Summary: Loki is imprisoned, seemingly for life. You won’t give up on him, he believes you deserve to live a happy life without him so he breaks your heart to shreds. Five years later, he meets you again on Sakaar, only to meet the far end of the woman you used to be. Nevertheless, you’re supposed to work together in order to save Asgard. Can it work when you’re both pretending to hate each other? Will secrets come in your way?
Author’s Note: Hi everyone! As @that-one-person reminded me, we were overdue the next chapter of Skin Deep! I hope this has been worth the wait.
As always, if you’d like to be added to my tag list, let me know! Also, requests are open and I love when you re-blog and like my work! Thanks for all your kindness!!
This is the 4th Part of our Story with links below to the previous chapters! ENJOY!
Skin Deep Part 1
Skin Deep Part 2
Skin Deep Part 3
Pairing; Loki x Reader, Steve x Reader, Bucky, Natasha, Nick Fury, Thor and Valkyrie round out of cast!
Summary: Picking up where Part 3 ended: You’re on the run with Loki, who wants answers. Steve comes clean to an old friend, Natasha and Fury make a plan.
Warnings: References to violence, smut, intergalactic travel, and some kissing!
From his vantage point at Steve’s grill Bucky noticed the almost frantic vibration coming off his oldest friend from all the way across the lawn. And Steve wasn't carrying any champagne. In fact, he was whispering furiously to Natasha, shaking his head.
Looking to the skies, Bucky smelled the electricity in the air. It made the hairs on his human arm rise, antenna to trouble, tuning into the wrecked wavelength his friend was putting out. It was about you, of that Bucky was certain, and with your own strange behavior tonight, he knew trouble was en route.
He had let you sneak away, sensing your breaking point, knowing your need for a minute alone. It was the reason you were such great drinking buddies. You let Bucky be himself and he returned the favor.
Besides, something in Steve was different these days, something Bucky didn't exactly like. His friend, Captain America, hero to the weak, was pushy. Aggressive. Angry.
And when Steve looked at you, there was a gleam, a spark of possessiveness that gave Bucky pause. Sure, you were amazing. Funny, smart, undeniably sexy in a way all your own. Bucky understood wanting you, he even got the need to have you, hold you, lock you down with a ring.
If only Steve could see how unhappy you were.
Each time Bucky saw you, the strain had pulled more of your joy away. Sure, you baked pies, smiling the whole way, chirping platitudes and teasing Steve. That happiness, though, it never reached your eyes.
Telling Steve that an engagement ring was too much, too soon, Bucky had tried in his very stoic way to prove that you weren't ready. Never fully able to give his buddy his blessing, Bucky had opted instead to provide you a shoulder to lean on. And lean you did.
Slugging back vodka shots at all these parties, in the quiet and seldom used spaces of kitchens and dining rooms, you had talked easily with Bucky. No topic was too wild or off limits, with the exception of Steve. Anytime the name of your new love came up, the subject would change. You'd deflect and Bucky let you.
Maybe he should have pushed harder, he thought as Steve stomped his way. Maybe Bucky should have forced you to talk about whatever issues you and Steve faced, tried his hand at advice, or offered excuses for his best friend’s erratic behavior. If Bucky had done that, then perhaps the stifling stench of trouble wouldn't be pooling around the party, pulsing through all the high energy people gathered together.
“Buck… come here, would ya?” Sure, Steve sounded like himself. Jovial, a little concerned in that serious way he had, but not mad. For some reason, it reminded Bucky of the way Steve’s father would talk, just before he’d beat the ever loving hell out of Sarah… or Steve. It soured the stomach of battle tested Sergeant Barnes. War was coming.
“Sure thing, punk.”
Cocking his head, Steve couldn’t quite look his friend in the face, opting instead to focus on the open back door of his farm house. Would you come strutting out of it, unaware and un-phased? Steve prayed for that, even if his gut told him otherwise, “Bucky, you said my girl was in the ladies’ room?”
Tucking his hands in his pockets, nodding solemnly, “Yea, Stevie. Yea. She had to piss. It happens.” Waiting for the battle was exhausting and Bucky just didn’t have the patience to stew in the slow burn of Steve’s anger.
Clapping a broad hand along the neck of the Winter Soldier, Steve pulled his friend close. To anyone looking, the embrace would seem brotherly, kind. What they couldn’t see was the tight grip used to keep Bucky contained, or hear Steve’s heated harsh whisper, “Where the fuck is she, Buck? I know you know. So tell me.”
Reacting instinctively, pulling against the restraining hook of Steve’s palm, “I don’t know what you’re talking about… she went to the bathroom, I came out here.”
“Well she’s gone now and so is Loki-”
Stepping back out of Steve’s reach, “Wait. Loki was here? I thought you said he left. Opened the Bi-Frost or whatever. Disappeared.”
Almost growling, Steve ran desperate hands through his blonde hair, ignoring Bucky and turning to Natasha, “We need to let Fury know. Set a perimeter. Loki won’t be able to get off the planet, not without help anyway.”
“Fury’s involved? Steve, what is going on?”
Jabbing a finger into the chest of his best friend, Steve spun, spitting, “You let Loki kidnap my fiance, that’s what’s going on! And now I have to find her and rescue her before that greasy alien asshole does something else to the woman I love!”
Rearing back, Bucky inhaled, lifting his shoulders. If you have to fight a friend, fight fair, he thought. Already Bucky could read violence in Steve’s muscle movement. The graceful way Steve bounced on his toes to build momentum into his fierce throw was minute but effective. Dropping his right arm, just a touch before stepping into his swing, Steve's eyes screamed murder and they were locked onto James Buchanan Barnes.
A swish of air brushed at Buck's dark hair as the blow missed. Bucky easily blocked the punch, grabbing his pal at the wrist and twisting until his chest was pressed into Steve’s back. It was as fluid as the ballet you had forced them to attend a few months back, quick and clean movements, executed flawlessly.
Bucky felt Steve spin in his grasp, planting his feet, preparing to toss the Winter Soldier on his ass. His counter maneuver was a leg sweep, one Bucky was ready to use, when Steve went limp in his grip. Natasha had sucker punched her mission partner in order to get his attention, “Steve. You gotta relax. Bucky didn’t know and you’re drawing attention. Too many eyes around here, ya know?”
Natasha waved to Tony, a gesture that said, no worries, everything is ok over here. It was enough to satisfy the playboy, who turned back to his cocktail and conversation with Rhodes.
“I'm fine. It's fine. I’m just…” unable to find the right word, spiraling, Steve sagged towards the ground.
Catching him at the waist Bucky steadied his woozy friend as Natasha brushed off help from the other guests. Returning to the pair of soldiers out of time, The Black Widow, barely containing her disgust, “Bucky, get him inside. Steve, I'm sending everyone home, then I’m going to make a call.”
True to her word, Natasha whispered something to Tony and Pepper, Bucky clocking their reaction of concern for both you and Steve. It was very clear to the Sergeant that The Avengers were not in on this mission. None of them were permitted to hang around the farm house with Nat going so far as to walk out with Clint and Rhodes.
Bustling Steve into the kitchen, Bucky kicked a chair free from the table, dropping his buddy on his ass. Still a little amped up from the almost altercation outside, Bucky decided to put a bit of distance between him and his childhood friend, resting his hip against the counter, "What the hell was that, Steve?"
"Stay out of it, Bucky."
"It's too late for that, punk. Either you start talking or we take this back outside."
Side eyeing the super soldier with a metal arm, Steve tugged at the corner of a pretty place mat sullenly, "Fuck you."
"Language!"
"You think I give a shit about bad words? Now? No… things are too far gone."
Waving his hand, begging for more, "Care to elaborate, Cap?"
Steve had a second to consider his options. He could let Bucky in, tell him what was going on, hear his opinions on the situation at hand. Or… not.
"You don't need to be involved. Once Nat gets back, it's best if you go."
Thunking into the opposite seat, Bucky leveled his grey gaze on his pal, "And if I say no?"
"Look, it's an off the record thing. Tony, the rest of them? They know nothing. I don’t need you sticking your nose in-"
That was all it took for the dam of Bucky’s own outrage to burst. With a wood rattling slap to the custom built dining table, open palm connecting enough to make Steve jump, "Damn it, Rogers! My nose is in this already. Hell, you were ready to half kill me over this… over her, not fifteen minutes ago!"
Sighing, hard and heavy, Captain America pressed back in the wooden chair. He saw the questions in Bucky's look, the need to unravel this mystery, the desire to find a way out for his friends. And Steve realized that to accept his buddy's help, Bucky would need the full story.
The truth hurts and Buck's words stung Steve. Bucky was right and in the end, he reasoned, they might need him to help bring down Loki. After a second of consideration, a rough hand sliding through his blonde locks, "Fine. FUCK! Fine. What do you know?"
Crossing his arms over his chest, stern voiced but curious, Bucky started, "Just you and Nat reporting to Fury? Small team."
"Small mission. At least, at first." Trying not to give anything away, making Bucky work for it felt good, almost like a return to his life before Loki, before you.
Tapping his metallic finger on the table, Bucky resumed his questions, "So, how does Loki figure into this?"
Leaning forward, Steve lowered his voice, “Weapons tech. Power. More than when he attacked New York. He’s been off world gaining followers, an army, and a throne.”
“So the plan was to keep Loki away, right?”
Nodding, Steve’s inflection solemn, “By any means necessary.”
Rocking his head back, as if slapped, Bucky’s eyes widened. Just the implication of those words, by any means necessary, used by Nick Fury meant that this mission was crossing a line from mundane into murderous.
"And she was your way in." It started to take shape, the whole sorted plan, Natasha’s involvement and Steve’s role in it all. Bucky felt that prickly sensation again.
Bowing his golden head, Steve shook it yes, "Only… I wasn't brought in… I… volunteered."
"Ok, but why?" Inching closer to the truth, waiting out the Captain, Bucky nodded for him to continue. When Steve wasn't forthcoming, Bucky nudged his foot with a sharp kick, eager to accelerate the story.
For a second that frantic, frenzied energy flashed through the room again, pulling on Bucky's sixth sense, "Because I wanted what Loki had… who Loki had. I wanted her, so bad Bucky. So bad."
“Steve… come on, man. There are other girls out there-”
Cutting his friend off with a shout, “Why should that asshole have her? He doesn’t deserve her. Before he left, she was always so sweet, so cute… then he… abandoned her! Left her! Man, that was… just so hard to see.”
“Yea… I know. I mean, I remember when she and Loki were together. And I know his leaving was hard on her.”
“Hard on her? She… she stopped eating, stopped sleeping. God, I could hear her crying all night. Know how hard it was to keep away? To know that Loki had forgotten her?”
Steve kept talking, about you, about loving you, and the lengths he went to in an effort to court you. He followed up with all the ways you denied him, over and over, until Natasha intervened. That all of it played into Fury’s plan was a convenient cross-point, coincidence, until things had gone wrong this afternoon.
Bucky let him tell his story, knowing full well it was merely a version, a fairy tale wrapped around the rotten apple of truth.
In Steve’s world he was the hero, wronged by fate, Fury and Loki Odinson. His path had been paved with good intentions and pure hearted motives. It was everyone else who misunderstood, miscalculated and mistook his actions. Could Steve be blamed for that?
Of course, this edition of Steve’s tale didn't include beating up a cuffed prisoner. It also omitted the fact that Steve had been pursuing you while actively lying about Loki's whereabouts. Glossing over the details allowed Steve to paint a picture highlighting the best of him, but Bucky had known the little punk a long time.
During a long pause that found Steve with his head in his hands, Bucky took a deep breath and asked, “And how did you and Fury know what Loki was up to?”
“He was sending mission reports weekly. Loki had been tasked with helping promote peace across the Nine Realms. That he gained so much was the tipping point. Fury felt like a return to Earth would be 2012 all over again, only this time… total annihilation.”
Something was still nagging at Bucky, “Had Loki made any threats?”
A guilty look passed over the face of Captain America and his normally solid voice wavered, “Not that I was told about.”
“So, Fury...?”
“Fury needed… no, that’s not right. He wanted to keep close tabs on Loki, monitor his return, his mood, his movements, if he ever came back.”
“And since she was his lover, she was a potential point of contact… the entry point?”
“A possible one.”
“If you were dating her and Nat was posing as her friend, then you’d know if Loki reached out, spilling the details on his plans, and be able to head him off at the pass.”
“Exactly!” Oddly proud, Steve was almost happy that he no longer carried the burden by himself. Sure, Natasha knew, had even engineered some of it, but having a friend on his side made Steve feel better.
“But Loki didn’t do that? He surprised you today?”
Blowing out a frustrated snort, “Natasha went to meet him at the base. Apparently, the high and mighty Prince expected to be greeted by Fury and his forgotten lover.”
“That didn’t sit well with the God of Mischief?”
“Nope. Somehow he froze Nat. Confined her, I don’t know… Anyway, he came here and…” Trailing off, Steve could still picture his lady’s body, your body bent under his own, your eyes pressed shut in ecstasy. How you ground against what looked like his own sculpted skin, moaning through an orgasm that appeared amazing, and left you with shaky legs.
Going silent, Bucky didn’t push, not this time, but he did feel the moment Steve surrendered fully. His shoulders let go with a deep inhale, his voice sounding like that scrawny kid from Brooklyn after a bad scrape, "She loves him, man. And I fucked up. Loki’s got my girl and I don't have any way to find her or fight him."
Tears? Sighs? This wasn't Steve. No, Captain America was an unstoppable, unflappable hero. Spinning out was Bucky's move, not Steve’s. Putting his fleshy hand on Steve’s shoulder, trying to console the broken man in front of him, "Come on, kid. There's always a way to win. It's what you and I have been doing for over a century."
“Not this time, man.”
"Why not? Did you come clean? That’s why she left, isn’t it? You told her what was going on and she went after Loki."
Shame filled Steve’s heart, his cheeks burning, "I… I didn’t get the chance. She left here, but not alone."
"She'll be back." Words, pathetic platitudes, were all Bucky could offer. He had seen you tonight, skittish and jumpy. He saw Steve’s reaction to your disappearance, angry and hurt. Bucky thought that a snowball in hell stood a better chance than you're returning.
"Not happening. I lost it on her, Buck. Smashed up mom's dresser, yelled… It was like being outside myself, watching myself do and say these terrible things. And it wasn't her fault. Not really. I mean, yea, she fucked him but he was me, so-"
"Whoa. Stop. Say that again?"
Steeling himself to relieve this afternoon’s nightmare again, Steve swallowed hard, "Loki, you know how he can… shape shift? Well, he came here as me and I walked in on myself screwing my girl!"
Bucky's eyebrows lifted, his full lips curling into a cockeyed grin, "Wait. You're telling me that you came home and saw yourself banging your future fiancé?"
Pausing, catching Bucky barely holding back a smirk, "Yea… why?"
And for some reason, after all the incredible things Steve had shared tonight, it was the idea of Steve catching himself balls deep in your naughty bits that made Bucky laugh. Once he started, Bucky couldn't control the mad giggles from overtaking him, much to Steve’s astonishment. But then Steve laughed, too, "I guess it is pretty funny, when you think about it."
