extended the invitation to you! Sure, it was general and vague, but he put himself out there. He thought he deserved a pat on the back.

About a week later, he was laying in his bed, Noodle and Totoro hugged to his chest, scrolling through memes. It was well past midnight, but insomnia had claimed him long ago. Usually it was tedious, but tonight, he was glad he was up. A notification appeared on his screen, a text from you.

Biting his lip, he replied simply. 

You put your favorite playlist on shuffle. The first song started playing and you swayed your hips to the soft beats. Music was definitely the best thing that humanity has come up with. The way your body reacted to it was something magical. It’s fascinating how our brains can catch those sounds and produce hormones that will either make you happy or sad, depending on the music you listen to. Completely losing yourself in the moment, you ignored the world around you and swayed your hips to the soft beat. You hummed along and manually backed up the date you updated today. You don’t trust the auto save. It was better to click some buttons by yourself than to lose months of work because of a stupid error.

The longer your song played the louder you sang along. You didn’t think your voice was beautiful, but it was bearable and that's all that mattered.

Because you were so caught up in the moment you didn't hear when someone opened the door to your lab. You completely forgot that Loki was supposed to pay you a visit later that night and go over your newest results of his and Thor’s blood tests. You’ve been doing a lot of research about Asgardian and Jötun immune systems and the gods were very helpful and willing to share their knowledge with you. Your team really appreciated it and loved it when the princes came over. That’s actually how you and Loki first met.

Speaking of Loki.

The god called your name, but you couldn’t hear them over the music. He considered just walking up to you and tickling your sides to scare you, but you looked like you were enjoying yourself. Even though Loki loved to hear that little squeak you made when their fingers made contact with your ribs, they didn’t want to ruin the moment. You always felt embarrassed when someone caught you dancing, but Loki joined your shenanigans so many times you stopped caring after some time. That was one of many things you liked about the god of mischief; he never wanted you to  feel bad about yourself or your interests. The song changed to Frank Sinatra’s ‘Something Stupid” and the trickster couldn’t help himself and made his way to you. 

I know I stand in line

Until you think you have the time

To spend an evening with me

And if we go someplace to dance

I know that there's a chance

You won't be leaving with me

Their steps had that excited bounce in them. Loki noticed that it has been happening a lot lately. But only when you were around.

The god has had that weird feeling for some time when they hung out with you. At first you met every two days only for research purposes, but your kindness and friendly nature broke Loki’s serious facade, helping him to open up. Which they did. It took some time, but they really did open up. 

And then I go and spoil it all

By saying somethin' stupid like, "I love you"

I can see it in your eyes

That you despise the same old lies

The lyrics of the song struck Loki like Thor’s lightning. Was he truly this oblivious about their feelings for you? 

"Loki!" You called your friend's name, almost dropping the syringe you had in your left hand. "I didn't hear you come in. You scared me." Laughing at your own clumsiness, you turned the volume down and gestured to the trickster to come closer. "You won't believe what I found!" 

"Is it about the research?" Loki asked, fiddling awkwardly with the hem of their shirt. Your head was still bobbing to the music. It was adorable.

"Yes!" You said, enthusiastically. "I compared your cells with Thor’s and found out that your cells regenerate 2 times faster than his!" You opened the first file, showing your friend a diagram you made. Loki was academically smart, but it was a challenge to keep up with you when your excitement took over. "Not only that, but your adenosine triphosphate molecules can store more chemical energy than regular ATP! This is a huge discovery, Lok-" You stopped mid sentence, embarrassed by your monologue. "I'm sorry… I just got too excited." 

You picked at your hands, hoping Loki won’t laugh at you for that. You knew he would never do that, but the fear of being judged was too strong. Thankfully, the god put one of their arms around your shoulder and gave you a genuine smile.

“Never apologize for being smart, darling.” The trickster said, gently hugging you to their side. “I love listening to you, so please, never apologize for that.”

You looked up at Loki and your eyes locked together. You stayed silent for a moment- the only sound filling the room was Sinatra’s angelic voice. 

I practice every day

To find some clever lines to say

To make the meaning come through

But then I think I'll wait

Until the evening gets late

And I'm alone with you

The lyrics of the song suddenly had a brand new meaning for Loki. It was surprisingly accurate, considering how desperate the god has been to spend some time alone with you those past few weeks. He didn’t quite understand why it was so important for him. Until now.

The time is right, your perfume fills my head

The stars get red, and, oh, the night's so blue

And then I go and spoil it all

By saying somethin' stupid like, "I love you"

Love. Loki loved you. It was clear now. How stupid they were for not realizing it earlier! Oh norns, he really was clueless. It explained everything; the way Loki’s heart was beating faster every time you were around. Or how they stuttered when your conversation turned a little bit too flirty. 

The trickster has read many stories about love- how falling in love was like being struck by lightning and how the world seemed to be more colorful. But Loki didn’t feel that. He felt calm. The world was still the same- nothing changed. And yet your eyes seemed to shine brighter in this lightning. He never noticed it before. 

The silence between you wasn't awkward or uncomfortable. 

“I made a short animation for the diagram,” you whispered, not trusting your voice enough to speak normally. “I could show you if you’d like.”

“Yes!” The god answered a little too loud and loosened their grip on your shoulder. “I would- I would love to.”

You clapped your hands and opened another file. You explained everything as the animation went and Loki couldn’t help, but to admire how beautiful your voice sounded. The god listened to your every word, although their mind was trying to come up with a good way to tell you about his feelings. 

Loki knew a lot about you- which book you reread once every two months. He knows your favorite happy love song, favorite sad love song. Your comfort movie and the movie you can’t watch ever again because it made you too emotional. The god knew a lot so how hard could it be?

"I love you"

"I love you"

"I love you"

He walked right through the gates, and ran. Nobody stopped him, the sensors still allowed him in as if he were still living in your place. It was yours, now, wasn't it?

He took the stairs up to the fifteenth floor, and barely felt it. The years locked up made him no less agile.

He stood in front of your door. The apartment that was from both of you. He still had the half broken cuffs on his foot, the one that sealed him to the tiny cell and didn't allow him to move. His hair was a disaster, and had no way to fix it. He, himself, looked pale and worn out, and nothing like the prince you once thought you'd marry. But he was using all of his remaining strength to hide from Heimdall's eyes.

He stood in front of that door for a long time, although long time was now a blurrier concept, wasn't it? He waited for something to happen. He now realized he might not want to see you.

Because he'd knock on that door and someone else would open. Maybe even the soldier. Maybe someone telling him you jumped in front of a bullet again and took it with your head. Maybe you, upset enough to give him just the right amount of rejection to make him wish he was long dead.

He was about to leave. His hand hovered around the doorknob and pulled it away. He sighed loudly, the air in his lungs couldn't keep up with the part of him that wished to not be perceived at all.

"Who's there?", he heard your voice from the other side of the door. His heart raced like it never did. His hand trembled, exhausted and in nervousness. Your voice was the same even five years later. Of course it was the same. That was you.

He couldn't answer. He froze in place and couldn't neither answer nor leave, and waited for you to do the next move.

"Bruce, I already told you, I'm totally fine. It's just a stupid cold", you said with a weakened voice, trying to hide it. He knew you were in bed. "Now, stop hovering on the door and sighing and come in if you wish".

He heard you shift around the bed and waited. He didn't say a word. Heard your steps going to the kitchen —how well memorized he had all of those places; he wondered why would you still live there. He hurt you. You shouldn't live there anymore, where you once loved him.

"I'm up for the mission, if that's what you're wondering. I'll pop a painkiller and go for it. It's fi…", you said, and Loki didn't realize you were so close to the door. You opened it and stopped on your words as you needed to look up.

That wasn't Bruce Banner.

Loki stood in silence. He looked at you. Not a single bit in you changed, at least in appearance. You had a haircut, no more. New clothes, of course. He looked at the apartment behind you; it was changed. The furniture was shifted around. There was a new bed —King sized, and he felt himself about to flinch—, the floor had a new color of carpets and the walls were no longer covered in pictures. It was almost a new apartment —except it was the same.

"You shouldn't push your body like that for a mission", the words escaped his lips and he couldn't stop them. It was something he would've said five or six years ago, when he still had the right and the privilege of caring for you like that, of watching after you like that.

You remained in silence. Stared at him with glassy eyes, until you heard steps behind him and saw him turn around anxiously. Then, you understood he was on a run, and motioned to let him in.

You pointed at the couch and he obliged. You made him a cup of tea and sat in front of him with one for yourself too.

"I think I have a bit of explaining to do", he said with a deep voice and you, oh God, felt all of your feelings emerge again. You sighed and looked at his broken cuffs. "I don't… Thor was lying", he started, and you didn't say anything. He didn't get to hear your voice yet. He continued. "I was barely able to see you through a sphere. I heard what he told you about me about five years ago, and then I couldn't see you anymore. I got locked up. I couldn't… I tried. I'm so, so sorry", he sighed, and his eyes became glassy again. "I don't expect you to forgive me. I just wanted to… see you, I guess. I managed to escape, yet I don't know for how long it'll last".

You got up all of the sudden, and it almost scared him. He thought you'd slap him, or something similar, something deserving. But no.

You walked to him and hugged him. You hugged him so tightly he fell down and you laid on top of him against the soft couch. You hugged and didn't let go of him. You buried your face on the crook of his neck and he surrounded your whole body with his long and strong arms. He sank his nose on your hair, and you smelled the same. Your tears wet his shirt, and his, fell on your shoulder. You stayed in there, embracing each other, not letting go, for a long, long time.

The only time you managed to pull away from him, was to kiss his tear-stained cheeks. He smiled, truly smiled, for the first time in half a decade. He kissed you back. Your cheeks, your forehead, your neck. He traced his long fingers around your face and placed them gently behind your ears. His eyes showed just all the love he had never lost for you.

"I'm so sorry, my love", you whispered against his skin. "I shouldn't have stopped. I shouldn't have believed him. I'm so terribly sorry, Loki".

"Please, don't. Don't even dare apologize for all the pain I caused", he hugged you tighter. Not letting go, ever again. "This was not your fault. If anything, it was mine".

"Don't go".

"I'm not leaving ever again".

"Stay with me".

"Forever".

“Is there something you’d like to tell us, miss Y/N?” Fury stormed into the room in which Y/N had been taken into questioning for the moment they returned on the helicarrier. How ironic, she found herself in yet another interrogation room, treated like a villain despite the promise of being a hero for capturing Loki. She hadn’t done anything wrong! Fury didn’t sit down. Instead, he stood by the end of the table with his palms rested on it as he leaned towards Y/N. It was an intimidating position. She was beyond exhausted and it only fueled her rage when they trusted her so little.

“No,” She made it short and clear.

Fury clenched his jaw and it was obvious that he didn’t trust her. “Mind telling us why Loki knew your name?”

“He must’ve used his magic,” Y/N came up with a simple answer. Loki seemed to know the others too, which he now said was because of Barton, the agent he kidnapped.

“So, he used magic to know about your amnesia too, huh?” Fury just had to pour salt into the open wound. It’s like no one cared about how she felt. They spoke of her past like it was nothing and she hated how much it upset her.

At this point, she didn’t know what she could say to defend herself. “You’re making assumptions, Fury. I don’t know anything, I swear.”

That seemed to be a blow for the tall man. He sighed and then stood up straight, walking around the small room deep in thought. He stopped by the mirror, which Y/N knew was a two-way mirror. He faced her with his back, and she ended up staring at the material of his black coat. “Whatever this is, we will find out about it,” He promised after a moment of silence. “And for now, Loki only wants to speak with you. You’ll be stationed by his cage where we can keep an eye on both of you.”

Was he serious? Y/N felt her heart drop as she heard her sentence. Loki would only taunt her further and possibly drive her mad. If she had known what her agreement would lead her into, she would’ve never accepted the job offer. Somehow, it felt like they hated her even more now than before.

Knowing that there was no use in fighting Fury, she silently agreed with him. The door opened and two guards marched in, ready to lead Y/N to the wolf’s den. She walked with them, tiredly dragging her feet across the floor. As they walked through the helicarrier, she felt eyes burning into her soul. They walked past a lab and Bruce looked at her through the Plexiglass. He looked at her with sympathy in his eyes. Great. His pity was the last thing she needed. 

Finally, they reached the place where Loki was held. It was a large space and in the middle of it was the cage, originally built for someone else. Loki was sat on the bench in it and he looked at Y/N as they arrived. He seemed to have expected her arrival.

“We will bring you your necessities soon. Don’t leave without consulting someone first,” One of the agents told her before leaving her alone.

Machines were buzzing and beeping all around them. Footsteps could be heard from the corridors. It was cool in the room which made clutch onto her arms. At least, she wasn’t put in the cage with Loki. She was grateful she could stay on the outside.

Their eyes never left one another as she walked closer to him. She didn’t stop until she was as close as she could get to him. Despite her exhaustion, she was curious. Loki wasn’t someone she wanted to mess with, but it was clear they had a connection. “They told me you wanted to speak with me.”

“Oh, yes. A little company wouldn’t do much harm here. It’s quite an…untasteful place, I must admit,” Loki mentioned as he looked around. He didn’t have anything in his cell. It reminded Y/N much of her room at the S.H.I.E.L.D. facility; cold and empty. 

Y/N knew that wasn’t the real reason why he requested to speak with her. She sat down on the floor, tired from the long day and she leaned against the cage. It was far too tempting to just close her eyes and fall asleep. Even a short nap would’ve done good for her. Instead, she fixated her eyes on Loki and she remembered the strange thing that happened when they touched. They were in her dream again. It made it even stranger when Loki seemed to recognize the place. No matter how much she tried to think about a solution to the mystery, she didn’t know what connected them. It was infuriating.

“You’re deep in thought,” Loki pointed out the obvious.

If it wasn’t for the heavy surveillance in the area, she would’ve gladly mentioned their connection. But now she was terrified of getting caught - having Fury’s eye on her back and all. Although she didn’t believe she had any part in this godly mess, she was afraid Fury and the others would think so. They would accuse her of being a beast and surely, she would return to the facility for the rest of her seemingly endless life.

Loki knelt down so he was on her level. There was only the thick glass between them now, yet his presence didn’t make her uncomfortable. “What’s on your mind, Y/N? You look anxious. Is it your…friends?” Loki smirked as he said that, continuing his use of long pauses between words, enjoying the dramatics. He seemed to know that no one trusted her. 

Did it amuse him?

“You’re a pain in the ass, Loki. I’m stuck with you until we find the tesseract,” Y/N tried to focus on her mission. It was pointless now, but she figured she could try to get something useful out of him.

Loki shrugged, “I’ve sent it off, Y/N. You’ll never find it with my assistance. I think you’re stuck with me.”

“Too bad,” Y/N rolled her eyes. Her eyelids were getting heavier by the second and she felt a yawn creeping up on her. Without giving her actions much thought she rested her head against the glass, and she crossed her arms on her lap. Maybe, just maybe she could close her eyes for just five minutes? No one could be mad at her for that, right? That’s when her yawn ripped through her mouth and Loki definitely noticed.

He sat down on the floor and tilted his head curiously. “Tired?”

“If you don’t have anything useful to say, I’d rather not speak with you,” Y/N told him a little harshly. She couldn’t help herself in the moment.

“You’re definitely cranky. Perhaps you should sleep it off?” Loki suggested. Did he want her to sleep? Y/N looked at him and she noticed something strange about the god. He didn’t seem to be mocking her, despite how mocking his tone was. He had a rather soft linger in his eyes when he looked at her. Somehow, she just knew they had met before. Did he know about her dreams?

That’s when alarms rang in Y/N’s head. Loki must’ve known about her dreams. He must’ve had them too! Did he suggest her to sleep because he knew that he could speak with her in her dream? It was a shot in the dark, but Y/N hoped that it was true. That way, if it worked, no one could hear them.

A smirk curled on her face, “I just might.” If they indeed had a dream connection, it would be both interesting and a little terrifying. To have a god in her head wasn’t anything she had ever expected.

“Sweet dreams,” Loki wished her, and he got up, leaving her on the floor. He paced across the round cell to his bench and sat down, keeping his eyes on the woman who nearly passed out in exhaustion a few feet away from him. He didn’t take his eyes off her even when her eyes fell shut and her breaths got heavier and longer. She was finally asleep, just like he wanted her to be. That’s when Loki closed his own eyes, relaxing as well as he possibly could in his situation. He didn’t show it, but he was overwhelmed. He had not expected to run into Y/N on this mission of his. It had changed everything.

 Birds were chirping peacefully, flying across the sunny sky. The river was running wildly, untamed by nature. Y/N felt damp grass beneath her bare feet. She was in the middle of an open field, surrounded by flowers that smelled sweet as summer. The scent of the colourful petals relaxed her even more. For a moment, she didn’t know where she was or even what she was doing, but it didn’t matter. All that mattered was the beautiful day on the summery fields.

“Hello, Y/N,” A rather familiar voice caught her attention. Y/N turned around and noticed she was wearing a white dress. In front of her stood a man she had seen several times before. She looked at his tall figure, his silky raven black hair, his pale skin and the details of his gear. He wore a black uniform that was topped off with golden details and a long, emerald green cape. He looked like royalty.

Something told her that she knew him, but she couldn’t quite put her tongue on his name. The more she tried to think about it, the less relaxed she felt. Suddenly it all came crashing back to her.

That was Loki!

It was astonishing to stand there and realize she was dreaming. The realization helped her see just how bizarre the dreamworld was. Her eyes scanned the rose painted sky and she smiled as she saw how unnatural it looked. The clouds looked like white paint brushed on a pink canvas. How bizarre it was to be lucid, especially when Loki was there. How was it possibly that he got into her dream? Was it because of his godlike gifts? It must’ve been.

“How is this possible?” Y/N asked him, feeling oddly calm. Something deep down told her that she could trust him. Besides, how could he possibly hurt her in her dream?

Loki walked closer to her, gently brushing his fingers on the roses that surrounded them. “Your mind is quite strong, Y/N. This place is peculiar and quite vivid,” He avoided her question.

“You wanted me to sleep, you wanted us to be here. Why?” She tried again, hoping to finally get some answers out of him.

That’s when Loki faced her, and his smirk and mocking gaze were long gone. As their eyes met, a sense of familiarity enveloped her. Her mind told her that she had looked into those eyes a thousand times before. If only she could remember.

“I wish you could remember,” Loki admitted with a much quieter voice.

“Why can’t you just tell me?”

“It’s not that simple, Y/N,” Loki explained tiredly. It was so strange that he seemed to know the answers she craved. He, the man she was supposed to call her enemy.