"I mean, your face must have been priceless!" Clutching his stomach as the laughter grew stronger, Bucky had tears running down his cheeks at the image Steve described. Sure, it was a horrible thing, but who could say that they watched themselves having sex like that without being in porno?
It took them both a minute to calm down, with Steve settling enough to counter, "Shit, Buck! I was pissed! I probably looked crazy."
"That I do believe. What did you say to her? Them?"
Now his face flushed scarlet, burning with embarrassment. The lie was just easier to get out, "Um… I don't really remember. I know I surprised Loki and well, my girl fainted from being used by him. The shock of it not being me, ya know?"
Bucky didn't buy it, but he let his friend sell the story anyway, "Must have been scary for her. And that's when you secured Loki in the locked shed? And set Nat as your watchdog?"
"Yup." Unable to meet his friend’s stormy stare, knowing that it would undo him completely, Steve focused on the edge of the table, running his fingers back and forth along the rough wood.
If this were an interrogation and Bucky were sitting across from a suspect and not his best friend, he’d have no problem beating the guilty man into submission. But Steve was his strongest connection to this world, this time, and it was hard to walk away from family, even if they didn’t deserve the benefit of your doubt. To that end, one thing still bothered Bucky, "Why not cancel the party, man?"
"Because I still want to marry her." Pulling the small black box from his front pocket, Steve toyed with the thing, his vision of a future with you still so close to realized.
Whistling at the size of the sparkly rock enshrined in white gold, "Fancy. What do you think your chances are? Think she'll say yes?"
"My chances went down to zero the second Loki dropped down to Earth. As for her answer… Dunno. I… I hope so, but now…", Steve faded off, knowing there was little hope for your romantic reunion if he didn’t have a clear idea of where you were at the moment.
"Now Loki’s back."
"Right."
“And they’re gone, together.”
“Right.”
“And Fury’s on his way.” Striding in on impossibly high heels, Natasha folded her arms over her chest, eyeing the two gossiping men in front of her. It was going to be a long night.
---
Somehow you had made it to the treeline undetected, using the orchard as a shield, ducking behind trunks as you and Loki scrambled toward the edge of the property. You couldn't help looking over your shoulder, checking for pursuit, worrying that Steve or Natasha were going to find the pair of you. There was no possible way they would let you get away, not after today, not with Loki.
It was a bit treacherous, though. There was only natural light to guide you through twisted branches and raised roots, so your progress was slower than you wanted, but Loki was with you. Even beaten and bruised, he radiated calm, a soothing balm for your frayed nerves.
Something about that made this whole situation seem better, manageable. You were no longer alone, Loki was here, holding your hand, not directing you but consulting. "Pet… the roadway is up ahead. Stay here, tucked out of sight."
Pulling your long lost lover close, a small kiss passed between you, a passionate promise to sit still. Stepping tentatively out onto the gravel filled shoulder, Loki surveyed the highway quickly. When he was satisfied that the coast was clear, Loki waved at you, motioning you forward.
Striding confidently at your side, Loki stopped in the dead center of the yellow lines, his grounding arm around your waist. A car, low, black, expensive, came racing round the bend, barreling towards you. Tucking your chin to Loki's chest, you gripped him tight, readying for the car's impact.
A roar of wind swirled around you, grabbing at your skirt, whipping around your legs. For a second you thought you'd been struck. Breathless, your lungs emptied.
There was nothing solid under you, just the feeling of Loki and a current of warm air. Next, you felt the impact of hard earth under your feet, vibrating through your shins, then Loki's grip loosening a touch, "Ok, darling?"
Peeking from under his arm you saw lights everywhere. A bar was to your left, filled with noisy drinkers, barely discernible from the traffic around you. Honking horns made you jump, "Where the hell are we?"
"Cleveland. I can't yet take us off world. I'm still a bit weak, I'm afraid… but at least we have a bit of a head start on Rogers and Fury."
People pushed past you on their way to dinner, chirping happily, not seeing you in their tunnel vision. Being anonymous was a nice change, welcome even, as your personal life had been lost to Steve's intergalactic presence. On the busy streets of Ohio no one took notice of the two well dressed people standing on the damp sidewalk.
"Um, you changed?", no longer sporting his battle gear, Loki was dapper in a black suit with an ebony tie. Leaning closer you straightened it, not because it was crooked, but because you needed to feel it… him. The whole look was just shy of too much, but that was the space Loki filled best and honestly, looking at him made your heart swell.
Loki was back, and yours. After more than two years, having him close again felt natural, easy. In so many ways, the opposite of your life with Steve. As if somehow sensing your tug into nostalgia, Loki knuckled your chin up, "Just keeping up with you, love."
His nose brushed against your own, so weirdly intimate and innocent for a man who had slapped your ass red only hours ago. Resting his forehead to yours, you inhaled that magical combination of burning sparklers, broken in leather with just a hint of honeyed citrus, "God, I forgot how great you smell."
"Hmm… dove, there is nothing on Asgard that smells or tastes as wonderful as you. Believe me. I looked."
"Careful Loki… people will say we're in love." At your cheekiness, Loki claimed your lips, his hands sliding over the soft fabric of your dress. Clinging to him, unwilling to let go now that he had returned, you puffed out a pouty sigh as Loki withdrew.
“Norns. You know how badly I want you again? I can barely think straight for wanting you.”
Oblivious to everything around you, lost in the sweeping pools of Loki’s desire filled expression, you toyed with his collar, “We have a lot of catching up to do, for sure.”
“I’d love to get reacquainted-” here he paused to lick over his full lower lip, hunger for you dripping from every word, “-but we are on the run from the Earth’s mightiest heroes.”
Snickering, you rolled your eyes at the thought of the Avengers, hours away eating charcuterie in Steve’s backyard. Stepping back, you sighed, “You’re right. So, have you got a plan?”
Hanging in the air, your sentence had just left your mouth, your tongue still savoring the syllables when a sizzling crack snapped next to your ear. Swinging you away, forcing you to the sidewalk, Loki spun in a blaze of green. Crouched over you, snarling, “Fury! Always a pleasure to see you.”
Stepping from the blazing golden circle supplied by Dr. Strange, Fury crossed onto the Cleveland sidewalk from your now empty garden party, weapon trained on Loki’s broad chest. “Wish I could say the same, Loki. You know it’s time to end this. Let’s take our… deliberations back to the office. Talk about this man to man.”
A barking laugh left your lover, “Man to man? I am a GOD! And you… you are pathetic. Your attempts to keep me off Earth, imprisoned, away from my woman have all failed.”
“Where are you going to go? You can’t get off the planet without help. My help. And it’s yours, Loki, if-”
“If I come quietly? Tail between my legs, submissive and compliant?” As the words left his mouth, you watched, focused on the way Loki was shifting closer to you. The long fingers of his right hand were visible, reaching back for you, a silent signal of his escape plan.
Fed up and furious, Nick Fury’s voice was flat with frustration, “Loki. Enough. Let’s do this somewhere people aren’t.”
“Oh, I don’t know, this seems as good a place as any!”
Circling Loki, edging nearer, Fury tried reasoning, “Endangering civilians isn’t going to make things easier. You know that.”
“You know, I’d love to talk about how you betrayed me. How you stonewalled my lady… how you put Captain America in my place, as if he could ever be worthy of her. But, I’m a little busy at the moment.” Snapping his fingers, you jumped to your feet, grabbing for Loki’s outstretched hand.
The second your palm connected that feeling of floating overcame you once more. This time you were ready for the roar of traveling through space by Loki’s magic, the push of meeting the ground, the curl of Loki’s body against yours. Blinking, you opened your eyes on new scenery, the chill of a beautiful sea soaked morning breaking around you.
Straightening the coat of his pristine suit, Loki smiled at you as his fingers wove between your own, “New Asgard. My brother’s realm, now ruled by Valkyrie, by his abdication. We need to find him. He has a lot to answer for.”
---
"Just what in the hell happened? I thought I was very clear about avoiding this exact problem."
Pacing, hands firmly on his leather belted waist, Nick Fury growled at the bent head of Steve Rogers. "Now Loki’s on the run, dragging your… Well, what is she exactly Captain? Girlfriend? Fiancé? Mark? along for the ride."
At those harsh words, Steve started, ready to focus his own anguish somewhere, anywhere. Fury was as good a target as any, as far as Steve was concerned. Pushing off the paving stones, he was stalled from rising by Natasha's firm hand and quiet words, "We have an idea-"
"I don't want ideas. Not from you two. What I want are answers, Romanoff, and I want them now."
Sitting on the emptied bench of the picnic table, still covered with your pretty tablecloth and jars of peonies, Natasha sighed, "I didn't have time to alert Steve. Loki made it here first and… reconnected-"
"Is that what we're calling it?" Snapping, Nick glared from his good eye, his last name never more appropriate.
Exhaling deeply, Natasha Romanoff squared her shoulders, "Sir, Loki… manipulated the circumstances."
"Just what in the hell does that mean?"
All three available eyes locked onto Steve, “What it means, Fury-” lifting his golden head with a jaw clenched tight, “- what it means, is that the son of a bitch showed up here and had his way with my woman.
“After Loki… took advantage of her, I had him. He was contained, here, in my shed. It was modified with the restraints Tony provided with Thor’s direction.”
“And still, he got away?” Disbelief clouded every syllable from Fury. That his two top agents had failed and so badly, had the normally stoic director steaming.
Standing now, Steve was almost chest to chest with the man who’d been pulling the strings of this entire operation. Natasha, watching closely, knowing that she would only be able to subdue one of them if it came to it, gently palmed the dagger concealed in her waist band. Steve thrust forward, brushing past Fury before facing him once more, “Yea, Nick. He did. He got away.”
“Do you know how?” Fury’s fingers were curled around his pocket taser, just in case Captain America needed a jolt, reminding him of who was calling the shots here. It wouldn’t do much except give Nick a head start, but with the Captain looking so rough and so raw, the SHIELD director would take any advantage available.
“We believe that… he was set free.” Natasha didn’t want to say the words. You had let Loki go, that much she knew to be true, and she supposed that it made some sort of sense.
Steve had been right all along. You and Loki did have some cosmic connection that even time and distance couldn’t eliminate. Intervening for the sake of Fury’s mission and Steve’s pining heart, Natasha had no qualms about why she’d guided you into a relationship, in fact, she still believed that he was a better man for you than Loki.
But no. No matter what Rogers did, you had never let go with him like you had with the younger son of Odin. Not that you complained. You had taken all of Natasha’s words of praise, her seemingly well intentioned advice, her flat out advocating for Steve in stride.
Sure, your friendship suffered for it. Natasha, never having been one for close ties to anyone, had enjoyed the talking and gossiping. It was nice to have a girl around the tower. One who understood period cramps and cravings. A person who would put on high heels and makeup for a night of dancing then suggest hoodies and shorts for watching Pride and Prejudice.
That was over now. When she had been, well, frankly, overpowered by Loki and his new paralyzing weaponry, Natasha knew the plan for a peaceful capture of the prince was over. Having seen the aftermath of your reunion with the space god, having seen Steve’s seething anger, the Black Widow felt her own ire spike.
Didn’t you know how hard she had worked? How tireless her efforts had been to keep you and Loki apart? Just how invested she was in joining you and Steve together? It was like you wanted to throw all of that away, squandering those bonding moments where you had become something more than a mission, those times when you were Natasha’s only real friend.
Couldn’t you just go along with the plan, unknowing, quietly? She knew you couldn’t, wouldn’t. It wasn’t in your nature. So, channeling that frustration into the cold facade that so many had seen just before they met their end, Natasha had to compartmentalize the “you” she cared about away from the “you” she was responsible for trailing. Both had pissed her off.
Now, hearing the gruff grumble of Director Fury bearing down on her, Natasha could only accept the berating tone of his hard words. He wasn’t wrong. She and Steve had fucked up royally, the whole mission was blown, and while Bucky had certainly aided in your escape, he was blameless collateral damage. The consequences fell to you and the Captain. Killing you was going to be hard for them both, but if it had to be done, so be it.
Shrugging, Natasha started again, “Nick, we have a tracker on her. We know that she and Loki made it to Cleveland, but he can’t get away from Earth without some aid.”
“Well, that’s good to know, if only it was some new intelligence. You’re tracking her? Great! Where is she now? Don't know huh? Well, she and Loki tele-ported from a city sidewalk, in front of me and hundreds of civilians, with no word on their next destination.
“And make no mistake. Loki will find a way off of this planet and when that happens, there’ll be nothing else we can do.”
“So what? Let him go! He’s won, Nick. It’s over.” Throwing himself down onto the bench, Steve’s dejected voice breaking, he slumped over his feet.
“That’s not an option Cap. Loki is more powerful now than he’s ever been. You both read the reports. He wasn’t just hanging around on Asgard. No, Loki was negotiating peace between his native realm of Jotunheim and his adoptive home. He was gifted with tools and technology that no human could hope to wield. Earth ending stuff, Captain.”
“Whatever plans you had of making peace are over now. There’s no way Loki gives us any help… and why would he after all this?”
“Rogers, I’ll do whatever I must to keep this planet and the creatures on it safe. Loki is a threat to that, just by existing. With his new powers, high placed connections and intergalactic royal title, he had the potential to be unstoppable.”
Seething breath puffed out the chests of the two men standing toe to toe. Machismo made Natasha want to vomit. Men.
“Look, I’ll go after them. Steve, stay here, in case she reaches out. I’ll take the quinjet and trace their path.” Standing now herself, Natasha turned to the depressed super soldier, patting his arm, “Bucky’s still here. I’ll let you know when I’ve found anything.”
“No. Nat, I can’t let you go alone. It’s my fault, too.”
“You’re no good to me like this, Rogers.”
“But, She’s-”
Cutting him off, Natasha stepped closer to Nick, “I know, but you’re too involved. If tough choices need to be made, can you?”
Gulping hard, passing a rough hand over his face, Steve frowned, “I can do my duty, if that’s what you’re asking.”
“Steve.” Her tone said it all the words she wouldn't vocalize. I don’t trust you, not now, not like this. I don’t believe you will have my back at the cost of the woman you claim to love. I don’t think you can do the job.
Fury didn't allow her the chance to elaborate, jumping in with his definitive voice, “Natasha’s right, Rogers. You’re staying right where you are, on the bench. Romanoff and I are going to resolve this issue without any further problems.”
Half hearted, strength sapped, Steve raised his eyes to the leather clad figures before him, “Please. Please, Nick… Nat. Don’t hurt her.”
“I promise, Steve. I won’t.” And in the second, all three knew she was lying.
---
Finding Thor’s shanty was easier than you expected. A friendly fisherman was only too happy to point you in the right direction. What you saw upon arrival was not entirely what you had expected when visiting Loki’s brother.
It was a beat up looking cottage, surrounded by empty cases of cheap Midgardian beer, crumpled take out containers, and a collection of well fed seagulls situated near the edge of the village, “Ugh. What a pig.”
“Loki! It’s… charming?” Your admonishing whisper turned the statement into a question at the sight of Loki’s disgusted face. For a second you just stood at Loki’s side, staring at the weather beaten front door, your hand clasped in his strong one.
“It’s disgusting.”
Agreeing with a small nod, “Um, yes. Yes, it is. But, this is your brother’s house and you said we needed to talk to him. Step one is ringing his bell.”
“No. I won’t do it.”
You had forgotten about this side of Loki. Fastidious, precise and obstinate, Loki could cop an attitude that had the ability to drive someone crazy. Someone like you.
Over the last two years it had been easy to forget all the little things that made Loki prickly. It was even easier to forgive him. Since he’d left, you had looked at your life together through rose glasses, through a gentle fog of missing him, and those elements of your relationship that were less than perfect had been abandoned.
Now, standing outside the hovel that Thor called a home, as a fresh day dawned over New Asgard, you were reminded of all those imperfect things that came with loving Loki. A wave of need, love, and longing for him rolled over you. All of those imperfections made you perfect for each other.
Rising up on your toes you pressed a small kiss to Loki’s pout, taking the tall God by surprise, “What was that for?”
Shyly grinning, you bit into your bottom lip, “I missed you… missed kissing you.”
“Then perhaps you should come over here again?”
That was all the invitation you needed. Stepping into Loki’s space, your chest resting against his own, you savored the nearness of him, as himself. He wasn’t playing at being Steve. Loki was here, he was with you, and if you weren’t mistaken his hands were drifting down your backside.
The rush of it, well, it was familiar and new at the same time. How Loki seemed to inhale your breath, inhale you, as his mouth opened to accept your lips. His gentle exhale, a moan, as his tongue licked over your own. It was overwhelming. It was wonderful.
Stepping back, you started to pull away, only for Loki to wrap his arms around your waist, “Not so fast, darling.”
Losing yourself, you focused solely on the firmness of his body, the weight of his hands on your hips, the intensity of Loki’s desire. Intoxicating, heady, you leaned into those feelings. Kissing Loki back, you tangled his hair in your hand, earning another one of those sultry sounds that made your legs weak. How had you lived without the passion and pleasure he provided for so long?
A smashing crash broke the quiet morning causing you to jump in Loki’s embrace, “What the hell was that?”
Immediately on the defense, Loki pushed you behind him, crouching into a protective stance. From over his broad shoulder you watched, worried about the new danger coming your way, unsure how to help your reactive lover. Another rattle had Loki palming his dagger, anticipating an attack. That’s when a raccoon, bigger than your childhood terrier, scuttled from under an overturned trash can carrying what looked like a half eaten slice of pizza in its mouth.
“Appalling! Mother would be modified!” Loki cursed as he offered you his hand, kicking away an empty glass bottle, "Why is he living like a dirty animal, surrounded by trash? One would think they were back on Sakaar!"
“I don’t know what’s going on with Thor, but we came here for a reason. Let’s get it over with, ok?”
Loki shook his head, refusing to step any closer, “He’ll have to come out here. I won’t go inside this… dilapidated shit box.”
Sighing, “Fine. Fine, I’ll do it.”
Stepping around a pile of broken electronics, you carefully picked your way to the front door, gracefully knocking on the splintering wood. After an answerless few seconds, you tried again, rapping lightly with your knuckles before turning to flash Loki a small smile. That’s when you noticed the striking woman striding towards you and your returned lover.
“My, my… is that pretty Prince Loki I see?” Even her voice was sexy, you thought, as the sarcastic words dripped from her full lips. The swaggering stranger radiated cool, calm, sensual energy. Otherworldly energy that made you feel mortal and boring. You couldn’t help tugging your skirt straight and fluffing your hair as she got closer.
“Ah… Valkyrie! How are you?” Hugging her tightly when she opened her arms, Loki found that he was genuinely happy to see the fierce, battle tested warrior.
Smirking at your man, she countered, “That’s King Valkyrie to you. Your brother crowned me, or have you forgotten?”
“On the contrary. It seems like he finally realized what I’ve known all our lives.”
“Which is what, exactly?”
“He’s not fit to be the ruler of Asgard, obviously.”
Drawing right up to Loki, hands on her hips, Valkyrie leveled her dark eyes at his, “What would you know about ruling, Mischief?”
“Enough to know that you’re good at it. Enough to know that I no longer want to be the King of Asgard.”
“Is that so? And what’s changed your mind?”
At those skeptical words, Loki wound an arm around your waist, tugging you close, “I’ve got more… important concerns these days.”
Looking you over with her shrewd, searching gaze, but speaking to Loki, “And she likes you? Are you sure?”
Laughing, the sound deep and rich, “As much as you like fighting and drinking.”
“I hardly drink anymore. As King I have mead only on important occasions, I have to keep my wits about me the rest of the time.”
Sharing a laugh, the two shared another small hug before Valkyrie turned to you directly, “Alright. Who’s this then?”
Loki started to respond but you cut him off, extending a hard towards the newly crowned King of Asgard, “Uh, I can answer for myself, thank you, Loki. Valkyrie is it? Nice to meet you. And, yes, I love Loki.”
Making a face that was part disgust, part pride, Valkyrie smirked, “Love? Oh no. Hasn’t anyone told you yet? Loving the Odinson boys is hard on a girl.”
Pulling Loki in for a small kiss, taking him by surprise, “I’ll take my chances.”
Shrugging nonchalantly, “Suit yourself.” Focusing on Loki once more, Valkyrie shifted on her feet, “Listen, if you’re looking for Thor, he’s not here.”
“Oh? And where exactly is the lovable oaf?”
Hitching a thumb over her shoulder, pointing up the hill, “At the palace… the new palace, that is. You can come and, please, don’t forget your girlfriend.”
Falling in line behind the King, Loki couldn’t help but add, “You know Val, I think I liked you better when you were drunk.”
Snorting in response, “And I know I liked you better when I was drunk, weird right?”
Bringing up the rear, your own sarcastic comment dying on your throat when the Palace of New Asgard came into view. Banners of gold shimmered in the light of the rising sun, flapping in the breeze of the young morning, beckoning you closer. You hugged Loki’s arm tighter, excited and exhilarated by the sight before you.
“Home is a people, not a place. Those were some of my father’s last words to Thor and I… and while I can never take you to the place where I grew up, this… this is the home of my people.”
“Loki… it’s beautiful!”
Valkyrie, stopping so you could both catch up, “It’s getting there. Thor’s been a huge help. Come on, let's show you around the palace and let your brother know you’re here.”
---To Be Continued!
Author's Note: This is Part 2, Part 1 is on my Main Blog. I also just wanted to add that somehow since my last post I've hit 255 followers!!! I'm so grateful to my little Loki tribe!! Xoxo
Pairing: Loki x Plus Sized Reader
Warnings: Romantic angst with smutty undertones. Discussions of past trauma, war/ battle.
Summary: Loki left you with the promise of seeing him again. Now the God of Mischief is on your doorstep, real, raw and just maybe ready for a woman like you.
Was it morally wrong to use the secure information access afforded to S.H.I.E.L.D. and it's operatives as a means of locating you without your knowledge? Loki didn't think so. How else was he going to prove to you that he was different from all the men who'd come before him? Idiots who had taken you for granted. Jerks that were crude, unkind. Men who had said rotten things or treated you cruelly, all acts which Loki wanted to avenge with daggers and fists.
But Loki's presence in the communications room did raise some flags. Natasha was particularly concerned when he asked about address searches. "But you live here... what other address do you need?"
"I find myself needing to send... a letter."
"A letter? No one sends letters anymore."
"I do. So, can you provide me an address or am I wasting my time Ms. Romanoff?"
"Here. It's actually not far from us. You could probably just hand deliver it." Holding out a slip of paper, her clipped writing folded out of sight, Natasha offered Loki the details he needed to set his plan in motion.
"What would be the fun in that?"
"Whatever, I just don't want to be involved." But she might as well have been talking to herself. Loki had taken the needed information and left, without so much as a "thank you". Typical, she thought, turning back to her work.
---
"Mom... I am actually fine. I promise." But you couldn't help the note of despair that crept into your voice.
It had been a week since you'd stormed out of dinner and into the path of Loki. With his departing promise of seeing him soon, you found yourself disappointed when each day passed without him making good on his word. It's for the best, your mind replayed ad nauseam, the words no longer making sense from overuse.
"Huh? Oh, Jacob? Mom... It's over between us." You had repeatedly told this story, everyday this week in fact, and each time mom lamented your return to single status.
Holding the phone away, letting her talk herself out, you flipped through your mail. Opening the fridge only to close it again, you hitched your phone on your shoulder, feeding your fish and brushing crumbs from breakfast off the counter. Like making microwave popcorn, when you heard two consecutive seconds of silence you returned to the conversation. "I know, mom. I know. I love you! But I have to go! There's someone at the door. Bye now!"
Sagging into a sigh at lying to your mom, feeling deflated by Loki's absence, you pushed off the kitchen counter, ready to shower up and relax. When there was actually a knock on your door, you jumped, "The hell?" It was almost unheard of, a person coming all the way to your apartment door, considering you lived on the fourth floor of a beautiful but ancient walk-up and the building had a doorman. Yet, here you were, peering through your peep hole and seeing, "flowers?"
"Hold on! One second!!" Cracking the five locks and moving the security door stopper your mother insisted on, it takes you a few minutes to swing your door open.
---
How did you look so beautiful? Loki's mind stuttered when, opening the door, you appeared with rosy cheeks and sparkling eyes. Had he noticed your glasses before? He didn't remember seeing them. They made you look bookish and honestly even more adorable than his recollections of your evening together. Clearing his throat, Loki smiled, popping out from around the giant plastic wrapped bouquet.
"Loki!" Shocking, that's what Loki's appearance was, and you squealed his name out of utter amazement. "What... How... I mean..."
Gods, you're precious, Loki thinks, watching you try to piece together this turn of events. "Surprise!"
Recovering yourself more quickly than Loki would have liked, leaning into your the door frame, you crossed your arms over your chest. Narrowing your eyes, you stare down dark haired god, "Really?"
Anger looks good on her, the thought making Loki blush, sends hot blood coursing through his body. "I told you I would see you soon. Is it my fault you doubted me?"
Secretly, you're absolutely pink with pleasure. He found you! Loki somehow, someway, Nancy Drew-ed your address. Keep it together, you mentally remark. Loki doesn't need to know how happy his arrival makes you.
Besides, finding you wouldn't have been that difficult, right? A Google search or two, probably some Avengers assistance, and viola! Loki was at your doorstep. Yet, in your experience, men couldn't be bothered to go out of their way unless they really wanted something. Loki, you figured, was no exception.
"But... why are you here?" Stay strong, keep your cool, hear him out.
Bracing one long arm on the decorative moulding, the other offering you his floral gift, Loki dipped his head closer to yours husking, "How else was I supposed to ask you out?"
"Ask me out? Like on a date?"
Stepping just over the threshold of your entryway, Loki, moving closer to you, "Of course, a date." Lethal power, barely restrained, was coiled in his movements and you could imagine Loki on a battlefield, fierce and fearsome. Shivering at the flush of warmth coursing through you, you yielded a step to the handsome interloper.
Raking his hungry eyes over you, Loki took the time to notice everything, down to the last detail. You, standing in your barefeet, strong and shapely. The jeans you wore, cuffed at the ankle, were loose in a worn way that spoke of ease, comfort, curving over your shapely hips. But the thing that really sparked Loki's imagination was the oversized sweatshirt you wore. At some point you had cut the neck band off, so now, as he appraised your full form, one side dipped low enough to expose the entire smooth ball of your shoulder. The delicate lace of your black bra peeped over the heathered grey causing Loki to fight his rising urge to finger the thin, showing, strap.
"I don't know, Loki. I told you before..."
"You did. You have a fragile, open heart... you think I can't be trusted to love anyone as much as I love myself. See? I listened... But, I'm here, tonight, with flowers, asking for a chance."
As he was delivering this speech, well rehearsed, you noted, Loki was advancing further into your hallway. Keeping a respectable distance between you, which had not been breached, Loki was nonetheless now a guest in your apartment. "Do you want something to drink?"
"Huh?" Catching him off guard, Loki's puzzled expression was amusing, and you chuckled softly.
"I asked if you wanted a drink... since you're just making yourself at home, Loki, I figured I'd offer."
Turning your back on him, ducking into the kitchen, you retrieved two glasses from the dishwasher. "Well?"
"Um... sure?"
"Do me a favor though, Odinson?"
"Anything..."
"Shut the damn door."
---
Oh shit. Of all the things you thought you'd be doing tonight, entertaining Loki was not on the list. Taking the cellophane off of his gifted flowers you did have to admire the audacity of such actions. Loki, coming here unannounced, uninvited and still trying to sell you a date night. Ballsy, for sure.
Watching you move around in your own space, Loki, sitting on your barstool stiffled a laugh. "What's so funny?"
"Erm... nothing really. I'm grateful you didn't slam the door in my face."
"I could never do that... not to someone that's becoming my... friend? Is that fair? Are we friends now?" Pausing, she was putting water into a vase for the flowers, "Although, friends typically call first."
"The address was simpler to find. And since you're closer than I realized, I thought... why not? Though, I wasn't necessarily expecting you to be home."
"Why is that?"
"I don't know... I thought you'd be out. Another date, drinks with friends, a movie. Friday night activities, is what I mean."
Your quick hands worked to separate the long stems from their tangled wrappings. Loki found his attention drawn to your nimble fingers, wet from the sink, snipping the roses' edges off in slants. One by one, each blossom was attended to before finding its home in the crystal cylinder on your countertop.
Was that supposed to make him flustered? Loki's mind, flashing to a darkened room, crisp sheets, and your hands... so small but so carefully quick. What would they feel like sliding over his back, down his chest, across his...? He was wondering, mind running through a field of indecent proposals, when your voice centered him once more.
"Are you receiving me, Loki? Earth to Loki!"
"Oh. Yes, sorry."
"Where were you? Lost in space?"
She was teasing him, that flirting spark in her eyes confirmed it, "Yes... that's it. Lost in space."
Hearing the strained laugh Loki offered, you suspected he was covering, but what for?
"I was asking if you're hungry. It's supper time and I was about to make some food."
"What? No, that's quite alright. I would hate to..."
"Intrude? Invite yourself in? Impose?" Laughing in that impossibly smooth voice, you added, "You're here. Are you gonna eat if I cook? That's all I'm asking, Loki."
It was jarring to his senses. Coming here, Loki assumed that he was the one with a handle on the situation. And now, now it was perfectly clear that you were the one holding all the power.
Observing you quietly, Loki followed your movements around the kitchen. Snatching a pot, rifling through your utensils, arranging ingredients on the counter. You were as choreographed as any ballet dancer, motions precise, entirely focused on making the best meal possible for you and Loki to enjoy.
When was the last time someone cooked a meal for him?