Y/N felt brave in her dream, so she stepped closer to him. Loki didn’t seem to mind her presence so near him. He didn’t seem to mind it when Y/N put her trembling hand on his wrist, wanting to see if something would happen again. This time, nothing magical happened. Her fingertips rested on the cool skin of his wrist and that was all. “How do we know each other? Why have you been in my dreams for so long?”

Loki looked at her achingly. “Everything used to be much simpler before, but the world has changed. I wish I could go back, Y/N, but something has come up. Therefore, I think it’s important I don’t bring you into this.”

“Into what exactly?” Y/N inquired, desperately.

Another sigh left Loki’s rosy lips, “If I tell you, I must know you’re on my side. You can’t possibly work with these people who only use you for your power. I can’t speak if you’ll turn against me ag-” he stopped himself before he could finish that word. It pained him to be quiet.

Her stomach dropped. She felt sick. Did he imply that for her to find out, she would have to betray the people she promised to help? Truthfully, Y/N didn’t care about them, but they had the power to throw her back into a cell to rot into. If she betrayed them, she would never get another chance to prove herself worthy of freedom.

But if she joined Loki, maybe, just maybe she could get the freedom she wanted? To be freed from the questions that had haunted her for decades, to live in a world with answers and the opportunities to do whatever she pleased. Could Loki truly offer her that or was he manipulating her so she would ease his escape?

“I wish I could trust you,” Y/N admitted to him after a while.

To her surprise, Loki put his large hand on her cheek, caressing her skin ever so gently. Her eyes widened by the gesture, but she didn’t mind it. In fact, it felt nice. Was this another trick? Did he have the power to allure her into his grasp or did she genuinely enjoy his gentle touch? It felt like her heart yearned for it, for more.

“Trust yourself,” Loki told her. Whatever he meant by that; she would figure it out eventually. Right now, she only wanted to melt against his touch. Although she couldn’t remember him, she was now certain that they shared a moment in the past. Otherwise, Loki wouldn’t be this sweet. She wouldn’t react to his touch like it was an instinct. It was all so natural.

She hadn’t felt this way in years. It made her eyes sting painfully as tears formed in the corners of her eyes. Y/N was happy and sad at once, desperate, and hopeful. There was conflict raging within her.

Their moment couldn’t last forever. Y/N’s eyes snapped open and she found herself back in the helicarrier, on the cold metal floor by Loki’s cage. A familiar face caught her attention. It was Thomas! Seeing the guard there nearly made her forget about her more than bizarre lucid dream. He stood by her with a blanket in his hands and a smile on his face. “I thought you’d want this,” He said kindly, “You looked cold.”

“How…why are you here?” Y/N asked him curiously. Her voice was still raspy from sleep.

“I requested to be transferred here after they decided to move you. Fury approved,” He gave her the short story as he threw the blanket over her.

Y/N appreciated it. She had felt a little cold and a blanket would offer her comfort. She wasn’t going to sleep now. Memories of her dream with Loki flooded into her mind and she felt her muscles tense.

Why on earth did she lean into his touch like that? Her blood turned to ice in her veins as she remembered just how comfortable she felt. What was that all about?

“Are you okay?” Thomas wondered.

Y/N investigated the cage where Loki was. The god of Mischief was sat on the same spot as before and now a cold look painted his face. He looked nothing like he did in her dream. Back there he seemed to kind, so gentle. Now he frightened her. His creepy gaze sent cold shivers down her spine. Was his cold exterior an act or was he truly the monster everyone said he was?

Brushing Loki off her mind, Y/N looked away as she stood up, wrapping the blanket over her shoulders. “I’m okay, Thomas. Just worn out. I didn’t expect this much from this mission.”

“I see. It must be nice to be somewhere new though,” Thomas assumed she was happy to be out of the facility. It was half the truth.

“Yeah, I mean I haven’t really gotten a chance to enjoy this yet. Fury doesn’t trust me,” She admitted.

That seemed to remind Thomas of something, “Right! He asked me to bring you to a conference room. Apparently, you should get to know your teammates better. I heard that Thor’s here.”

Thor? Oh, yes. Y/N remembered that the god agreed to come with them. She was surprised that she nearly forgot about that. “Lead the way,” Y/N told him, trying to seem excited when in reality she felt lost. All she could think about was Loki and his mysterious offer.

Just before they left, Y/N turned to look behind her shoulder to meet Loki’s gaze. It was so intense that it made goosebumps rise on her body. Whatever connection they had that allowed them to escape in a dreamy world, it was real. The look on Loki’s face said it all.

                  Just as promised, Thomas lead her to the others. When they entered the conference room, they were in full conversation already. Y/N knew she was supposed to be excited to get a chance to talk and interact with people, but now all she felt was anxiety. Would they think of her as a traitor?

“Any luck on finding the tesseract?” Natasha asked Y/N, being the first one to notice her. That made everyone else turn to her as well, eyes full of curiosity.

Y/N smiled a little bit as she walked further inside, “No. He said he sent it off and he doesn’t know where it is.”

“He told me so as well,” Thor let Y/N know. At least Loki was consistent with his story. Y/N noticed how oddly Thor looked at her, as if he was studying her. He didn’t say anything, but his eyes spoke louder than words. Y/N decided to ignore that.

“Do we have a plan?” Y/N ignored Thor and tried to focus on the mission.

“I’m going to talk to Barton once he’s in the right head-space,” Natasha explained. “Maybe he can recall something, anything that could be useful.”

That’s when Bruce Banner spoke up. Y/N hadn’t heard much from him yet, “I’m trying to study the scepter, but I haven’t figured out how it works. Tony and I will continue looking into that,” he let everyone know. The scepter was nearby. Y/N could feel its strong presence in the room. The scepter had negative energy packed into it, which was bizarre. Although it looked like metal and rocks, it felt like it was sentient. As odd as it was, Y/N believed that the scepter had the potential to reveal a lot it they could just dig into it.

Steve turned to look at Y/N, “You should try to speak with Loki again. Maybe Thor could help you. He’s his brother after all.”

They had clearly done much of the talking when she wasn’t there. It almost felt useless to even stand in the conference room.

“Find out why he killed 80 people in two days,” Natasha muttered clearly out of spite. It was understandable that they didn’t like Loki. Y/N shouldn’t like him either, but she couldn’t help but feel for him. He hadn’t shown any signs that he wanted to be Y/N’s enemy. It was hard to hate someone without a reason.

“He was adopted, but he’s still my brother. I will find out what this is all about,” Thor assured them. He just had to mention he was adopted. Yes, it was a surprise, but it was strange of him to mention it. Was Thor ashamed of Loki? It sure seemed like it.

“Maybe you’d like to see him alone first? He might speak with less distractions,” Y/N suggested, now facing Loki’s brother. He was tall and muscular too and a little intimidating, to be honest. But she wasn’t afraid. She had faced much worse and it seemed like Thor wasn’t a threat anymore.

He let out an empty laugh, “I don’t know how much he’ll talk to now. Things have changed since he left.”

Since he left? “What do you mean?” She inquired, curious to learn more about how Loki ended up on earth. Everyone else seemed just as keen to learn more about him.

Thor seemed tense as he prepared to explain the situation. Clearly, the past was a burden on his shoulders. “I think Loki is doing this to get revenge on me. We had a pretty nasty fight on Asgard. I let him go. I thought he was dead, but I was wrong,” Thor started dramatically. Would Loki truly go through so much to get revenge on his brother? Before anyone could question Thor, he continued, “When I caught him, Loki said something odd. He told me about worlds that he saw in his exile. The person I spoke to was so distant. It’s like Loki is far gone. Someone showed him these powers, but I do not know who.”

“Are you saying that Loki isn’t working alone?” Tony wanted it confirmed.

Thor faced the man of Iron heavily, “I think so, yes.”

“But who could he possibly be working with?” Y/N thought out loud. She tried to connect this new information with everything Loki had told her. He did seem like he was holding back but why? Was he threatened? Had he made a deal too?

Thor gave Y/N half a smile, “Let’s find out, shall we?”

 The moment after Thor and Y/N walked away from the others, Y/N sensed a shift in Thor’s demeanour. At first, she blamed it on his nerves. After all, he was going to talk to his brother who he had thought dead. Then Thor spoke to her, which confused her even further, “Have we met before, Lady Y/N?”

She narrowed her eyes and glanced at the golden locked man – god, beside her. “I don’t think so.”

“Are you sure?” Thor inquired.

“I’m sure I would remember if I had met you,” She faked a smile, deciding not to mention her issue with her memories. Surely, she hadn’t met Thor before. After all, he wasn’t even from Earth. Then again, Loki seemed to know her so why wouldn’t Thor?

Thankfully, Thor let it go. “You just remind me of someone. Must be a coincidence.”

They finally reached Loki’s cell, which filled Y/N with excitement and grudge. Perhaps now with Thor’s aid, they would get some answers. Hopefully, answers that would steer away the attention from her. She hated being treated like a criminal.

Loki glanced at them, almost as if he knew they were coming. Y/N let Thor go ahead and she followed behind closely, growing more nervous with each step she took. If Loki said one thing wrong, it would cost Y/N a lot. For now, she could only hope that Loki wasn’t in the mood to ruin her time.

“You’ve come to see me, but I assume it’s not for a heart-to-heart conversation,” Loki stared at Thor, raising his dark eyebrow curiously as he spoke.

“You assumed right,” Thor pulled his lips into a thin line, imitating a smile. It was clear he wasn’t happy at all. “As I said earlier, if you give up this wicked plan of yours and come home, we can put it all behind us.”

Somehow, that seemed to offend Loki. The proposal of going home didn’t make Loki look relieved or excited at all. Y/N crossed her arms over her chest as she stood there and studied the two otherworldly men. She was intrigued by their past. It wasn’t easy not to wonder how they ended up here, like this.

Loki walked around the cell, taking long yet silent steps. His hands rested on the small of his back and he seemed deep in thought. “You’re wasting your time, ‘brother’. Your blindness won’t let you see the deeper truth,” he finally spoke, spitting out the word ‘brother’ as if it were poison on his tongue. Then he glanced at Y/N, but luckily said nothing – yet.

“Then help me see!” Thor seemed frustrated with Loki. His words didn’t make sense at all. “Let me help you. You don’t have to anything you’ll regret.”

“Who’s to say I’ll regret anything at all?” Loki snapped angrily. He was so different now. Earlier, he seemed calmer and even kinder when he had spoken to Y/N.

Thor turned to face the woman who had been quiet so far. There was a shadow of desperation in his blue eyes. Was he hoping for her to say something?

Y/N felt the pressure on her shoulders, so she decided to try something. “Are you working alone?” She asked Loki, dismissing the conversation he had with his brother.

Loki faced her and some of his anger seemed to lift. “Ah- someone is asking the right questions.”

“You could be more straightforward,” Y/N narrowed her eyes and surprised herself with her attitude. She hadn’t intended to sound so harsh, but she hoped it would work on the god of mischief. Loki smiled. He seemed to like the sudden change in her attitude. Thor was quiet - for once - as he anticipated Loki’s reaction.

As Loki waltzed closer to Y/N, so close that the wall of his cage stopped him, she grew tense. Despite his witty smile, Y/N noticed something strange about him. His eyes were so sad. He looked at her longingly, which confused her beyond understanding. It almost convinced her that whatever façade he put up here had a deeper meaning. As they stood close, Y/N noticed other subtle details; Loki’s skin was pale and she could swear it looked bruised. His eyes were full of broken veins and whenever he put weight on his right leg, he seemed more cautious, almost like he was in pain. Something was wrong.

The silence dragged out too long for Thor’s liking. He couldn’t understand why Loki and Y/N were staring each other down. Thos has a lot on his mind right now. Seeing Y/N didn’t help at all, but he couldn’t bring himself to believe anything. It was merely a coincidence that she was so much like someone he knew long ago. Right now, Thor wanted his brother back. “Answer her question, brother.”

There, he had to ruin the moment. Y/N was frustrated because she felt like she was getting a grip on him. As soon as Thor spoke, Loki’s vulnerability disappeared. “If you truly want to find out, I’m sure you’ll find another way to reach your answers. Maybe punch your way through it all,” Loki suggested coldly.

“Don’t make me come in there!” Thor growled. Although he tried to sound angry, Y/N knew he was upset. Thor clearly cared about Loki, but their relationship had struggled a lot.

“Oh, I wouldn’t stop you,” Loki tried to rile him up.

To Y/N, that seemed like a terrible idea. She looked at them closely and felt a yawn creeping up on her. She tried to hold it back but failed miserably. Her hands covered her mouth, but they noticed her weariness.

“You’re boring her, brother,” Loki mocked Thor and turned his back to them.

“I know you’re not working alone, Loki. Whoever showed you these things…whoever they are, I will find out about it. This isn’t you-“

“I’ve changed!” Loki defended himself.

Then it was quiet.

Thor turned to Y/N and he sighed deeply. They didn’t have to say it because it was so clear. They weren’t going to get their answers from Loki this way. But it had been worth a try.

                         Fury had been kind enough to give Y/N a room where she could rest in. He had found Y/N with Thor and told her that he had seen the surveillance tape. According to Fury, it would be better for her to sleep in private than on the floor right next to a god-like ‘villain’. Y/N was more than grateful, although the room was small. It had a bed and a small nightstand. It was more than enough.

She took a shower, which was much needed and then she finally got under a blanket – the same blanket Thomas had given her. He must’ve taken it from the room. The moment Y/N’s head hit the pillow; she fell asleep. It was as if someone had turned off a switch. She drifted to her dreams with one thought in her mind, would she see Loki again?

 The sound of a kettle whistling on the stove caught Y/N’s attention. She was in an old-fashioned kitchen, sitting by the open window on a blue chair. She took her eyes off the small garden outside and hurried to the stove, taking the kettle off it, careful not to burn her fingers. There were two teacups on the counter with honey in them already. The golden goo had spread evenly on the bottom of each cup. Silently, Y/N poured the hot tea into the cups and then put the kettle away. With a spoon, she swirled the tea and watched how the honey disappeared from sight. It smelled amazing, like lemons and ginger.

Everything felt so peaceful. She was happy, but she couldn’t recall why.

Y/N grabbed the cups and made her way through the house like she had done it several times before. The house was so familiar. Even if there were no lights on, she would’ve surely known her way around. Eventually, she reached a large living room. The ceiling was high and the walls were pale green. On the couch with a book in hand was the man she dreamt of nearly every night. The sight of him warmed her heart. “I made tea,” Y/N told him and walked closer to him.

The man looked at her lovingly, putting his book away as he gladly accepted the hot drink from her. “Thank you, my love.”

Somehow, his voice made her stop in her tracks. He was really familiar. It felt like they had always known each other, but right now it was different. She looked at him and her head began to pound. A pained expression appeared on her face as her headache grew worse dangerously fast.

“Are you alright?” The man wondered. He put his cup away, hers too, and then he caught her hands in his. “What’s the matter?”

Y/N’s eyes widened as she remembered. That was Loki! She realized that she was dreaming again. Learning how to be aware in her dreams was peculiar. It all felt so real, like a memory. “Loki,” She breathed out his name. Why was he acting like that? The last time they met in a dream, he seemed fully aware of his surroundings too. Now…he was different.

“Do you need to lie down?” Loki asked her, clearly worried. He didn’t wait for an answer as he gently tugged her down to sit on the emerald couch. Y/N was in shock as she let him pull her with him. They sat so close and he didn’t let go of her hands. It felt nice, but she was so confused.

“Loki, what are you doing?” Y/N muttered, hoping that he would return to his usual self, whoever that was. This didn’t seem anything like the Loki in the cell.

He burrowed his dark eyebrows together and put his large hand on her forehead. “What am I doing? I want to make sure you’re alright, love.”

Love?

Y/N tried to think why he was acting this way. That’s when a thought summoned her. Perhaps she had dreamt herself into a memory? Maybe all her dreams with Loki were memories? As she looked around, she noticed just how old all the furniture was. The house barely even had electricity! It looked like it was ripped straight from the early 20th century.

She felt chills running all over her skin as she noticed more details. It had to be a memory! She was sure of it. That’s why Loki was acting so strange. But if it was a memory, did it mean they used to know each other? Were they close? It sure seemed that way. Why else would Loki hold her and call her such sweet things?

The longer she thought, the more freaked out she felt. This couldn’t be good.

“Y/N, darling. What’s wrong? Are you feeling sick?” Loki snapped her out of her thoughts.

By now, she felt tears pricking her eyes. Her headache didn’t go away completely, but it wasn’t that bad anymore. Something was happening to her, but she didn’t know what. She was shocked and frightened. Getting a word out of her mouth felt impossible.

Loki looked at her with pity when he noticed that she was on the verge of crying. Instead of mentioning it, he wrapped his arms around her shaking body and concealed her into a loving hug. Y/N rested against his chest and his cologne made its way to her lungs. It was such a familiar scent and it did manage to calm her down just a tad. When he hugged her, she blinked, and a few tears rolled down her face. The unknown was taking a toll on her. She felt guilty for enjoying this hug. It was the most comfort she had experienced in a very long time.

Loki’s hand rested on the back of her head, pulling her even closer to him. Despite how terrified she felt, she wrapped her arms around him and nuzzled her face in the crook of his neck. It felt like a reasonable thing to do.

“I’m here. Tell me what’s bothering you once you’re ready, I won’t rush you,” Loki cooed softly as his other hand drew patterns on her back. Even that felt good.

Y/N swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat as she tried to find her voice. It was a dream, so she figured that she couldn’t do much harm if she questioned this dream Loki. He must’ve been a creation of her lost memories. Perhaps, deep down she had these memories? Maybe this way she could reach them again?

“Who am I?” Y/N whispered, unsure which words she should use. At the end of the day, this was a conversation between her and her subconsciousness.

Loki backed away just enough so he could face her. He seemed deeply concerned. “Whatever do you mean?”

“I don’t…I don’t remember anything, Loki. I don’t even know what I am,” More tears escaped her eyes in a stream down her cheeks. All the pain, the paranoia, anxiety, everything seemed to return to her. The worry she had carried for decades, it was all there now. Feeling it all at once was difficult. It hurt. She hated crying, but she couldn’t help it.

Loki pulled her close again, letting her cry against his chest. When he placed a kiss on the top of her head, Y/N seemed to relax. That was Loki’s cue to speak, “You know more than you dare to admit, dear. Deep down, you’ve always known it. You might think you belong to the place you’re trapped, but it’s the furthest thing from the truth.”

She listened to every word he said. He was right. She had always known she was different than other human beings and at times she believed she wasn’t even human. Could it possibly be that she was something alien? It would make a lot of sense if that was the case.