On Asgard, palace servants saw to every task, no matter how menial. Even though his mother managed them all, she was not the one slaving over stovetops and crockery to get dinner on the table. That was a job for someone else.
Nowadays, at the tower Loki shared with his brother's teammates, they took turns microwaving and insta-potting food as needed, with little consideration to the feeding of each other. If Barnes wanted spaghetti, he'd make it. If Scott wanted tacos, there'd be tacos. People could graze at will or not. There was no connection to dinner time, no gathering at the table, no conversations about your day.
Breaking into his train of thought, "Go wash your hands, Loki. I have no idea where those mitts have been!"
Stiffly gaining his feet, "Uh... where?"
Motioning with a large chef's knife, you pointed, "First door... room with the toilet in it."
"Yes, ok."
---
Sheepishly, shyly, Loki crept back towards the kitchen and you. During his absence you had tied an apron around yourself, a simple, hardworking black bib to protect your clothes. Standing straight, Loki watched, fascinated as you neatly sliced an onion, gently placing the chunks into a warm skillet.
Humming along with your playlist, Loki's eyes were glued to you, as you rolled your hips in time with the song. Your jeans, hugging your ample backside like an old friend, dipping low enough for Loki to spy the waistband of the black panties you wore. The scene was so domestic and charming, appealing to Loki's desire for creature comforts, calling him home.
Loki's skin, cool in the heat of your kitchen, is welcome. You register the temperate change, sensing him before seeing him, his silent steps settling at your back. Reaching over you, Loki snatches at the pan, almost hooking one of your sauteing onions, before you slap his hand softly away. "No! It's not ready yet!"
If you were expecting Loki to move, you were bound to be disappointed. Doing the opposite, leaning his chin onto that tantalizingly bare shoulder, his hands curling over your denim clad hips, Loki pulled you closer. "Is this... ok?"
Drying out due to Loki's closeness, your mouth stopped working, so a nod is all you manage.
"It smells delicious in here."
Breathlessly murmuring, "It's the butter. Everything tastes better in butter." Concentrating on the food in front of you, not the god behind you, stirring becomes the most important thing you can do. Swaying in time to the next tune on your list, Loki moves with you, his hands tucking into your front pockets over your soft tummy. His touch there makes you jump. "Loki..."
Ignoring your admonishing tone, that dark voice rumbling in your ear, "Can you tell me what you're doing? I... I've never cooked for myself before."
"Um... sure... Sure. Do you want to help?"
"Can't I just watch from here?"
"Well... you can. Could... but... you're making it difficult to concentrate." His body was just so close. It felt as though you were wrapped in a living blanket, one with mint scented breath blowing over the curve of your ear, and long fingered hands which were fanning over the generous swell of your pelvis.
Resisting Loki was taking all of your energy. Why fight so hard against a thing that your body and mind were screaming for? Could it hurt to let him in just a little?
Sighing sweetly, you allowed your neck to relax, rolling your head back onto Loki's shoulder. Exposing the smooth column of your throat, Loki understood the implied meaning in your gesture, the lowering of your guard. Honoring that trust in him, Loki pressed a trail of small kisses along the corded tendon there, ending in the hollow just below your ear.
"What's next, chef?" If sinning had a sound it would be the husky masculine gravel of Loki's whisper. You felt it rumble through you, landing in the pit of your stomach, involuntarily tightening the inner muscles of your arousal.
Exhaling as quietly as you could, eyes squeezed shut, "Tomatoes... and garlic." Loki chose that moment to sink his teeth into your ear lobe. The pressure and twinge of pain jolting you tighter to Loki's statuesque form with a lusty moan.
If this was how you sounded now, eager and edgy, with need tinging your voice, then Loki could hardly wait to kiss you properly. Just thinking about the naughty noises you would make in a darkened bedroom made his body react. He wanted... no, needed, to hold you tighter, tasting you, teasing you and ultimately taking you.
But that was going to take time. Loki hadn't ever been burdened with schedules and calendars, alarm clocks or watches. Time was passing, surely, yet his immortality slowed that progression to a snail's pace.
You required patience. Skill. Slow, careful consideration. So for the first time in his unnaturally long life Loki was considering seconds and hours, days and weeks.
How long would it take to win you? Loki was eager and edgy himself, ready to find out.
"Don't move. I'll get them." Running his hands up your sides and hugging you for just a fleeting second, you felt the loss of him, when Loki stepped away.
Clearing your head with a rough shake, you tried to seize the moment, instead of wishing Loki was wound around you once more. "Two things, Loki... can you open that bottle of wine? And will you grab the parmesan cheese from the fridge?"
Since moving in here you hadn't had another soul in your kitchen. Just you and your appliances making meals, listening to music, and keeping to yourselves. Having Loki here felt, dare you say it, natural. Eyeing him as he worked the corkscrew, pouring out two glasses of a deep red, you thought, he looks comfortable, too. "Caught you looking."
After a strong sip, "Couldn't be helped, Loki. You're too..."
"Adorable? Sweet? Cherubic?"
"Sexy."
Swallowing hard around a gulp of wine, disbelieving your admission, Loki sputtered, almost choking, "Did... you... really... just?"
"God! Slow down! Take a breath... jeez, I didn't realize my honesty might kill you!" Talking him through his coughing fit, nudging him playfully when the danger had passed, you practically force him into a chair at the table.
"Hang here for a minute. Let me plate up and then we'll eat, ok?"
As you're sliding a steaming bowl of angel hair and tomato sauce in front of him, Loki grabs his fork, enchanted by the meal he's watched you prepare.
"It's nothing special, but I hope you like it!"
It sends your heart soaring, when looking back, Loki is digging into his dinner with gusto. You can't help it. It's charming. Swirling through your own bowl, ready for an honest critique, you ask, "So? Verdict?"
Dabbing his firm mouth with his napkin, Loki beams, "Delicious! Honestly, I can't tell you the last time I ate anything that was this... lovely. Truly. It's so good!"
Bursting with pride, Loki can tell how much his words affect you because suddenly you're lit up like a candle. Glowing warmth radiating off you, lighting you up from the inside, he's barely able to conceal his growing need. And it's not just a physical thing. No, Loki truly wants to understand you, he wants to be the reason you're gleaming.
It's that desire, the wanting to know what makes you tick, which consumes him endlessly. When you should be hard, you go soft. If tenderness is needed, you are cool indifference, retreating into emotional secrecy. Loki's mind is on your changeling ways, something that must be showing on his face as you ask, "Penny for your thoughts?"
"I was just thinking that... well... you are a hard one to plan for."
"How so?"
"I don't mean to sound... vain, but I am a keen observer. Keeping a watchful eye on those around me, learning what motivates them... what scares them... what excites them. It's how I strategize."
"You can't win if you don't know your opponent, right?"
"Precisely!"
"And me... what have you observed?"
Settling his fork on the rim of his plate, Loki turned his unfiltered focus to you. "You don't follow the rules. You zig when you should zag, I pull my knife and you've fired a blaster. It's, frankly, disorienting."
"Maybe if I knew the rules existed I could follow them... make it easier for you?" Flirting flawlessly, you sip your wine, drawing Loki further down your rabbit hole.
"I don't know about easier... but more... logical?"
"Have all your princely conflicts been logical? Are... are they all fought the same way?"
"How do you mean? Weaponry wise? Tactics?"
Eyes widening with realization at just how battle tested Loki was, you took a sip of wine, grounding yourself before continuing. "I mean, my life... it's a small one. Very few of my decisions are life and death. It makes perfect sense that for you, in all your... fighting, would need logic. I mean, if you don't zig... or zag at the right time... someone might be killed. Or... you. You could be killed."
Boring those deep ocean eyes into yours, testing the depths of your connection, Loki freezes. You can't help the heaviness of the topic. The cold, hard reality of war, and the scars it has left. Placing his strong hands on the table, resignation, weariness sagging his shoulders, Loki lowered his eyes, barely whispering, "Not than anyone would mind if I was."
Grabbing his hand, your fingers small compared to those long, godly digits he possesses, trying to silently say that someone would regret his lost life. "Loki... that's not true."
With a lightning flash, Loki's gaze snaps to yours, hurt sparking in their pure flame blue. Turning your hand over, his grip tightening on yours, "Isn't it? You don't know... can't possibly know just how truthful I am being."
"Your parents...?"
"Gone. Another casualty of conflict, you see."
"Thor?"
Mirthlessly snickering, "Ah... yes. My adopted brother. Odin, the allfather, he uh... rescued me from my own people as a baby. Raised me to think I was his and Frigga's, she's the only mother I ever knew, you see. And..." Taking a sloshing slug from his own wine, Loki added, "she's gone now too."
"So, trusting people... that's a hard for you. After so much loss, I can't imagine how that feels. But, I get it. I get why it's difficult. And... that's all just really shitty Loki. I am so sorry."
"Look. It's fine, you know?"
"You don't have to be tough for me. I know how... insanely horrible loneliness can be. Feeling disconnected and... just forgotten. Invisible. "
Lapsing into a thoughtful silence, both of you concentrating on your dinner, suddenly bashful together. Sharing such truths, opening up the vaults on past pains, left you both feeling vulnerable. But there was another feeling rising in Loki. Hope.
In you, Loki had found a person willing to hear him without judging his hurt. You hadn't taunted Loki over the emotional scars he carried from a life too long lived in isolation. No admonishment about past mistakes, no threats of punishment, no harsh, hurting, words. To Loki that was the most refreshing thing imaginable.
Raising those thoughtful azure blues to yours, "I'm not sure how you do it, but you perceive more that I'd like. Are you positive that you aren't magical? Because I'm not convinced you aren't at least partly witch." Turning just a touch teasing, a half smile growing on his handsome face, Loki rose collecting the dinner dishes.
Having someone help, and without asking, was new for you, "I'll get that, Loki! Please, you're my guest!"
"I thought we were past constrictive formality considering what we now know of each other."
"Well, when you put it that way... Ok, ok. Fine."
From your seat you got quite the show. Loki, rinsing each plate like he'd seen Steve Rogers do at the tower, adeptly placing them into the dishwasher like he imagined you would, happy to be helping with something. Who knew Loki could be so domestic?
His body, strong and straight, splashing water over your plates, moved so fluidly. The wide expanse of his shoulders tapering into his narrow waist belied the substantial strength Loki carried. You were lost, appreciating the way his legs looked so tantalizing in those straight legged jeans, when Loki asked, "Anything else, love?"
The endearment rolled out of his mouth with such familiarity, so casually, he prayed you hadn't noticed.
Oh, you heard it. Calling you "love" as if you were an old, married couple, not just setting eyes on each other for the second time in your life. Keep it together, hissed the voice in your head. Don't frighten the sexy, sad, space orphan away with over eagerness.
Standing, you made your way to the sink, washing your hands before turning to the freezer. "Care for some dessert?"
"My, my, what a loaded question."
Blushing pink under his scalding gaze, you titter, "Um... ice cream. Just ice cream... but I want to show you something... that is, if you don't have to rush off."
You were finding that having Loki here, near to you, you weren't keen to let him go. The long, lethal almost Avenger was comforting in a way you never could have expected. Right now he was leaning back on your countertop, his bottom resting on the edge, strong arms supporting his weight behind him, one foot crossed over the other. Man. Was it hot in here?
"I can stay as long as you'll have me... love."
Deliberate. This time it was planned and you couldn't stop the way your head spun when Loki said it once more. Locking him in a wide eyed stare, you could've railed against his informal pet name. You could have schooled him on why it was too soon, or how it was an inappropriate assumption on his part. You did none of those things.
Loki, studying you, looking for that zig at his zagging. Instead, swatting at his hip, you shooed him away. "You're blocking the drawer. I need to get spoons!"
Sliding over just enough to grant you access to the silverware, Loki watched you grab two spoons before moving towards the living room. Looking back at him over your shoulder, "You coming, or what?"
Following you deeper into the apartment, Loki saw your life on display in framed photos with friends. On shelves, where tiny treasures signified destinations near and far, the reminders of an existence in progress were everywhere.
"It was meant to be the master bedroom, I think, but since there's just me here, I thought I'd do something a little different."
With a flick of the switch, soft yellow light filled the room. Bookcases in dark wood stretched to the ceiling, filled with volumes of every genre, stacked and stuffed together. Between books were knickknacks, like your Les Miserables mug and Toronto snow globe, artfully arranged.
An old sofa, soft and pillow filled, sat in the middle of the room. It's companion a matching ottoman. Backing the couch was a dark wood desk where Loki could picture you reading and writing your nights away. The back wall of the room was shrouded in grey gossamer sheers, which you gathered together in order to open the french doors beyond.
"Here, hold this, k?" Handing the pint and spoons to Loki, you bent over a small table to click the switch that lived there.
Small, twinkling lights lit up along the narrow balcony. Burnishing all the growing, green leaves and vines of your garden in softening light, you had an oasis four floors above the noisy streets. "Well... what do you think?"
"I think you've created a fairy world!"
"That is exactly what I was going for, ya know."
"The view... it's really incredible."
"Oh, I'm sure the one you see from there is better." Following her finger, Loki saw The Avengers tower looming closer than he would have thought.
"Here, darling." Handing you back the ice cream, Loki turned, leaning against the sturdy iron railing.
You weren't as stealthy as Loki, hell, no one was, so he knew you were behind him before he felt your hands rest on his shoulders. Letting them slide down his arms, stopping to clasp around his waist, Loki hummed when your cheek pressed into his shoulder. Wrapping his own hands over yours, Loki allowed you hold him, sheltered in the sweet serenity of your secret garden.
"Darling..."
You felt the rumble of his words through his core. "Hmmm?"
Loki, turning to face you, unlocked your hands in order to take them in his own. "I... I think I need to go."
"Oh. Ok... if you have to." There was a note of disappointment lacing your voice that wounded Loki, forcing him to elaborate.
"It's just... I'm afraid that if I don't go now, I won't ever be able to leave."
"It's not prison, Loki. It's my home."
"Of course it's no prison. It's the opposite of that, actually. It's peaceful and calming. It's paradise, you see?"
"Paradise?"
"What I mean is... this place, with the patio oasis and personal library... home cooked meals and soft shoulders... I don't deserve it. There's peace here and I haven't earned that."
"So... so what? You're calling this before we even get started?" Painful prickly tears pooled in your eyes, unbidden and uncontrolled.
"No. No. I... I want take things slowly. I need you to know that when I do... stay, that it will be for a long time. That once I am worthy of you, you won't be able to keep me away from here... or from you." Gathering your hands in his, Loki pulled you to him, "What I'm saying is that I want to earn it."
Crashing your body into his own, Loki claimed your lips with a searing kiss. His long frame leaning into yours, his talented tongue dancing in your mouth, drawing a sugared sigh. Loki groaned in need as your arms linked behind his neck, urging him closer to your supple body, your hands playing with his long tresses.