“If I’m not human, what am I?” Y/N dared to ask him.

“All I can say is that you and I aren’t that different,” Loki replied mysteriously.

Loki was Asgardian. Could it mean that she was Asgardian? How come she didn’t remember anything about it? Why was she on Earth? That didn’t make any sense.

Loki seemed to notice how confused she became. “A lot had happened in your life. You started a new chapter on Midgard and encountered tragedy. It will take time for you to heal and remember but be patient. One step at the same is more than enough.”

Why was Loki being so damn mysterious? Was it him or was she having a conversation with her own subconscious? Y/N felt impatient, she wanted to remember more. She wanted to know more. She wanted to believe, truly she did, but she wasn’t sure if she could. It was frustrating. All she wanted was for someone to be honest and straightforward with her. All of the mindgames were tiring.

Y/N took a deep breath and tried to relax in Loki’s arms. “What are we?” She whispered her question. It made her heartbeat faster, jumping all the way to her throat as she waited.

A chuckle left Loki’s lips. He slid his palm to her cheek, cupping the side of her face so he could make her face him. His handsome face was dangerously close now. “We’re two beings who are destined to find each other again and again…” He seemed to lean closer to her as he spoke. Y/N felt his nose brush against hers and Loki tilted his face. Why didn’t she back off? She blamed her dream state for being so comfortable with this. Her eyelids closed gently, and she felt Loki’s lips on hers. They were soft, gentle, familiar. The kiss was so inviting, and she seemed to kiss him back without giving it any second thoughts. In fact, it felt good to kiss him. Their kiss was passionate and electric. It felt like sparks ignited between them and made her feel happy.

As their lips parted, she found herself wanting more, but she didn’t initiate anything. That’s when Loki spoke again, looking directly into her eyes as he did so, “…and again.”

 Loud knocking pulled Y/N out of her slumber. She groaned, annoyed of being awakened. As she opened her eyes, she found herself staring at a metal ceiling. It reminded her of the enormous helicarrier she was in. The mission, Loki, everything came back to her. That’s when the door opened, and Thomas entered.

“I’m sorry to wake you, but Thor wanted me to fetch you. It’s about Loki.”

Y/N remembered her dream and she felt her cheeks heat up. She had been fully aware in her dream and she had kissed him! Thinking about it now was bizarre. She felt embarrassed and she truly hoped that there was no way for Loki to find out about it. Could the things be true what dream Loki told her? She feared they were.

“It’s alright. I’ll come with you,” She cleared her throat and got up from the comfort of the bed. Her body was still half asleep, but she would be alright. Surely, seeing Loki would wake her up. The thought of facing him after her dream was making her nervous. After she had brushed her hair and straightened her clothes from wrinkles, she was good to go.

They walked out into the corridor, like they had done many times before, and Thomas let his curiosity guide him. “So, you’re an Avenger now?”

“An ‘Avenger’?” Y/N wondered.

“Oh, they didn’t tell you. Right, well this project is called the Avengers project. I suppose the team they put together, you included, is called that which makes you an Avenger. I thought Fury told you that much,” Thomas explained it to her. Even he knew more about this than her. It made Y/N’s gut pinch a little bit. She felt so underappreciated.

“I suppose you’re right. And no, they haven’t told me that much yet,” Y/N answered with a hope someone would tell her more sooner or later.

As they were about to turn to the right, the alarms on the helicarrier went off. Only a moment later, they heard a loud roar from a small distance away. It only took them a few seconds to realize something was horribly wrong.

Someone or something had awakened the true beast onboard, the Hulk.

“Fuck,” Y/N cursed as she put the pieces together.

“This can’t be good,” Thomas seemed just as worried. He had been told to keep an eye on Y/N and that he would do. “Let’s go check if Loki is in the cage.”

That was an odd thing to do when a huge, raging monster was roaming the ship, but Y/N didn’t bother to say anything. She followed him as they broke into a run. In only a short moment, they reached the space where Loki’s cage was.

The cage itself was missing!

Y/N felt nauseous as she saw it. Loki was missing, the cage was missing, the Hulk was rampaging the ship and…

there was a body on the ground. Thomas and Y/N noticed it at the same time, but Thomas reacted to it much stronger. “Agent Coulson!” He yelled his name with worry and then ran towards his bleeding body. Y/N stood there. She could tell that Coulson was gone. The poor man wasn’t moving nor breathing at all. Despite how much she hated everyone working for S.H.I.E.L.D, it was shocking to see his lifeless body.

“Stay with him, I’ll go find the others. Maybe I can make myself useful!” Y/N told Thomas and left without waiting for a reply. Adrenaline rushed through her body as she sprinted through the corridors, hoping to find anyone or anything to do. This could be her chance to prove herself useful.

She nearly reached the lab when a voice caught her by surprise. It was Loki’s voice, “Y/N.”

She turned around swiftly and nearly screamed when she saw the man right behind her. Luckily, she managed to stay quiet as they faced each other. Now without the cage, she felt tense. Although Loki had been nice to her so far, she was still cautious. Besides, he was holding the sceptre! It was glowing yellow as he held it, pointing it at her. Something told her that this wasn’t good. “What did you do?”

“Oh, I got myself out of that cage. I have a job to finish. My offer still stands,” Loki offered her freedom again, at the price of cooperation. The last time, he seemed worried about her assistance. He hadn’t been holding the sceptre back then. He had seemed so much more concerned, frightened even. Now he had a dark look in his eyes, and he seemed excited.

Was the damn sceptre affecting him? Or had this been his plan all along?

“Come on, you can’t seriously wish to stay here. They’re using you for your powers. You’re not free,” Loki was in a rush. He needed to know now whether she would join him or not. Truly, he wished for her to join him so they would be together again. Y/N didn’t want to lose him, because of the answers she wanted to get from him. The longer they stood there, listening to the loud alarms, the more stressed they both felt.

Y/N’s dream returned to her mind. What he said repeated in her head clearly, ‘we’re just two beings who are destined to find each other again and again…and again’. The words somehow made her feel confident of her choice although it was absurd! If they got caught, she would lose her possible freedom. But if they succeeded in this, whatever ‘this’ was, she could get the answers she had waited for, for so long now.

Wishing that she wouldn’t regret it, she faced Loki with a determined expression. “Fine. I’ll join you. But you’ll have to answer my questions.”

A vicious smile spread on Loki’s face. “I knew you’d come to your senses. Now let’s go,” He grabbed her hand and pulled her with him. Yes, Y/N feared diving nose first into the unknown but running with Loki made her feel something she deeply desired. Her body felt alive, her heart was racing wildly in her chest and strangely enough she felt free.

[Ch. 3]

A/N: Your feedback would mean the world to me. Reblogs are stronger than likes. 💕

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You sat upright, only making it so far before you stopped by some invisible… seatbelt?

“Shhhh shhh shhh love, just a moment…”

You heard the unbuckling of metal and the scent of leather. You felt a strong arm around your waist, pulling you back into him, shuffling on the saddle and making room for you to sit comfortably in front of him. Sitting upright now, you could see the large black mare you were riding.

“Loki, we’re – we’re on a fucking horse.”

“Yes, love. You remained asleep when we reached my handler, so we simply allowed you to lay forward, with your head in the crook of her neck. We secured the leather straps around your middle, twice, and attached them at the front end of the saddle. I assure you, you were perfectly safe. And my eyes have barely left you.”

Your hand rested on his right hand, at the front of the saddle. “God you’re sweet, Lokes. Thank you. For looking after me. But… your handler? So someone saw me conked out?”

A laugh rumbled from his chest. “He found it incredibly endearing. He asked if they sleep a lot. Midgardians.”

“Oh, right. Like I’m a rare exotic pet or something.”

“You’re not a pet. But you’re my little pet.” He stroked your hair.

You hummed into his touch, closing your eyes.

“We’re close to the cottage, love. Not long now.”

Ten minutes later, your mare slowed in front of a small wooden lodge in a clearing. The horse happily trotted off at Loki’s instruction and grazed on the grass surrounding your new abode. Inside, the small home sat bathed in a century of dust. It disappeared with a flick of Loki’s hand and a flash of green, the white pots glistening where they hung over the kitchen in the open-planned space. Loki felt his heart pound in the silence.

“So… you are going to tell me what you think, I presume?”

You walked around the space, gawping at a piece of artwork hanging from the wall. It looked like runes. Was it runes? Probably. “I mean…. it’s… cozy!”

He wore a pout-frown, which you noticed when you turned around. “You hate it. Understandable. It is small, and a stark contrast to the palace and the life to which you have grown accustomed.” He walked to you, his lips tugging into a smile, one that broke into a toothy grin when he walked behind you and wrapped his arms around your waist. A whisper in your ear. “I used to live here. When I was… as you might say on Midgard, a teen.”

“This was your home?”

“For a summer and two winters. While I was training with The Oracle. Mother sent me.”

“Let me guess, it was around the time you were becoming a bit of a handful?”

You felt a kiss on your cheek, your back pressed to his chest. “You think too little of me darling. It was at my behest. I was here only under the guise that mother sent me.”

“So Odin wouldn’t know you wanted to study magic?”

“Precisely. The Oracle is… not a sorceress, per say. Though she has access to information others do not.”

“Alright, this sounds heavy. I’m putting the kettle on.” You wriggled out of Loki’s loving embrace, eliciting a chuckle from him as you found a stove-top pewter kettle and filled it in the deep white ceramic sink.