Lifting his lips, Loki tastes your skin along the plane of your jaw, then down the line of your neck. "All night I've wanted to do this..." Taking the exposed strap of your bra in his fingers, Loki tests the texture, lacy and fine. His fingers slip under the strap, bouncing the stretchy material, then follow the downward line under the edge of your sweatshirt. Your top slips further down your arm, revealing the lacy cup of your bra, and Loki can't help the grunt of passion that escapes him.
"Can... can you take this off?" Normally asking a thing like that would not be Loki's way. He could conjure nudity at will, after all, but you made all that magic seem unnecessary.
"But..." Hesitation snuck into your tone. Underneath the sweatshirt, which Loki found so endearing, wasn't the firm body of a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent. It was your squishy body. One that had been judged and criticized by so many lovers over time, yet, it was yours. It wasn't as though you could change who you were in the next few seconds.
Loki's hands, cradling your face, his thumbs trailing along the apple of your cheeks, "Please, I... I want to know you. All of you. Not just the pretty pieces."
Maybe it was his impassioned turn of phrase. Maybe it was the earnest way Loki whispered his need. Maybe, just maybe, you could trust the God of Mischief.
Nodding with determination, spreading a sassy smirk, "Thought we were going slow, Odinson? Second base is a little fast for... is this a date? I don't know if this counts, what do you think?" It's all breathless bravado as you know you're taking off your shirt.
Pressing his forehead to yours, "We will. We will go very slow. But not right now. Right now, this second, I need to see your satin skin. Show me. Let me see you."
Taking a small step back, you cross your arms at the hem of your top. In one motion you're top half is bare, excepting the thin black lace of your undergarment, hiding nothing from Loki's hungry eyes. Your own, squeezed tightly shut, hiding his reaction.
"Oh gods." His shattered whisper is the last thing you hear before Loki's mouth is on your delicate skin. In the cool evening air your body goes goosebumps, your nipples puckering tightly. Through the mesh cup, Loki sucks on one of your buds, while the other receives attention at his hands. At some point he swaps sides, performing the same skills in opposition, an excited sob tearing through you.
Your body is thriving on his ministrations. Pulling him closer to you, your own cries running together, Loki begins kissing back over your throat. Taking one breast in his large hand, Loki kneads your ample bosom as he sucks on the skin just over your clavicle.
Bringing his mouth back to yours, you feel his hands cup your full ass, squeezing the rounded globes, forcing you tighter to his taunt body. Rising on your toes you kiss Loki's razor sharp jaw line, stopping to graze his Adam's Apple, which elicits a whimper of lust from your God.
"Loki..."
"Mmhmm... yes?"
"I don't know if I can slow down. I don't know if I want to." You could feel the results of your frenzied kissing in the gusset of your panties, each new sound out of Loki causing your insides to go liquid.
"No... we have to. We have to stop." Loki's mouth said, while his hands moved to palm your breast, toying with your flushed skin.
"But do we?" You were whining and not sorry about it.
"Hmm... yes. Yes." Hissing when your hands rose over his back, tangling in that dark hair with an urgent tug, Loki rocked on his heels. His own passionate desire was running unchecked and knowing himself, knowing how many mistakes he had made in the past, Loki took a half step away from you.
Flushed from his close contact, puffy from the hard kisses, your bottom lip poked out in the prettiest pout Loki had ever seen. "Oh darling... you are so fucking gorgeous."
"Then stay. I want you to. I really do!"
Hugging you chastely, humming in your ear, "Me too, love. But I have to take you out. Show you a proper night on the town..."
"I'm a simple girl, Loki. You don't have to impress me."
Pushing you out of his embrace, his hands locked on your bare arms, "Oh, but I will. And won't you be surprised when I do?"
---
Sadly shrugging your sweatshirt back on, you grabbed the forgotten ice cream carton and started inside. Loki, smartly, following at a slight remove took a moment to gaze around your library again before finding the empty hallway. "So, I guess this is goodnight?"
Nodding shallowly, Loki was soundless, afraid of saying the wrong thing and ruining another wonderful night spent at your side.
"Give me your phone."
"What?"
"Come on! Gimme it!" Yanking it from his hand you flick through a screen, typing, tapping, then handing it back. Smiling, you tilt your head, "Thanks for barging in, Prince Loki."
"Thanks for the amazing dinner... and... dessert."
Chuckling, you grab the zipper of his jacket, "Thanks for being an amazing kisser." Nuzzling into Loki's neck for a brief second, you kiss the soft place behind his jaw, before pulling away. Absently, Loki rubs that spot, wanting to sear your mark into his skin.
Making his way the few steps to your door, facing you, "Goodnight."
"Goodnight... and Loki... maybe I zig when I should zag so that I don't get caught. Seems to me that you might need to rethink your strategy."
Shutting the door firmly, locks clicking into place, the door wedge shimmying in safely, Loki grins to himself. Oh, the game is on.
---
Laying in bed, trying very hard to not think about your silky skin, your sultry moans, those responsive nipples, Loki slides open his phone's screen. There's a new message, waiting to be read.
"Me: Hello, You Know Who... It's me. Call me next time and I'll be better prepared for your invasion."
Typing out a response, Loki answers, "Hello Me, It's You Know Who... can I see you tomorrow? Or, is that pushing it?" Spying those glowing three dots, Loki's heart thumping loudly in his chest, waiting to see what his little Me will say.
"Me: If you weren't so pushy I don't think I'd like you so much. Tomorrow is good. See you later, YKW 😘"
Author’s Note: To everyone that has come along on this journey with me, thank you so much! This is Part 5, the final part of my plus size reader & Loki story.
Pairing: Loki x Plus Size Female Reader
Warnings: Scenes of battle, reference to beating/ fighting/ torture, injury, smut and fluff
Summary: Loki was pulled onto a mission after your first time together, leaving the promise of his return. It’s a test for both of you... will you pass?
"And that's the mission, Rock of Ages." Tony swiped at the holographic display, closing the file with a wave of his hand.
Steve Rogers eyed the dark god, "Loki? Questions?"
"None. I only hope that I can complete the task quickly and correctly."
Tony, Steve and Natasha looked at each other, skeptical, because Loki seemed so sincere.
"We tag team around here, so we're sending Wanda with you. She'll meet you at the Quinjet." Natasha tucked her hands into her jacket, "and Loki, she's in charge."
Eyeing her through an errant strand of hair, Loki nodded, "Of course."
"Let's go. The faster you start, the sooner you're back… and in the arms of… what's her name?"
Loki snapped his head, practically growling at Tony, "Don't trouble yourself about her."
Hands up in defense, Tony replied, "Easy tiger. Just offering some incentive."
Toying with the small golden earring in his pocket, Loki looked away from the trio of heroes, "I have plenty of reasons for returning as quickly as possible, without your incentives."
Clapping Loki on the back, Steve offered, "Good Luck. Nat and I will be on comms. We'll talk you through."
As the two men stepped away Loki hung back, "Ms. Romanoff? May I… may I impose on you?"
Natasha faced the god with her almost smile, "Ah… is this about your letter?"
Dropping his head slightly, murmuring, "Yes… it… she… She is very dear to me and I fear that if something were to go wrong, well, she would be uninformed. I was hoping that you might stay in contact with her? That is, if you wouldn't mind?"
Natasha found herself at a loss for words. Loki wasn't interested in friendship or helping. Usually he paid little or no attention to herself and the other teammates. But here he was, genuinely asking for assistance, a new trick for the old dog.
"Yea, ok. I'll keep her in the loop, if I can, Loki. You know how sensitive our work is."
Slowly a smile spread across his face, "Of course. I… honestly can't thank you enough."
Natasha, struck by his happily handsome grin, shrugged, "Don't thank me. But do me a favor? Keep an eye on my girl. Wanda's one of my favorite people. Make sure she comes home."
He looked over Natasha, as if really seeing her for the first time, "I shall." When Loki offered Natasha his hand, she shook it.
---
Morning found you. Bronze light burnished the frame of your window, spilling into your room, casting the place in warmth. Too bad it didn't reach your heart.
Sighing, you clicked off the alarm. Today was Tuesday. Ugh.
For a variety of reasons, Tuesday was the worst day of the week. Most people loathe Mondays, getting back into the routine, commuting, catching up. But Monday had nothing on Tuesday.
Tuesday gave the illusion of being one step closer to the weekend, of freedom, of relaxation. Lies. Tuesday was just Monday's little brother. Only, the traffic was worse. And if you were going to be honest, this particular Tuesday was harder than most since it marked day ten that Loki had been gone.
You hadn't heard a thing.
Shuffling to your closet, you grab slacks and a blouse, absently you tug out a striped cardigan sweater. Willfully you ignore the golden gown that hangs like a depressed ghost of prom nights past. It hurts your heart to think about that night… and him.
The morning after your tryst, pleasantly sore and soaring, you clung to the memories of his strong hands and talented tongue. Imagining the things you could've, would've said if Tony Freakin' Stark hadn't intruded, well, it was enough to make tears of frustration form.
Then one day became two. And two was suddenly ten.
With each day it was harder to hold onto the power of your few nights together. His raven's wing hair, dusting over your shoulders during a kiss. Lips which teased one minute and tasted the next. A mind that zigged and zagged.
Oh god, you thought. When you had told Loki that loving him would be the end of you, you imagined tears and heartbreak because of his negligence. Because of cruel behavior and callous words. If you had only known that having him for a handful of nights and then losing him would be this difficult… Fingering the earring, your half of the set, tears well in your eyes. Tucking the gold into your pants pocket, you brush an errant tear off your cheek. Shaking your head, you cursed at yourself. "I would do it all again. No question."
---
Work, work, work. You threw yourself into it, knowing of no better outlet for your emptiness. And, the busier you look the longer you could hide in your office, undisturbed.
A knock on your door made you jump, "Sorry! Didn't mean to scare you!" Nicky, the intern, curator of coffee, and general awesome human chuckled.
Hand over your arrhythmic heart, "Oh! God, it's ok! What's up?"
"There's a… Ms. Romanoff here. Asking for you. Want me to send her in?"
You know that name. That's an Avenger, but not your Avenger. Mouth dry in fear, you nod. The knot in your gut, growing unchecked for ten days tightens, and you mentally prepare yourself for whatever news your visitor might provide.
Luckily, you sound smoother than you feel as you rise with a pointed smile, "Ah, Ms. Romanoff? Lovely to meet you." You have a firm shake but your red headed guest could squeeze your bones to dust. She doesn't, but you're aware of her strength upon contact.
"It's nice to meet you too. May I?" Sitting pleasantly, Natasha settles into the chair opposite yours, curiously glancing around your office.
Grabbing the bull by the horns, "You're not here with happy news, I take it."
Impressed by your tactic, Natasha tilts her pretty head, "Not bad, per se. We… we lost communications three days ago."
Your smile tensed, "I see."
"I don't believe there's anything to worry about. Personally, I think they're just fine."
"They? You mean, he's not alone?" For some reason this idea gives you hope. Knowing that if Loki is in trouble, he has someone with him, even if it can't be you… well that's a relief. Minor, but still something.
Realizing too late that she might have over shared, Natasha covers, "Yes. He… has a partner."
"That's… good. I am grateful for that."
Silence sits between you. There are so many questions you would like to ask. Natasha can tell that you're barely holding on, and maybe that's why she volunteers, "Loki… he asked me to keep you… informed."
You offer a sad, small smile, "I am sure he did."
"You… you aren't what I expected. For Loki, I mean."
Raising your eyebrows, "I believe you know that Loki isn't big on meeting others expectations."
Natasha remembering his sincerity about doing a good job, getting back fast, "Well, you should know how… different he has been lately. Polite, almost friendly, a team player. And, having met you, I think I understand why."
"How wonderful for you and the… team. To finally see him in a positive light."
The acid in your voice makes Natasha sit forward, a tad defensive, after all, "Let's be clear. He did…"
Raising your hand, you stop her. "Please. If you don't mind, Ms. Romanoff, I would rather not rehash his past… not with you... not when I have no idea if I'll ever see him again."
Appraising you, Natasha can see how you and Loki would be a good balance for each other. She can tell that you’re not a push over, and you’re clearly not impressed by Natasha’s prowess or strength. You're not a space god, but there's something other about you, that like Loki, you had a touch of imposed loneliness marking you as different.
Nodding crisply after deciding that she liked you, Natasha stood, "Right. Listen, if you want, you should come by the tower tonight. I could give you an update. You can meet some of Loki's... co-workers."
"I will… consider it. Thank you, Ms. Romanoff, truly." You mean it, sincerely, even through your unexpressed emotions.
Shaking your hand again, "You're welcome." As she walked away, Natasha couldn't shake the feeling that she had once again done more harm than good. She had upset you, leaving you worse that when she found you, and all over Loki. Sometimes life was like that, she thought. Turning your villains into heroes.
---
You out stayed everyone else in your department. There was no reason not to. For the millionth time that day you checked your phone, hoping to see some sign from You Know Who, only to be disappointed once more.
Natasha… Ms. Romanoff, she had offered her help, the help of the Avengers. Perhaps stopping by would be good. Maybe, in the six or so hours since she'd left your office there had been some word, some change that would signal Loki's coming back. And, truthfully, it's not like you had anything better to do.
The walk was short and for that you were grateful. It didn't give your mind a chance to spin out more theories on what was keeping your mystic mischief maker away. True to her word, Natasha had provided clearance credentials at the security desk on the first floor, and in moments you were on the mirrored elevator, rising towards the living quarters at The Avengers Tower.
The doors opened onto a lounge like living room, complete with a fully stocked bar, low couches and dim lighting. "Hello?" You swore there was an echo in this huge chamber.
"Um… hi?" Captain Fucking America. He looked even more surprised than you did, which, upon seeing the super soldier up close and personal was saying something.
"Hi… Natasha said…"
Smiling warmly, Steve bobbed his head, "You're Loki's… friend. She told me you might stop in."
He has kind eyes, you thought absently, before getting down to the business at hand. "Yes. Well, I was hoping that there was… I don't know, an update? Some information… really, any changes since this afternoon."
Steve stroked a hand along the back of his neck. He hated giving bad news, particularly to pretty women, it soured his stomach since lying wasn't really in his skill set. "I… uh… I don't think…"
"Cap! We got something! Looks like the Quinjet is landing in five. Bring Little Miss Reindeer Games with you." It was Tony's voice but it boomed through the room, startling you, from some high tech intercom system.
Steve, answering out loud to no one, "Yea. Ok."
You must have looked terrified because he offered his arm, saying, "Looks like you're Loki's lucky charm. Come with me, we'll see what Nat and Tony can tell us."
You were glad of his support. The whole environment of this place was bizarre to you. Wary of all the technology buzzing about, confused by cross hallways and stairwells, you would have been lost in minutes. But if this maze brought Loki to you, then your forfeited comfort would have been well spent.
Chatting casually, the man known as Captain America was struggling to make small talk. First, it was incredibly clear that you had almost no interest in what he had to say, and Steve didn’t blame you. Your worry was apparent. Second, your heart was thundering so loudly in your chest that you could hardly hear his soft words. Yet, Steve kept at it, soothingly stringing together sentences as he guided you through the tower.