“So you’ve never had anyone over here? Like a date or anyone?”

“No love.”

“It’s sort of like… your holiday home.”

He cocked his head. “I suppose so.”

Loki pinched the fingers of his leather gloves, pulling them off his long elegant hands. He continued to talk as the kettle boiled.

“You must know about The Oracle. Firstly, she is telepathic. Very important.”

“So obviously we can’t use our inside voices when we see her.”

“Yes. She also has the gift of precognition.”

“So she’s psychic.”

“Not exactly. She is able to peer into the quantum realm and observe possible outcomes.”

“Well, we can all do that. Get yourself a good meditation on YouTube and job’s a good ‘un. Oh! YouTube’s an app. Its – ”

“Visual moving images, yes yes, I am well versed in Midgardian technology, believe it or not. I have visited your realm.”

“Yeah well you were kinda busy blowing things up, and I’m pretty sure you don’t have an iPhone, so.” You shrugged, your palms flat against the oak countertops. Loki stalked towards you dramatically, reminiscent of his energy in the cell, minus the threat but oozing gravitas.

“You are telling me you have the ability to peer into the quantum.” He tilted his chin down, his eyes piercing your soul.

“What, like it’s hard?” You grinned, quoting a film Loki definitely absolutely couldn’t possible have heard of. “No, I mean – there are infinite possibilities, right? There’s a reality where I’m…. I dunno, a mystical powerful queen… maybe a murderous villain… or a Midgardian office worker. AND a reality where I’m fucking you. Which is the reality we’re in right now. All the possibilities exist. What I’m saying is, how do we know she’s not bullshitting? Just making stuff up?”

“Because…” His rich voice vibrated through you as he walked behind you, his hands resting on your shoulders. He whispered into your ear, causing you to shiver. “She can observe which outcome has the most weight. A thicker thread of fate, if you will. The outcome most likely to occur. Destiny, some may say.”

You turned, inches from him. “But that fucks with free will.”

He raised his eyebrows, impressed with your knowledge. “Precisely, yes. That’s why the threads change. She has the ability to observe which timeline is the most likely outcome, taking into consideration our current choices.”

“Hang on, so – she can see what path we’re on?”

“That’s a lovely way to put it.” His palm smoothed down over your hair. The kettle started to whistle, pouring out steam into the kitchen space. “She also holds knowledge about the Jotuns, and she deeply understands theories such as The Trifecta. And immortality. She might understand what’s happening to you. Once we know that, we can decide how best to keep it from Odin.” He brushed the backs of his fingers down your cheek. The kettle continued to whistle. He removed it from the stove. When he turned back, you sat on the countertop, reaching over to the kettle.

“Love!” He reached for your wrist but failed to stop you from pressing the pad of your index finger to the side of the kettle. You hissed and recoiled in pain, clutching your hand into you.

“Ice. You need ice.” He closed his eyes and inhaled, his face and hands turning blue in front of you. He opened his eyes. Blood red at the center. And bright white in the usual places. You had never seen eyes so captivating. Still you shook your head.

“No, I’m fine.” You held up your index finger. “See. It didn’t burn me. It didn’t even burn off my fingerprint.”

He held your hand in his, frowning. The cold of his skin was soothing. It felt pleasant. Not the burning sensation of ice. But the pleasant coolness of frozen vegetables wrapped in a tea towel, ready to soothe a bruise.

He squinted. “You did this on purpose.”

“Yeah.”

“You’re testing yourself.”

“Mmm hmm.”

“You mustn’t.”

“Why?”

“It’s not safe.”

“But I have you. Ice, and magic.”

He frowned in concern.

“It didn’t hurt, Loki. I mean, it did at first. But it didn’t burn into my skin. Like when you told me about burning yourself, the skin layers, remember? The pain went away after ten seconds. Just like it does with you.”

He closed his eyes in sympathy, fluttering them open to find your hand and press your fingertips to his lips. His skin faded back to its milky Asgardian shade as he opened his eyes. “Be careful, my love. Please. This is still a very delicate situation. The actions you take may impact the changes to your lifespan. Risks. Like this.”

You nodded. “I’m sorry, Lokes. I’ll be careful.”

He stood in front of you as you sat in the countertop, your legs wrapping around his hips and urging him forward. He rested his head on your chest. He felt your fingertips through his hair, quietly groaning at the sensation of your nails raking lightly over his scalp. He breathed deeply into the sensation, his eyes closed as his lips found the bare skin of your chest. Your nails dragged over the back of his neck now, coaxing an animalistic groan from his lips when you dug deeply into his flesh. His lips explored your cleavage in hot, passionate kisses. He pulled down the teal blue material covering one breast and engorged his mouth over your nipple, his tongue circling the bud as he continued to moan into your skin.

You felt yourself becoming slick, and wrapped your legs harder around him, locking your ankles in place. You bucked against him as he moved his attentions to your other nipple, circling his tongue, with a firm hand on your mid-back. You dug your nails into his neck, forcing another moan from him.

The material of your gown pooled around your hips as you leaned back, exposing your legs to the feeling of bare skin on leather. Your hands rested on the cold metal armor of his shoulders. Your legs gripping the leather of his tunic, the scent and sound driving you feral. You continued to thrust your hips into him. Your desperation made his cock twitch with need.

“Jotun form?” You gasped.

“No.” He looked up, smirking. “I don’t relish the possibility of ejaculating from my hip.”

“It’s hot.” You urged.

“It’s revolting.”

“Asgardian it is then. Let’s keep it old-fashioned.”

Loki pushed you back onto the countertop and hoisted your leg over his shoulder, diving into your center with his tongue. No formalities. No warmup. Just pure, lustful need as his tongue lapped at your clit and he pumped two fingers inside of you. You writhed under him, arching your back and finding it impossible to stay in one place. His flattened palm rested on your stomach, fingers spread. “Shhhh little one. Be good for me. Can you be good for me?” Loki correctly interpreted your incoherent mumbling as affirmative.

He continued his pleasure until you were pleading. He would start and stop, build then relax, never letting you further than approaching your peak. When he was certain you were ready, he scooped one hand behind your head and the other behind your back, lifting you up to sitting. He fumbled with his leather slacks, hands trembling, releasing his cock which was practically throbbing with need.

“Baby…” you whispered in sympathy, placing a hand on the base of him. You kissed him tenderly, as you moved your hand to the tip of his cock and rubbed your thumb over the sensitive tip. His stomach flexed and his body juddered at the contact.

“Your pleasure, love.” He kissed your neck. “This is about your pleasure.” He reached down and circled your clit, before entering you slowly, gently and gradually. He thrust in and out of you languidly, holding the back of your head softly and placing more kisses around your neck, collarbone and chest. When you were gasping, he focused his fingers on your most sensitive bud and continued until you burst, your juices covering his hand as you felt tingling heat in every cell of your body. His thrusts became ragged until he growled his climax, continuing the movement of his hips in sloppy assaults.

He rested his forehead on yours. “I love you, darling. Gods, I love you.”

“I love you, baby.”

He held you in his arms.

You weren’t privy to the soul forge’s data in that moment.

If you were, you would have seen the lifespan counter tick even further upwards.

“A spell. To prevent me from feeling too full.”

“Lokes, I don’t follow.”

He traced the backs of his fingers down your cheek as you leaned into his touch. “I felt rather… uncomfortable… after we finished our feast. So I cast a simple spell to help me feel better.”

Aww. He’s telling me he didn’t feel well. He’s getting better. He’s getting better at telling me when he’s not feeling good. And yeah I know you can hear me. Whatever. You’re sweet, Lokes.

He huffed out a laugh.

“Don’t suppose you can spare a spell for me, can you? I’m brozzen.”

“You’re what?”

“Brozzen. You know, full as a gun.”

“I’m certain I have no idea what that means.”

“Full of food…”

“Ah.”

“So… yay or nay. To the spell.”

“I… I don’t know that I should, little one.”

“How come?”

“You’re Midgardian.”

You both fell quiet.

In the silence, your thoughts led you back to the tunnel in New York. How he talked about your fragile Midgardian form. How he constantly quipped about you being a lowly earthling and how he was all Godly. He lived for five thousand years, and he was surprised you hadn’t reached a life expectancy of three hundred. And in the cell… he had healed you. He used magic on you when he gripped your arm too tightly. Here on Asgard, he had given you a little boost of energy in the mornings when you were tired…

Part-way through your train of thought, you became aware of a light buzzing.

“Lokes? What is it.” You turned around in his lap. You found him glancing over the water, deep in thought. You placed a gentle hand over his. “Are you okay? I can hear the white noise thing.”

He gave you one solemn nod. “I, umm… I intend to research Seidr in more detail. Specifically, its impact on Midgardian anatomy.” He looked up and offered a tight smile. Despite his regal façade, his eyes were glassy. You pressed a kiss to his forehead and leaned into him.

“It’s alright.” You leaned into his chest. You felt an arm wrap around your back. Then another. You closed your eyes. He squeezed his eyes tightly shut. A tear still managed to squeeze its way out, snaking down his cheek. You heard his breath become shaky, and looked up. “Hey….” The more you looked at him lovingly, the more rapidly he breathed. The tears came and he couldn’t stop them. You didn’t try. You held him, wrapping both arms around his back and squeezing as hard as you could.

“I’m not going anywhere. I’m here. I’m here, Loki.”

He cradled the back of your head with his hand.

You’re here. For now.

All you heard was white noise.

***

You felt strong hands bristling up and down your arms, running over the goosebumps and tiny hairs on the surface of your skin. You lifted your head from his chest. You weren’t sure if you had napped, but your grogginess suggested the affirmative. Loki stood, taking you with him, as you instinctively wrapped your legs around his waist, your arms still locked around his back.

You grumbled sleepily. “What are you doing? It was nice there… the sunset.”

“You’re freezing, love. We’re going inside.”

As he reached his chambers, he turned so his back faced the heavy curtains, moving them aside with his hips. As he turned, you looked over his shoulder and saw the inky night sky of Asgard, those white diamonds even more prominent now it was dark. And you still didn’t recognise any of the constellations.

“I’ll tell you about them, love. The stars. Another evening, though. Your warmth is the priority.”

“Mmm, you know what would warm me up?”

“Yes. Tea and a fur pelt.”

“Your cock.”

He laughed as he placed you onto the bed, looking down at you. “I was unaware until this afternoon in the gardens that you harboured a cock-warming fetish. You continue to surprise me, my Midgardian minx.”

“Midgardian Whore actually, use my Sunday name please. And it’s you who started off the cock-warming thank you very much.” You smirked as you looked up at him. He gazed at you hungrily.

He shook his head free of his lascivious thoughts. “Tea and fur pelts, where did they put those…” He backed away from you, glancing around the room. You caught his hand in yours before he walked away.

“I want you. I want you, Loki.”

He turned around, his mouth opening slightly.

“I’ve wanted you all night.”

He swallowed hard for the third time that evening. “Th-that may be so. But I must ensure you are sufficiently warmed first, you…”

“I’m not a china doll. I won’t break.” You continued to stare at him, stretching out on the bed. Your gown fell to the side, exposing a leg all the way up to your thigh. “Come on. Lie down with me.”

He nodded dumbly, taking a moment to come to his senses, before he grinned, scooped you up and placed you over on the bed to make room for him as he lay down next to you, eliciting a yelp from you as he lifted you. He lay down next to you, laying on his side as you draped your leg over his. He closed his eyes, inhaling deeply and relishing in the sensation.

“You’re certain, love?”

“Hmm?”

His eyes burned into your soul. “You’re certain. That you wish to do this. That you are able to, in your condition.”

“My condition?”

“Well, yes. You’re freezing. And you mentioned how full you feel.”

“Yeah. I’m still full. I thought the nap would help more than it did...”

He cocked his head, clearly feeling your answer wasn’t sufficient.

“Okay, fine. Yes. Yes, I’m good. I want to do this. I… I would like a little magic, though. To not feel so overfull.”

“I’m… I’m not certain how Seidr is impacting you, little one.”

“It’s not harming me. I’m fine. If it was bad, I’d be feeling it already. Please Lokes. I feel kinda sick actually. I ate way too much.”

He gave a nod and, slowly, straddled his legs over your waist, reaching down and placing his fingertips at your temples. Before you felt the usual spark and warmth of Seidr, you heard him chanting.

Norner vær så snill å beskytte henne.

Beskytt henne mot denne magien.

Sørg for at hun ikke kommer til skade.

Norns please protect her.

Protect her from this magic.

Ensure no harm comes to her.

He paused, then continued to speak.

Med denne trolldommen beskytter jeg henne med kraften til min kjærlighet.

Jeg erklærer det.

Og sånn ble det.

With this spell, I protect her with the force of my love.

I declare it.

And so it is.

The spark of warmth came. You thanked him.

“What were you saying, baby? It sounded beautiful.”

“It was Asgardian. A protection spell. One I created for you.”

“I loved it.”

“And how do you feel?”

“Much better. Not as full. Thank you.”

He gave what can only be described as a sad smile.

“Hey, can you believe we’ve only fucked once?”

He rolled his eyes, then looked at you. “Honestly, that mouth, love. Disgraceful. How do you sleep at night.” The mischief bled through his features, before he lowered himself down to your face to kiss you. His kisses were gentle at first, soon becoming passionate and heated. Between gasps, he whispered to you.

“How do you feel… about using magic once more…?”

“What… what do you mean?”

He stopped for a moment, leaning on his palms and looking down at you.

“This elaborate outfit of mine takes time to remove. I can ensure we are both naked instantly.”

You raised an eyebrow, cocking your head and not at all believing what he was suggesting. “Oh really? Well I’d like to see you try.”

He smirked, clicking his fingers and resulting in the two of you laying there completely nude.

“Holy shit.”

He chuckled, resuming his kisses, starting at your lips, moving over to your neck, down your chest, over your breasts, down your stomach and to your thighs, his breath ghosting over the place where you wanted his touch the most. With expert care, as though he was trying to pleasure you and simultaneously not break you, he swiped a finger through your slick folds and up to your most sensitive bud, circling it and keeping his eyes trained on your face as your eyelids closed and your mouth fell open in response to his touch. He pleasured you to climax, and slowly entered you. You opened your eyes.

His hand brushed an errant hair away from your face. He spoke in the faintest of whispers. “Are you okay, love?”

You noticed how his arms trembled under the force of his own weight. His bottom lip quivered. His eyes glazed over with emotion. You reached out and cupped his chin with a gentle hand.

“I am. Are… are you okay?”

He nodded, his eyes glassy.

“Hey…”

With a gentle strength, you placed your hands on his shoulders and rolled him so you now lay on top of him. He looked up at you, all of his strength and power and stature suddenly forgotten under the weight of his feelings for you. His chest rose and fell. His head clouded with emotion. He rested his hands on your hips.

My goddess…

You smiled down at him, lightly gripping his length, which had slipped out of you during your shift in position, as you guided him to your entrance. His eyes fell closed at the feeling of the tip of him against your warmth. He forced himself to open his eyes, watching as your mouth fell open with the sensation of his cock entering you. You waited a moment, adjusting to his size, before slowly riding him, your fingertips spread over his chest, his hands remaining on your hips. He continued to look up, entranced.

Your movements were languid and unhurried, and the more time that passed, the more emotional the God beneath you became. He appeared to attempt to hide it as he moved one hand to your center, circling your clit with the ring finger of his right hand.

“Hey…” you breathed. “No…” You pushed his hand away.

He frowned.

“This is about you, Loki. Your pleasure.”

He smiled dumbly.

Relax, baby. Allow me to give to you.

He permitted his eyes to close, his head tilting back into the pillow, exposing an expanse of muscular neck. You leaned down to place kisses all over his neck, continuing to move him in and out of you as you maneuvered yourself into missionary. You kissed all along his jawline and you deepened the arc of your hips, moving yourself all the way off him so his tip rubbed against your entrance, before taking him in fully. You repeated the movements, noticing him writhe and huff and groan beneath you. You increased the speed of your hips, noticing how the rate of his breathing increased with your movements. He let out a grunt that seemed to surprise even him. He felt a heat rise throughout his face and a tightness in his belly.

“Darling… I… I can’t… I can’t hold on…”

“Then don’t, baby. Let go for me.”

Within a breath he came hard, an animalistic groan leaving his mouth as his head tilted back further, spilling himself inside of you as he body turned rigid, the muscles of his stomach flexing underneath you. You slowed your hips to a stop as his body wilted. You watched as his chest rose and fell, deeply and slowly, his eyes opening groggily as his breathing returned to normal. He spoke through hooded eyelids, still dark with desire.

“You are a sorceress, yes?”

“All Midgardian magic, I’m afraid.” Your hand rested on the side of his face, a thumb stroking his inexplicably smooth skin.

He let out a long blow of air through pursed lips, then started to laugh lightly.

“I believe I am a little delirious.”

“It’s okay.” Your tone was soft in volume, yet held a certainty. It’s okay. It’s okay, Loki. Anything you’re feeling is okay. You don’t have to be perfect for me. Ever.

Unbeknownst to you, his faculties had returned sufficiently for him to be able to hear your thoughts.

You lifted your hips, allowing him to fall out of you. This resulted in a grumble from the man beneath you. This made you chuckle.

“Minx.”

You gave another light laugh, and allowed him to turn you over as he moved to lay on his side. Your back was flush with his chest once more.

Mmmm…. It feels just like when we sat outside.

Yes, darling. He placed a kiss on your bare shoulder. To be frank, I could have taken you right there on the balcony…

Loki?

Yes love.

You don’t have to make a joke. Or pretend to be tough or unaffected. It’s… it’s okay to be vulnerable.

You felt every limb in his body tense up. And with a long breath out, he relaxed into you. He rested his chin on top of your head, nuzzling into your hair and breathing in the scent of you. Without another word, you felt yourself become heavy, your eyes seeming to pull you into a void, as you fell into a deep and restful slumber.

You were already fast asleep as he lay there holding you.

You didn’t see a solitary tear roll down his cheek. Moments later, sleep took him.

When he woke an hour later, he crept out of the bed slowly, using his powers to dress in silence. 

He ensured you were sound asleep before he left his chambers and made the first of what would become regular nocturnal visits.

“A silly game Thor and I played as children. One in which he would throw me at the guards. Which he found hilarious, until the day I picked him up and I threw him.”

“You can throw Thor?” Your look was almost as incredulous as the look you loved from Loki.

He grinned proudly, tilting his chin up and exposing his muscular neck. “I can.”