Each step brought you closer to the communication hub glowing softly with the light of computer screens. Natasha spotted you first, a small wave of welcome greeting you, but her smile didn’t reach her eyes. Immediately you knew something was not right.
"Natasha? What's wrong?" You willed the panic out of your voice. Keep cool, little dove. These days the voice in your head sounds a lot like Loki's, calming and strong.
Tony answered, "Looks like there were… complications. But both Loki and Wanda are on the jet and landing in seconds."
Your mouth is cotton filled as you ask, "What type of complications?" A look passed between Tony and Steve. One that said damage and blood were on their way home.
Vibrations radiated through the tower as the Quinjet landed. Following the team, you hurried behind them, eager to see exactly what was coming off the transport ship. Arriving just as the doors depressurized, sliding open on Wanda, bruised but standing, supporting a struggling Loki.
"LOKI!" Bursting out of you, his name an explosion of emotion, you pushed closer to his side.
Lifting his head with effort, "Little dove? How?"
But by then you were in front of him, shouldering his height away from Wanda, letting him lean on you fully. There was blood, old and dried on his handsome face. Bruises, livid purple, iris blue, blossoming on his chest, across his cheek, blackening one eye. The leather armor he wore was ripped in places, scuffed and scored in others.
Delicately, you husked, "Jesus, Loki… Jesus."
Steve moved to help you, but you leveled him with a withering look. "Don't! Don't any of you touch him. Loki, I have you babe!"
"Listen… you're upset kid, we get it."
Snapping your head his way, you practically growled, "With all due respect, Mr. Stark, kindly shut the fuck up."
Natasha froze, arms around Wanda. Steve's face was masked in shock. You might have clocked Tony's expression at being sworn at by a full figured female, but at that moment Loki sagged against you. A blatant reminder that he needed care, quickly.
"Steve? Natasha? Where? Where do I take him?" Strangely, you weren't panicked. No, you were pissed. Here was Loki, alive but weak, draped over you and holding back his weight in an effort to help you help him. It was clear that they didn't get it. How could they, you thought? To them, Loki, your Loki was expendable. Hell, they didn't even know your Loki.
Already on the move, Steve held the door for you as Loki limped at your side. "Follow me, ok?"
"Thank you, Steve…"
As he led you through a tangle of corridors, Loki brokenly whispered to you, "Am I dreaming or did you tell Tony to fuck off?"
Laughing through the efforts of half dragging Loki, "I didn't think you heard me..."
Loki started to smile, but it flattened into a painful grimace with a deep groan. "Hang on babe, we're almost there."
Deliriously, Loki rolled his head toward you, "You are really here, right dearest?"
"I'm here. I've got you." Steve had stepped into Loki's quarters, bracing the door so that you could maneuver Loki inside. It's sparse but clean, you notice at a glance, while steering your charge to his bed. Loki rolls onto the sheets with a sigh, grabbing his side, curling into the pain. Dropping down beside him, you press a hand to his forehead, like a nervous mother, fretful over Loki's discomfort.
"Um… anything else you need?" Trying to be helpful, the Captain obviously nervous, asked.
"First aid kit? Ice?" Your eyes never leave Loki, your tiny hands wrapped around one of his, the words a gentle exhale.
"Both will be in his kitchenette. And, I'll keep close by… just in case something comes up."
Thankfulness shines in your eyes when you raise them, "Captain… Steve. I really appreciate your help. Truly." Rising, you brush a soft kiss across Loki's temple, moving towards the materials you are going to need.
Lingering just another moment Steve watches you find the supplies, then wash your hands. A part of him is happy, elated, that Loki has found a woman willing to stand up for him. To tell Tony Stark to shut up, which he has never seen anyone do before, was ballsy. That sassiness born of grit, determination, and genuine love… Steve can appreciate.
But there's another part of him green with jealousy. The care you've shown, the worry, the relief at Loki's being alive, even if broken. Steve is envious of all of it, how could he not be? When he shuts the door, head down, it's with conflicted feelings.
You hardly register his going. With full focus on Loki, you're back beside him in a flash. Taking time to lay out the bandages, a bowl of warm water, clean towels, and some ice, "Loki… honey… you with me?"
"Yes…"
"I need to take all this… gear off of you. I need to see where you're hurt. Can… can you help me?"
Fluttering his blue eyes open, Loki focuses on you with obvious difficulty. "Of course. Help me sit up?"
With your aid Loki gingerly moves into a seated position and shows you where the fasteners for his chest plate separate. Once it's off you wince at the sick rainbow of discoloration painted on Loki's core. Contusions and cuts make it look as though your god had been chewed on then spit back out again. His eye is ringed in black and his top lip is split. Somehow it makes Loki look more handsome, if a little worse for the wear, "Pants next."
"I'm afraid I'll need some assistance there, dear." And relief flowed through at the teasing sound of Loki's voice. It wasn't as strong as you'd have liked, but that antagonizing, playful tone was there. A nervous laugh bubbled out of you, "I would love to get you out of those pants, Loki."
And you did.
---
Loki sighed pleasantly at the feel of warm water washing over his face. Taking the time to scrub away the grime and blood that caked him, Loki lost himself in your touch. Your voice was just as soothing, softly singing as you worked, hypnotizing him. He was so happy to be home and with you.
Panic stricken, Loki suddenly struggled to sit up, upsetting the water bowl with a splash. He heard your surprise, "Loki? What? What in the world?"
"My pants… I need my pants."
"Ok… ok… just lay back down. I'll get them."
"The pocket. It's in the pocket."
"What's… Oh. Loki…" Hearing your voice change, Loki knows that you found it without opening his eyes. "I told you I'd return it." But then sleep blissfully washes over him and Loki finally rests.
It's your earring, a little warped, missing a stone, but back with its mate just the same.
---
Nothing is broken. Just beaten and battered. You clean all the cuts, covering the deepest in antiseptic cream and a bandage. The worst of it is on his left side. It looks like he was hit repeatedly there very hard, the skin raised, mottled black and green. You've iced it down in timed intervals, watching the swelling and checking for any signs of internal pain.
Loki, during one of his most alert moments, told you that he'd be fine by morning. That his abilities included self healing. It's the only reason you hadn't rushed him to the hospital.
"Lay with me, little one. It will help."
"Just let me rinse this out and I will..."
He can track you by sound. Rattling around in his kitchen, padding back to his bedside, rummaging in your purse. "Darling?"
Your fingers fluttering over his chest, reassuring Loki that you're near, "I'm gonna shuck these trousers. Give me a second."
"Hmm… yes, get naked."
You reward him with your rich laugh, "Not naked. Almost naked. You're hurt, remember?"
"It's becoming a distant memory."
"Uh huh…" You don't sound convinced, but that's alright, Loki is feeling stronger. His body, with enough down time, recovers swiftly. And by the time you slide under the covers, laying at his side, he can roll to you without muttering pained curses.
Throwing an arm over you, Loki pulls you close enough that your noses brush together. "You haven't kissed me hello."
Rubbing a hand over his tender abraded cheek, you husk, "Well, you weren't exactly up for it when you stumbled off the jet."
Loki tilts his head, silently acknowledging that truth, swallowing hard, "I missed you, love."
Whispering your reply, "You have no idea how much I missed you, Loki."
He knows your hesitation has more to do with his being banged up than anything else, so Loki starts slowly. The softest of smooches, lips gazing against each other, relearning the plump fullness of your mouth. Taking shameless advantage of the sugared sigh you emit, Loki swipes his tongue across the barrier of your lips, sampling your sweetness.
There were days during his mission where he knew, with a mortal certainty, that he would never kiss you again. Cold, beaten and bound, Loki's magic rendered useless by a combination of sorcery and violence so intense that he had almost given up. Then he'd felt it. The firm push of that gold hoop, digging into his hip due to the awkward angle of his confinement, branding itself into his skin.
And his mind centered on the image of you, dressed in gold, floating across the sidewalk, striding towards him with a sassy smile.
During his torturous interrogation, tied to a chair, bloodied and broken, they got nothing out of him. Because his mind was in your kitchen, smelling of garlic and tomatoes, and your lavender soap. He was kissing your shoulder, bare and round, far from the hurt in his physical body.
Now that he was actually back here, with you in his arms, Loki was not about to waste a second. Suddenly ravenous with need for you, the kiss changed from confectionery delight to spicy indulgence in a span of seconds. Raw with need, Loki wrapped you in his arms with no plans on releasing you.
Escaping his embrace with a sigh allowed him unchecked access to the column of your throat. Blazed in his hot kisses, the trail of his passion snaked down to the collar of your button up shirt, now acting as pajamas, "Please darling… I… I need you."
He didn't hear your reply, instead you shifted, tugging the top over your head and tossing it on his floor with a gentle thud.
Loki now lay between your legs, hard and hot and naked. The barrier of your panties was the only thing keeping him out of you, and for now, that was alright. He had other areas to focus on.
One long fingered hand cupped your chin, turning you to face him in the early morning dark, holding you still as his mouth found yours once more. Finding your full and free breasts, Loki palmed them both, kneading your flesh in circles. Dropping his head, licking over the stiffened peak of your nipple, your groan is music to his ears. Flicking his tongue against your pebbled skin, you writhe beneath him, his cock rubbing deliciously into your cotton covered core. Sucking your tender bud into his warm mouth, teeth barely biting down, has you cutely cursing, "Damn Loki! Oh, fuck… that feels so good!"
Humming around you, Loki shifts his attention to your unattended breast, somehow more sensitive than the first. Your responsive body, as needy as his, arches into Loki's as if asking him to soothe away the loss of the last ten days. His hungry mouth complies.
Relishing the silky smooth feel of your skin, Loki caresses you from breast bone to hip, in long strokes. Before long he's kneading your fabric clad ass cheeks, lifting your pelvis in an effort to rid you of your panties.
"Just… just rip them off, Loki." You demand, panting. In response Loki growls like a feral animal, his fingers tracing over the waistband of your undies, playing with the elastic just to tease you. Pulling the flimsy fabric down, exposing the roll of your tummy, the top of your mound, Loki licks in a long hot line. "I'm not going to rip these off, little dove. They're quite fetching on you and I dare say, rather costly."
Stretched over your wide thighs, your panties are digging into you, blocking your pleasure. "Loki, please…!" He loves hearing you beg just a little. Loki's learning how hard it is for you to give in, to be seen as weak, not in control. Even now, naked and mewling in pleased tones, you're giving Loki orders.
"I can always buy new ones." He hears your whine, husky and huffing, and answers with a laugh.
"No need, little dove."
In a gold glimmer, Loki's magic has bared you to his eagle eyed gaze. And since he still has unfinished business with your body, Loki slips a finger into your depths without warning.
Shuddering at the warm, wet shelter of your sheath, Loki strokes deeper, his palm curling against you, mirroring the slope of you. Wrapping your hands around his wrist, trying to control him, Loki smirks at your eagerness, the raspy way you cry his name. Feeling your inner walls shiver, Loki adds another digit, stretching you. "I wish you could see yourself, darling. Open and trembling. So wet and wanting… and the best part? It's all for me."
Loki heard your fevered moan, saw you toss your head as your pleasure peaked. But the feel of it, the gentle flow of your nectar over his hand, the suctioned grip of your internal muscles, "Gods, Little Dove!" It was almost too much for him, at least from this distance. Leaning over to capture your mouth, Loki kisses you thoroughly, absorbing your shocked sigh when his fingers leave your core. Peering down at you, Loki watches your eyes widen as he licks your favor off his digits, "Sweet as honey."
---
"Really, Loki? Really?" You playfully push against him, making him lie on his back while you rest on your side, goofy giggles filling the quiet.
Chest rumbling with laughter, "Can't be helped, love. You taste divine." Yanking on you, you let Loki draw you into another kiss, as your hands wander feather light over his chest. Tangling them in his sparse chest hair, trailing touches over his taut stomach, you skim the cut of his hip, careful to avoid his bumps and bruises. Kneading the meat of his thigh, you rise up on your knees, "My turn!"
Cocking his head, Loki questioned, "Turn?"
"Yea… I haven't had the pleasure of tasting you."
"For the simple reason that you are honey and vanilla and female scented. A confection to be nibbled on. I…" he paused, rubbing his thumb over your plump bottom lip, "am a bitter, sour thing."
"Why don't you let me try for myself?"
Settling between his splayed legs, you reach for him without hesitation, earning a hiss from Loki. Resting a firm hand on his shoulder, you kiss him slowly, saying, "Just lay back. Let me take care of you, alright?"
Stroking his steel hardness makes your mouth water. Taking your time, licking over his impossible length, you swipe your tongue along the stiff ridge of his desire. Circling the rouge tinted head of his cock, growling low, "Dove…" It's meant as a warning, but you raise an eyebrow and take Loki into the rose round of your mouth. You feel him jump at the combined efforts of your spit soaked hand and juicy jaws. For you, it's like worship. Kneeling in front of your man, returning to him the pleasure he has given you.
Loki is lucky because tonight's oral exercise is all about feeling good. You control your breath as Loki raises his hips, timing his ups with your downs, losing more of himself to your willing, waiting mouth. Happily, you hum around him when he asks in a guttural groan, "Having fun, kitten?"
Weaving his hands through your hair, Loki guides you over him twice more, stuttering, "Oh, Gods!" And you lift off him with a pop as he comes apart in your hands with a loud, satisfied sigh.
Once you are sure that Loki is spent, shivering slightly, you press one extra kiss to his inner thigh. Slithering up beside him, Loki cuddles you to his chest as his breath evens out post climax. Branding a kiss hotly to your forehead, "Wow… that was… something, darling."
Humming a low laugh, "I didn't hurt you, did I?"
Chuckling, Loki answered, "Not at all. The opposite in fact. It was… therapeutic."
Knowing you could bring a god such bliss felt amazingly feminine and startling fierce. As if you were the goddess, powerful and strong, not a mild mannered Midgardian. Mentally you congratulate yourself on a job well done, snuggling into your pillow.
It's quiet in the room as Loki draws runes on the expanse of your back, your short leg curled over his long one. You're nestled in the crook of his shoulder, one ear over his heart, an arm draped over his middle protectively. "Loki?"
"Hmm… yes?"
"Are you… ok? Really?" Curious but not wanting to push, you tested the waters, hopeful that Loki felt comfortable enough to talk it out.
"Yes… it was… a tough mission. But, I am alright. Are you?"
"With you home, now… yes."
Threading your fingers in his, Loki sighs, "Home. I haven't had a proper one for some time."
"Home is wherever I'm with you…"
"What's that?"
"Song lyrics… One of my favorites actually. Billy Joel…"
"Play it for me?"
Surprised by his interest, "Yea?"
"Please?"
"Ok… sure." Climbing out of bed, you grab your phone, flashing through screens until you find the requested song. It's not long, but it speaks to you, and Loki asks you to play it again.
"He gets it." Loki decides, spooning you from behind, his arms twined over yours.
"Hmm… I know, right?" Snuggling into your man's warmth, under the plush blankets, sleep was starting to creep into your voice.