You looked him up and down. There was something undeniably hot about knowing he could throw a God across the room if needed. You turned your gaze back to your book. Loki picked up his first book and licked the tip of a long dexterous finger as he turned the first page. He worked through them at pace, finishing three books by the time you had completed one. You weren’t reading them cover-to-cover of course, rather scanning each section for information on Midgardians and magic.

“Loki?”

“Mmm?” He didn’t look up from his fourth book.

“What’s a cherry blossom?”

He jerked his neck upwards and looked at you, eyebrows raised. “Please, umm… please keep your volume down, my sweetheart.”

You looked over your shoulder one way, then the other. You looked back to him and gave him a nod to continue.

“You, erm… you heard that fellow in the town this morning, did you not?”

“Yeah,” you whispered. “I figured that’s why you put your hand on my waist and pulled me in closer.”

He gave a sympathetic smile. He spoke softly. “It was, love. Though I had hoped you hadn’t heard him.”

“So what does it mean.”

“It’s, umm…” He balled a fist at his mouth and worried his lip with the pad of his thumb and the side of his index finger. “It’s a term for Midgardians. It’s somewhat… derogatory.”

“I figured that. Because he said he couldn’t believe you’re attracted to cherry blossoms. But what I mean is… why do they call us that?”

He looked down at the table sadly. “You have apple and cherry trees on Midgard, don’t you.”

“Yeah.”

He turned his wrist and make a gesture with his fingers in the air. Between you, an image of a tree appeared, bursting with light pink blossoms. “They’re beautiful. They come out in Spring. On both Midgard, and here on Asgard. And then, come summer, only a month or so later…” He flicked his wrist again and the cherry blossoms fell from the tree. “They wilt and they… they die.” Loki cast his fingers in a downward motion and the image disappeared. He looked down at the desk and folded his arms. His neck strained downwards. You reached forward and placed a hand on his leather-clad forearm.

“Hey. I’m here.”

“For now… yes.” He looked up at you. His eyes were glassy. “Love, I… I wish we had more time.”

“Well, I’ll live 120 years, so… or, wait was it 130? I can’t remember. Anyway. We have time.”

Loki stood up and walked towards you. He picked up your hand and rubbed it gently with his thumb as he walked behind you. His hands rested on your shoulders as he kissed the top of your head. “I’m going to find some more books, darling.”

As Loki walked away, the familiar bars of a song entered your head.

Hey, Lokes?

Yes love.

Do you know there’s a song about that in Midgard? About cherry blossoms?

Are you certain?

Yeah. The song’s called… Centuries, funnily enough. It’s about legends. And gold.

It’s about Asgard?

I mean, it’s not supposed to be… but you gotta wonder.

You heard a snicker nearby. You do make me chortle, sweet thing.

You heard his footsteps as he ambled further away. You stood up gingerly and moved to another section of the library. You walked softly through the darkened wood shelving and found a lady in a long robe with a half-up hairstyle. You whispered to her. “Excuse me, I’m sorry to disturb you… do you work here in the library?” She looked up at you, a soft furrow on her brow. She tilted her head. She hasn’t ever seen a Midgardian, probably. I’m like an alien to her. Oh the irony. You continued. “I’m… I’m Loki’s partner. I just… I wondered if you could let me know if there are any books here about the other realms, outside of Asgard and Midgard.” She nodded politely, lifted up her robe and bowed her head as she walked with you to the section labeled Off World.

***

“What in Odin’s name are you doing?”

You jumped, almost dropping your book, and turned around to find a familiar leather figure. His nostrils flared. You held the book behind your back.

“Give it to me.”

“Mmmm, if you say so….” You raised an eyebrow and chewed at your lip. You trailed your finger down his chest and whispered. “It’s public, but… I’m down if you – ”

He let a sharp puff of air out of his nostrils, his clenched teeth locking his mouth somewhere between a snarl and a grimace. He reached behind you. You laughed, holding the book up high. He snatched it from you with ease. He looked at the blue leather cover.

The Chronicles of Jotunheim.

“I came as soon as I heard your…” He dropped his volume suddenly. “Your thoughts. Tell me, why are you doing this and what are you keeping from me?”

“Loki, I… I didn’t mean any offence, honestly. I’m sorry if I upset you.”

“Then tell me why.” He held your body up against the book shelves with the strength of his torso. You felt the hardness of his armour pressing into your chest.

“I… I wanted to understand where you came from. So I could surprise you. Like you did for me, with the Midgardian food. I thought maybe I could… remind you of home or something.” You looked down, feeling foolish.

“I’m not from Jotunheim. I’m from Asgard.”

“But you told me you’re…”

“Yes. Asgard is my home. It always will be. I feel no connection to that… place.” He looked to the side as he almost spat out the last word. “Did you not listen to a word I’ve told you? After Laufey, about destroying that race of monsters? And you think I would want some sort of soiree to celebrate it?”

You looked at the floor sheepishly. “I’ve fucked up haven’t I.”

His eyes stayed on you as he flicked his wrist. You noticed shimmers of green covering seemingly random books on the shelves surrounding you. Those books disappeared, leaving gaps where they once sat.

“You will not research Jotunheim. Do you understand?”

You screw up your face. “Well yeah I’m not stupid, of course I understand. Why are you being such an arsehole?”

“Promise me.” His voice was firm and unyielding. He pressed his chest into you and leered down at you. You looked away.

“Loki, you’re scaring me.”

He stopped. He stepped back. He looked at the ground. He shook his head. “Darling I… I am so sorry.” When he looked up, a tear fell down his cheek. He rubbed his knuckles over his lips. You stood there, chest rising and falling, attempting to feel safe again. “I… I suppose I exert extreme dominance as a way to remain in control when I feel… afraid and vulnerable. Still, it is no excuse for my behaviour, I – ”

“It happens again and I’m gone. Straight back to Midgard. I love you but I won’t tolerate that. I won’t have you overpowering me, getting mad, taking your emotions out on me, or frightening me. Unless we’re playing and we’ve consented. Got it?”

He nodded.

“I mean it, Loki.”

“It will not happen again. You have my word.”

“Good. Now you’ve magicked away all the books you don’t want me to see, shall we get back to our research?”

“Yes Ma’am.” He gave you an embarrassed smile. You rolled your eyes and turned to walk away.

“Love…” His voice was wispy and his fingers ghosted over the small of your back. “I will tell you. About Jotunheim. And why I do not wish for you to know about those… beings. I’m simply not ready.”

You looked over your shoulder and nodded.

***

“Loki. Question time.”

You sat on the balcony, observing the water and the late afternoon sun. After wandering through the library to find books specifically on Midgardian anatomy, as well as Medieval pagan rituals – the latter being Loki’s suggestion – you walked back to your desk in the library to find Loki sound asleep, his head resting on his forearms. Your gentle hand on his back caused him to lift up his head. He looked at you through tiny slits in his eyelids. Slowly, he blinked them open. “How long was I out?” He asked wearily. You responded. “Not long. Half an hour, tops.” To your relief, he agreed to return to his chambers with you. You brought some of the books to continue your study in the comfort of his quarters.

“Go on, darling. Your question.”

“Okay, so… there was a lady in the library. And she looked at me like an alien. Like not in a bad way. She was polite. It just seemed like she’d never seen an earth person before.”

“She likely hasn’t.”

“It’s weird, isn’t it. Me being here. It’s weird for everyone.”

“It’s uncommon, yes. Do you… do you feel welcome here though, love?”

“Yeah. I do. Everyone’s been really sweet to me.”

“You don’t feel… like an outsider at all?”

“Well. A little bit.”

He snaked his arm around your waist and pulled you closer to him. He kissed the top of your head. “I want you to feel welcome here. I know the pain of feeling like an outsider. So you must tell me what I can do to help you feel more at home. My beautiful little cherry blossom.”

You elbowed him. “Hey! That’s a slur.”

He nuzzled his face into your hair. “I think it could become affectionate, in time. Unless you do find it offensive, in which case I will cease immediately.”

“It’s kinda cute. And it’s growing on me. And hey, I called you a fucking space terrorist when I met you, so I guess we’re even.”

“Sexy space terrorist, I believe it was. Or did you say unbearably hot alien man? I forget…” His expression was playfully mocking.

“You’re a dork.”

You both continued to read your books into the evening, not stopping for dinner and instead picking at leftover spring rolls, samosas, pork pies, and tiny cheese-and-pickle sandwiches on white bread. At Loki’s insistence, his staff had brought leftovers from the buffet, much to the mortification of the maids. It simply wasn’t done for a prince to ask for spare food from the-day-before-yesterday. But Loki suggested it to you as a light dinner option.

“As I’m so fond of saying now, fuck proper. We both desire some more of that delicious food from your realm. And so be it.”

Later on, Loki caught you singing to yourself.

And I can't stop 'til the whole world knows my name 'Cause I was only born inside my dreams Until you die for me, as long as there's a light My shadow's over you 'cause I am the opposite of amnesia And you're a cherry blossom You're about to bloom You look so pretty, but you're gone so soon

Some legends are told Some turn to dust or to gold But you will remember me Remember me for centuries

You told him it was the song you thought of in the library. Loki called it your ‘cherry blossom song.’

“And you know, you really should sing more often sweet thing. You have such a melodic voice.” He kissed the back of your hand as he continued to read.

You worked late into the night, reading as many books as was humanly and Asgardianly possible, eventually going to bed when the sun went down.

You slept like a stone that night.

Loki, on the other hand, snuck away at midnight for another nocturnal visit.