"You feel like home to me, my love." He croons into the curve of your ear with a kiss.
Smiling, you agree, "Home is wherever I'm with you, Loki."
---
Waking up in Loki's arms is a joy! You are fully surrounded by him. The scent, the heat, the feel of Loki wrapped you in bubble of care that you hadn't realized was possible in a partner.
Stirring behind you, he squeezes you to his chest tightly, "Morning, love."
"Hmmm… Good Morning…"
"Sleep well?" Loki's morning voice is bass deep as it strums across your ear.
Stretching against him, your round rump rubbing along all of Loki's angles, "Yes… you?"
"Very well, thanks to you." His hand caresses you from knee to hip, from hip to rib, stopping at the swell of your tummy.
Moving to lie on your back, Loki rests on one shoulder, looking down at you. With a resigned sigh, "You're going to hate hearing this…"
Slightly panicked, your eyes wide, "What?"
"You are gorgeous in the morning." Loki used one long finger, tracing a line down your nose, parting your lips, and lifting your chin. But he didn't stop there. Circling your still naked nipple, Loki teased it, twisting until your bud was straining for more contact.
Reaching for him, you pull Loki down for a kiss, his split lip almost healed completely. Your tongue licking into his mouth, grazing his sharp white teeth, starving for more. His hand molds to your mound, fingers parting your center, "I find that I can't get enough of you…"
With a shared breath you agree, "Sames… sames, so hard." And you share another giggle the way naughty children do.
Tangling his hair, Loki's hand caresses inside of you with a thrust and your back lifts from the bed. Searing hot kisses along your jaw, your clavicle, the roundness of your breasts, distract from his idle hand, not moving, just abiding in your cleft. You can't help your hips, they circle, riding Loki's intrusion as if it were his heavy cock, "I wonder if you will always be so eager for me, pet." Crooning into your ear, serenading you sinfully, Loki continues, "You feel like the finest velvet, pulsing around my fingers, pulling me deeper into you. Those fluttering muscles of yours… they miss my body don't they? So soon and already you belong to me… you should cum, little dove."
Shaking your head, roughly panting, "You too… come with me."
Darkly laughing, "Oh no. This is a prize… you earned this with your loving attention to me… and your crass words for Tony." Lowering his voice to a wolfish whisper, "Does this help?"
Separating his fingers, stretching your tunnel, Loki rubbed against the tender tissue in circles. Applying pressure to your delicate bundle of nerves with his thumb, Loki, nuzzling your neck, nips your collarbone. Mewling as you bite your lip, you bend towards your torrid tormentor, hungry for more, sore and tired yet still wanting. Without warning, he curled his digits upward, your body his plaything.
"Loki!"
Shuddering his name, that boyish smile growing, "I can tell how much you like that… ask me how, love."
"How… how do you know?"
"There are a million little ways… but the most telling? How hot your skin is… you are rosy pink from pleasure, kitten. A shade that looks great on you."
His hushed tone hangs over you. The words tightening the chord of your arousal. Loki peers at you, memorizing your motions, his thumb stroking against your fleshy pearl.
"Are you going to cum, my pet? Let yourself go. For me. Please!"
There's a firm knock on Loki's door, yet he never breaks your connection. "Ignore it. Cum for me. Now, darling."
Through the barrier, Steve's even voice calls, "Loki? If you're up… uh… we need to… debrief. Should've happened last night actually. Loki?"
Directed at you, a gingerly issued order, "Look at me kitten. Do it, give yourself to it."
Your eyes lock to his even as you hear, "What should I tell Tony? And Fury? Are you coming?"
Urging you on, hand working on getting you off, Loki bobs his head, encouraging your release. Snapping through you in a bone shaking flash, one word escapes you, loud and clear, "Cumming!"
From the other side of Loki's bedroom door you hear, "Great. I'll let them know you're both on your way down."
---
Loki felt like a new man. A successful, if complex, mission accomplished. Wounds and bruises on the right side of healing. You, here, hugged tight to his side.
If he let himself enjoy any of it, Loki would be a happy man. But you were already getting out of bed. "No. Please, pet? Let's stay here… away from all the… nonsense."
A hand landed on your naked hip as you stomped, "Loki… where are my panties?"
"I'll never tell."
"Fine. I'll go commando."
As you start pulling on your pants, the same from yesterday, Loki rolls onto his back. To the ceiling, "I would rather stay in bed, making you moan those delightful little sounds of yours, than attend a meeting."
Almost fully dressed, leaning over him, "You should've thought about that before you became an Avenger, babe." Your lips hover above Loki's, pausing, making him wait. Snaking his arms around you, ever impatient, he took the kiss from you with a smirk.
"Fine. I'll get up. But, you'll stay, right?"
He can hear the sense of shock in your voice, surprised at his asking, but you answer, "If you want me too. Of course."
Unwavering, "I want you to."
Biting on that lip of yours, Loki sees you nod, and it's enough to get him out of bed.
---
"There better be tea in here." You don't want to grouse but there are just some things you need to start the day off right.
Loki's led you to the deluxe kitchen at the hub of the Tower, en route to a conference room, "Help yourself, dove. I'll be back." It's a central meeting place, hosting every possible convenience, appliance and snack known to man. Eyes lighting on a collection of mugs and jars of loose leaf, you almost squeal, but stifle that impulse as Tony saunters in, coffee cup in hand.
"Good morning, kid. Can I call you that? Or are you gonna swear at me again?"
It's hard not to roll your eyes. "Listen, Mr. Stark…"
Holding up a hand to stop you, "You want him, you got him. I just hope you know what you're buying."
Pouring scalding water into your mug, you open a jar of English Breakfast, filling the diffuser. Tony's leaning back on the counter, eyeing you, curious and cautious. "Milk is…"
"In the fridge? Thanks." Grabbing the carton for a splash, you look over Iron Man, shutting the door with a snap.
"He's dangerous. I mean, you know that right? Like, psycho-murderer energy."
Sipping your brew, sighing at the soft flavor, you savor the moment before responding. "We are all dangerous."
Lifting his brows with a loud exhale, "Some more than others. I don't find you particularly threatening, as, ya know, an example."
Another swallow, a shallow nod, "You don't know me."
"And Loki does?"
"Yea. He does. And, so you know, since we're besties, you and I… I fight for my people."
"Uh huh… and in two weeks Reindeer Games has become your people?"
Setting your mug down gently, shaking your head, "No… no. In two weeks Loki has become my person."
His own cup clinks onto the granite, "Wait. You're telling me that this… that you two… that you love Loki?"
"Is that so shocking?"
Crossing his arms over the illuminated reactor on his chest, Tony stammers, truly lost for words. "Yea… kind of. You seem smart, but I guess appearances are deceiving."
This makes you laugh, hard. "Mr. Stark, I don't know what you think about me… and this is the truly important part… I don't care. You can hate me, like me, doesn't matter. But Loki… have a care about what you say. Because I may look like a… fat house cat, but trust me when I tell you, I have claws, Mr. Stark. Sharp and stinging, and if you come for Loki, know that you come for me too."
If Tony was going to continue, he decided against it, as Loki strolled up to you in that moment. Wrapping an arm around your waist and a hand on your nape, he pulled you into a deep, showy kiss that lasted a bit too long. "Hmm… English Breakfast, your favorite."
"I might barf."
Turning to Tony, as if only just registering his presence, Loki grinned. "Thank you for entertaining my lady. I appreciate it."
Looking at you, Tony stared, "Uh… yea. No problem."
Ushering you from the kitchen, Loki's hand on your lower back, you both paused when Tony pushed himself to standing. "Rock of… uh… Loki?"
"Yes?"
"Um… good work. You… you did good. I didn’t know you had it in you."
With a harsh stare at Tony you answered, “I did.”
---
Loki hadn't overheard the whole conversation with Tony. But he'd heard enough. And what he had heard made his heart swell with love.
Fearless. Protective. Strong. And his.
"Where are we going now?"
Holding open the elevator door, Loki smiles at you, "I am famished. How about food… then I take you home?"
"Food, yes… but, I don't want to… Loki, you can't just take me home. Not after everything. I want to be with you, ok?" Loki senses the small bubble of your panic, the idea that he will leave you behind, alone again after such a long absence.
As the doors slide closed, Loki tucks you into his side, marveling at your capacity to undo him. "Who said I wouldn't be staying? I figured you could use a shower, a change of clothes… your creature comforts."
He can't help his half smile as you open and close your mouth, soundlessly, struggling to find a response. "Darling, you look like a fish. Out with it?"
Teasing you breaks the spell and he idolizes the way you scrunch your eyes at him. Loki knows it's pretend toughness. "So, you think you can just stay with me… that I'll open my doors to you, no questions asked, Odinson?"
Why did it sound so lovely to be Odin's son when she said it like that? It was enough to make Loki forget about his adoptive father's less favorable qualities. Almost.
Tipping your chin, total trust in your face, Loki swiped a kiss over your pouty lips. "I think you will… I think you'll let me stay with you."
Softer now, husky from the intimacy of the hold, "Oh you do, huh? Why's that?"
"Because I love you. And you love me."
Your eyes widen, doe like, at the casual truth of it. Loki, space god and almost hero, honest to goodness loved you. And even though you didn’t want to, you felt the same way.
"What was that?"
Nudging you with his chin, "You heard me, little dove."
You stepped away from Loki in an effort to see him better. Appraising his attitude, searching his pure flame blue eyes for truth. "Ah… I did. And you're… serious?"
"I have never lied to you. I don't plan on starting now."
"Good. Because, you're right. I love you."
Smirking, "I knew it."
---
"Darling! Where is the damned clicker? I can't find the bloody thing and it's too loud!"
Rising from your balcony perch, padding through the library, you snatch the remote off the end table before lowering the music's volume. Loki's standing in the kitchen you share, cell phone crimped between ear and shoulder. "Yea… yes, of course. Please. Bring her, yes! Certainly."
Elbows on the counter, your sweatshirt barely covering your exposed bosom, you mouth "who is it?"
"Steve" is Loki's silent response. Then he sees your beautiful bounty on display and stares with unbridled lust. "Yes. Of course Steve. Listen, gotta run, but see you tonight. Thanks!"
"You got rid of him awfully fast. How is the Captain?"
But he doesn't answer you. Instead, Loki grabs your hands and brings you around the island. Once you're in front of him, he slides those Godly paws under your top and over your bra, reaching around to unhook it. "Loki… we don't have time for this…"
It's a half-hearted warning. You could never tire of his wanting you. And luckily, Loki never seemed to tire, period.
Holding your wide hips in his hands, Loki starts bargaining, "I'll be quick. I promise."
"Hmm… ok. Last one naked has to buy the first drink!"
---
"I'll have two gin and tonics, please and thank you." Loki smiles at you in the bar's mirror waiting for you to deliver his cocktail. For a split second you flash back to the night you met him, two lost souls, adrift in a dive bar, flirting in the mirror.
As you wait for the drinks, you watch him rise and make his way towards you, with a sense of deja vu. The table is filled with Avengers, only this time, Loki is joking with Thor as he leaves the table. Steve shakes his hand as they pass. It makes you smile to see the changes in your God.
Loki's eyes, blue and bright, catch yours in the reflection. "Dove… I know what you're thinking."
"You do? Tell me, trickster."
Leaning next to you, Loki hums, "The night we met… when I saw the most beautiful creature in the galaxy stride into a bar. She caught my eye in a mirror… and has never let go."
He brushes his tender lips across your knuckles, holding your hand, proud to be with you.
Blushing, you nod, "That night… well, it changed my life."
"Mine too. You know, I have been thinking, darling."
Sliding the bartender your cash, you listen to Loki, curious. "You have?"
"Yes… You see, I think you're the best teammate I could ever have."
Arching an eyebrow, you sip your gin, "Loki… I am no Avenger. You know Tony and I are tenuous, at best."
Collecting your change after leaving a ridiculously large tip, Loki nodded. "True… but I was thinking about creating my own team."
Swallowing the cold cocktail, "Like your own superhero squad?"
"No… something smaller, a team of two. We'd be called “The Odinsons”."
"Oh! Just you and Thor? It's clever but…"
"Little dove." Something in his voice stills you. The look on Loki's face is one you haven't seen before. Hope, love and a touch of… fear? They all fight for a place in his light eyes as he looks down at you.
"Loki?"
"Be my teammate, my partner… my wife?" He's on his knee, holding a tiny black box and his breath.
Your own breath leaves you. Heart pounding, you take the impossibly small box from Loki's hand, nodding your head. "Yes… oh Loki! YES! Of course!!"
Tears stream down your cheeks as your God rises. Taking you in his arms, Loki kisses you like there is tomorrow, and tonight there's only you two. Surrounded by friends old and new, all the tests that you and Loki have endured brought you here, to each other.
---
In bed, Loki's body still tied to yours, you kiss his nose with a chuckle. "I love you, Loki."
"I love you, my darling dove…"
You sense a but… "but?"
Sighing as he removes himself, Loki lifts your chin, "Always zigging, never zagging. You make it hard for a man like me, you know?"
"What does that mean? I'm marrying you, Odinson… what else am I missing?"
Loki looks at the ceiling, not at you, "Did you even look at your ring?"
"Of course! It's beautiful."
Laughing, "Little liar! Turn on the light."
With a frustrated sigh, you click on the lamp, examining your engagement ring. Loki hears the sound you make, it's between a squeal and a groan, and then your shoulders shake as the crying starts in earnest.
Gathering you to him, "See. I knew you missed it in all the excitement. Do you like it, my darling?"
How you overlooked it, you're not sure, but there, wrapped around your finger as evidence of Loki's love is a gold band, studded with two lines of tiny emeralds, one straight, one bent.
Tracing over the curved row, "I brought this one back to you, like you told me too."
"And I kept mine with me all that time, Loki, hoping, praying, begging for you to come back."
"I know… and now, dearest, now, they can never be separated, this perfect pair."
Author's Note: This is Part 4! Surprise! Here is the smutty goods, as promised!
Pairing: Loki x Plus Sized Female Reader
Warnings: ALL THE LOVELY, FLUFFY, SMUT!
Summary: The true test. Loki has to love all of you, or none.
"Walk me home?"
---
"Are... are you coming in?"
"Do you want me too?"
Taking his hand in yours, you push open the door of your building, Loki right behind you.
---
"Make yourself comfy, I'm going to powder my nose."
Nodding, Loki shrugged out of his jacket, draping it over a kitchen chair. His flowers from last night have started to open spilling their delicate scent through your home. At ease in your space, Loki searches out and finds two glasses and a bottle of wine.
"How about some music?" Having taken off the shoes from Loki, you've lost a foot in height, but are much more relaxed.
Handing you a poured glass, his fingers brushing against yours, "Sure... music would be nice."
Fiddling on your phone, finding the right music takes just a minute, Loki uses the time to look over your living room. The formal couch, slipper chair, coffee table all looking trendy and fresh. It lacked the lived in, creature comfort feel of your library room, where you clearly spent more time.
Pictures in black frames filled the walls. Family, friends and animals. Art, varied, colorful and interesting hung amongst the personal photos.
"It's like a gallery. A little museum of you."
"Oh, yea... I guess. I just hang up what I like." Settling into the stiff sofa, tucking your knees under you, you watch Loki examine your nest.
"This?" Pointing to a particularly colorful, abstract painting.
"My mother. She's incredibly talented. I have several of her pieces around here."
"Which one is she?" Loki, grabbing a small framed picture from the side table, bringing it closer to you.
Smiling at the captured memory, "I'm in the middle, my mom is on the right, little sister on the left. It was her thirtieth birthday, and we were all a little drunk."
"You look alike. It's... uncanny."
Tilting your head, appraising the god in front of you, "We're family."
"There aren't too many snapshots of you, my dear."
"No... I usually take the pictures. I don't pose for them."
Turning his full attention to you now, Loki locking you in a heated stare, "Of course you don't."
"What does that mean?"
Stalking towards you, closing in slowly, "You can't see your own beauty. You think that you are less than, when the truth is, no one compares to you."
Blushing scarlet, worrying your bottom lip, you read honesty in Loki's eyes. "Come on." He's offering his hand to you.
"What?" Confusion on your face, Loki pulls you up, gently.
"Dance with me."
It's not a question. There's no one here to judge you. Just Loki. A man who wants to love you. A man who has fought for you. A man who sees more in you than you see for yourself.
You stand, then, making a fuss of setting your drink down just so. Buying time.
You're not easy, not willing to acquiesce, not eager to give Loki the thing he wants. Even if you want it as well.
Everytime the pair of you are together some new piece of your respective puzzles is revealed. Big easy pieces like coffee preferences or movie choices fit together in a snap. But tiny parts, the ones you hold onto longest, trying to keep away from the new framework that's being built, those have to be exhumed.
Maybe they can be shaved down, find a place of peace in your new landscape. Maybe they can be binned, let go, removed in favor of something better. Maybe, just maybe, the new puzzle accepts them too. Those tiny shards of life that make you who are, imperfect, individual, and unmistakably human are still important because they are yours.
Your slivers are still a piece of you, Loki carries his own. As his strong hand supports you, sharing that godly strength with you, you wonder... can you try to fit your shattered pieces into a new picture?
"You're lost in thought, dove. Come back to me?"
The pet names, wow, were they a delightful distraction. How many was it now? A half dozen sweet nothings that started at "dearest" and ended at "Love".
Your voice low, "I know you're powerful, but is reading minds one of your gifts?"
Loki laughs, throwing his head back, "No... not particularly. But I told you, I see what others miss. Your face, when you lose yourself to an idea, it changes just a little. Your forehead creases and you get this almost smile... I saw it that first night we met. Now, I look out for it."
"Is that so?" His hands molded to the high curve of your hips, controlling their soft sway in time to the music.
"Yes. But it's not my favorite... quirk of yours." Your fingers brushed over his collar, barely reaching, to ruffle through the length of his dark hair.
Widening eyes, question, "You have a favorite? Already?"
Drawing his hands over your sides, Loki crossed them behind your back, moving you closer. "Oh yes."
"Well? Are you gonna tell me, Loki? Or am I supposed to guess?"
Humming huskily, "Guess away, little dove"
Teasing, up on tiptoe, "Hmm... my amazing dance skills?"
"No. Although you are light on your feet."
"Stop..."
"It's true! You're a good dancer."
"I've got a great partner."
"That... is also true."
"Ok... is it my..."
"You are never going to guess."
Trying to sound tough, "Come on... Spill it, Odinson."
"What will you give me for this... knowledge? What's it worth to you?" Cocking an eyebrow, Loki teases you into a chuckle.
"Let's see... a home cooked meal?"
"Tempting. But I think it's worth a bit more than that..."
"Name your price, then."
"To know which of your foibles I like best? It will take... one night. Together, in bed, until sunrise."
"That's a steep price."
"You'll pay it, I think." His throaty rumble against your ear makes you shiver.
Swallowing away your suddenly dry throat, lost in Loki's heated stare, "Oh yea? How do you figure?"
"Because... even now, I can sense your arousal. The way your hips brush into mine... that throaty voice of yours that makes me think of dark liquor and smoke. So, yes. I think my chances are good."
Taunting you properly, "Fuck you."
You push against his strong shoulder, but Loki clings to you, tighter than before."I'd like to, very much... I thought that was what we were discussing?"
Shaking your head at his sassiness, "Ha ha, Fine. Keep your secret. It doesn't bother me."
In a rush, one of Loki's hands cups your ass cheek as the other tangles into your hair, arching your back. Lips parting in surprise, Loki claims them for his own, his kiss deep and forceful. Your hands find his biceps, clinging to him, even as you return his passion.
Loki couldn't stop. With his hand cradling your neck, he drank in the sweet taste of you, the delicious pink wine flavor of your mouth. Those soft, heavy breasts of yours, panting against him as he stole your breath, made Loki ravenous for your bare skin.
Your own hands strayed from Loki's arms, seeking leverage, anxious to touch and tease. Finding his belt loop, you drag his hips into yours, feeling the pressing heat of his excitement at your waist. You whimper at the contact.
"That's for you, little dove. Feel what you do to me?" Haughty and husking, Loki shifted, his pelvis tight to yours, still moving in time to the music.
"Loki... please..."
"Begging already, huh?"
"Oh, shut up!" Taking his handsome face in both of your small hands, you draw his mouth to yours, tongue tracing over his soft lips. His surprise is clear, as for a moment, Loki doesn't know where to touch you. You balance on your toes, straining to reach, trying to bring Loki to your level when your feet leave the floor. Those large palms have splayed across your bottom, hoisting you up, your legs draped around Loki's middle.
"Loki! Put me down!" It's part shriek, part demand.
"With pleasure." Only he doesn't deposit you on the hardwood of your living room. Instead, Loki carries you as if weightless, to your bedroom. Slowly, sweetly torturing you, Loki lowers you onto the bed, lingering between your knees where your dress has ridden up over your thighs.
You want to yell at him. Being carried around isn't high on your comfort list. But his expression, feral and fierce, keeps you quiet.
Watching you, resting back on your elbows, legs splayed and revealing silken skin, Loki's lust runs through him. "I... I want you, little dove. So, so badly."
Fresh, and frisky, "You do? That's so... nice." Looking up at Loki through your thick lashes, you tease him, tugging the hem of your skirt higher.
"Nice? I think you have me mistaken for someone else." His mouth, hot and wanting, is on you once more. Under your dress, Loki's long fingers bunch the fabric at your hips, tickling the tops of your thighs, grazing against the lacey fabric of your panties.
"Wait... wait... let me... let me take this off." Pushing away from your paramour, you stand, reaching for the zipper.
"Please, allow me." Catching his Atlantic blue eyes in your dresser mirror, you nod, letting Loki lower the fastener.
Your skin is so sweetly soft. Each newly exposed area lights a fresh fire of longing in Loki. Lowering his head, you feel the tickle of his tongue over your nape. It moves lower, across your left shoulder blade, along your spine, stopping above the lace covered crest of your rump.
Clutching the dress to your front, you turn, facing Loki fully. "This is all of me, Loki. Naked, real... me."
Dropping the gown to the floor like a curtain opening on a new dawn, Loki drank in the sight of you. Full bodied, with wide hips, a thick middle, and the breasts that he couldn't stop thinking of, Loki dropped to his knees in front of you. Hugging you tightly, his head resting on your belly, Loki kissed the sensitive skin of your navel.
"You. Are. A. Goddess." Each word punctuated with a peck.
Giggling at his reaction, "That tickles..."
Staring up at you from the floor, "It's true. You are so fucking beautiful."
"Loki... Thank you... Just..
Please, stand up?"
"As someone who is worshipped, kneeling is really the best way to show one's devotion."
"Silly me, I thought we were fucking tonight."
"Allow me to multitask, dearest."
With his unwavering gaze firmly on yours, Loki ran his hands over your thighs, his fingertips dipping under the edge of your panties. The green lace, so beautiful in the box, gave Loki a great view of your mound. Over the intricate material Loki licked along your seam forcing the fabric against your sensitive skin.
Instinctually your hands burrowed into Loki's hair, holding onto him, grounding yourself. "These are in my way, little dove. Shall I remove them too?"
Meekly nodding, Loki slides the underwear down your legs, watching as you kick them free. "So much better!"
Nuzzling into you, Loki's heated exhale blowing across your inflamed core, "I want to be gentle, love. But you smell so tantalizing..."
"Loki... oh god... please. Please, just..." Desperate with desire, thrusting your hips closer to Loki, parting your legs just a little your body soundlessly urges him on.
You jump at the tender flick of his tongue. Its slow, luxurious lick through your swollen sex, settling on your bundled nerves for a brief but blissful moment makes you blush. His wrecked moan as your body responds in a liquid rush makes you titter wickedly, full of feminine power.
"Like that, little Loki?" Breathless, teasingly.
"Oh, I adore it." Without any other words, Loki, returning to his work of granting you great pleasure began running his fingers through your slick skin.
In a husking hum, "Look at me, dearest."
His eyes, always so gorgeous blue, the sea in all it's shades and seasons, had darkened with devotion. They held you, hypnotized, as Loki tasted your tang once more. At your feeble moan, Loki smirked, continuing his oral attentions.
Loki demanded more from you, from your warm, wet body. Your honeyed heat was sweet elixir, a reservoir of love, in which to drown his parched spirit. And the best part? He saw the same passion in your lust glazed stare.
"Loki... don't... please don't stop."
Hearing your brokenly moan his name spurred Loki into a frenzy. From below, his long, nimble fingers open your private pleasure center, slowly pressing into your carnal tunnel. The exquisite, agonizing, stretch of Loki's hands forced your head back in a growl of female satisfaction.
Digging your nails into Loki's shirt clad shoulders, his fingers and mouth driving you higher and higher, you were struggling to stay on your feet. Waves of pre-orgasmic euphoria were crashing inside you. Your pleasure, strong and sure, belonged to Loki.
"I... Loki, I'm going to... Oh god!"
Wrapping his free arm around your knees, securing you firmly to him, Loki never let up. His mouth circling your clit, his fingers curling forward, pulling you into a paradise of his making. In a fiery flash, your world explodes into blinding bliss, knees buckling as Loki coaxes your body through its pleasure.
Dropping to your knees, clutching at Loki, you find his mouth with your own. His lips, bee stung and full, carry the taste of your climax and something definitively Loki. The heady flavor was enchanting, calling you back for more and more.
Feeling your little hands take on the buttons of his shirt, Loki chuckles as you struggle with undressing him, "Trouble?"
Blowing a lock of hair out of your flushed face, "It's only fair! Come on... get naked, Loki!"
Barking laughter rolls out of the kneeling god as he sheds his fancy shirt. When your smart fingers flatten against the plains of his chest, Loki stifles a sigh, inhaling raggedly. The gentle sweep of your kisses along the line of his throat, over his Adam's Apple, down his pecs floods his senses. Loki was already hard but your sweet sampling of his skin had him near bursting with arousal.
Your first time together could have been in a luxury hotel. Or a cabin in the forest. A docked yacht or flower filled field. But it was none of those places.
Kissing you deeply once more, Loki lowered you gently onto your back, the soft pile carpet of your bedroom floor beneath you. Taking a moment to unhook, then fling your bra across the room, you settled back, with a pleased sigh. Watching Loki shuck his trousers quickly and efficiently, you pull at your bottom lip, enjoying the excitement that your body was building.
"There. That's it." Sweeping the pad of his thumb along your lower lip, pulling it free from your teeth, you tilt your head, confused. "That's my favorite."
Your rich laugh, tinted darker by your erotic escapades, fills the room and Loki's heart. But your amusement dies in your throat at what you're seeing.
You knew Loki was a handsome creature. It was evident in his walk, his talk, his general air. But the chiseled body before you was so exactingly perfect, you whimpered in want, aching to touch and be touched.
Wide shouldered and narrow hipped, long legs folded under him, Loki was every inch a God. Shadowed in sparse hair which started at his chest, trailing down the muscled vee of his core, his form was an arrow ending in the rigid point of his cock. As if displaying himself for you, Loki stroked himself firmly, looking over your soft figure with relish.
His thighs spread against your own, splaying your sex wantonly, keeping you open and ready for his engorged enjoyment.
Reaching for him, you tug Loki into a kiss that is more battle of tongues than making out, tangling your hands in his dark hair. Pulling hard against his scalp, "Loki... Make me yours."
Fiercely kissing you, Loki smiles widely, giddiness at your request fueling his actions. Taking his time to tease your nipples, twisting one while licking the other, Loki can't help eliciting mewls of gratifying frustration from you. Kissing and biting over your belly, he lavishes attention on your soft tummy, the skin there sensitive yet responsive.
"Ready, love?"
Throwing an arm over your eyes, you hide from the dazzling majesty of Loki, you nod.
"Look at me..."
Blinking, you raise your eyes to his blue ones. Widening in surprise, you feel his swollen length enter your soaking center, slowly sinking deeper into your velvet vice. Unbidden, you shudder, "Loki..."
"I'm... uh... I'm here, kitten." Struggling to keep still, willing your body to accept all that he wants to give, Loki sheaths himself to the hilt only when he feels you shift beneath him.
For a moment there is only this. The connection between your bodies, fusing you together, combining your individual lives into a single shared one. Loki brushes a stray strand from your face. You cup his jaw with your small hand.
"I didn't want to Loki, but... I think I'm falling for you." It's a conspiratorial whisper, just for his ears, as you stroke his sharp cheek.
With that knowing half smile, Loki answers, "Darling, I was gone the moment I saw you walk into that bar."
You chuckle, feeling his hardened heat inside of you, before it stretches into a moan. Circling his hips, Loki drives into you with renewed passion, desperate to slake his lust in your loving embrace. Raising your ass, lifting into each downstroke Loki offers, you force him deeper into you with every thrust. You just know that you're going to have rug burns on your back tomorrow, as each snap of Loki's hips pushes you further across the floor.
"You like that, darling? I know you do. You should feel how amazing you are... so ripe, so ready... Will you cum for me, little dove? I know you want to..."
His words wind you up. You bite your lip, torn between screaming and soaring, your second release of the night hovering nearby. Loki uses one hand to pin your wrists together over your head, the other finds your agitated pearl, slick and swollen. Overstimulated, your mouth opens in a silent cry, your body going rigid, locking onto Loki. You hear his stuttering shout, feel him come apart inside of you, but through the fog of your most intense orgasm to date.
Loki doesn't dare move. He rides out your pleasure, kissing your temples, cradling your face in those strong hands. "Love?"
You're panting, still coming down from your highest high, when it happens. Tears. Leaking over your cheeks, hot and salty, they fall fast as a sob shakes through you.
"Hey now... what's this?"
Curling away from Loki, who is still inside you, embarrassed by your outburst, "Nothing... I'm fine." Sniffling and still avoiding Loki's troubled eyes, you shift below him, dashing away the wet.
"Oh god, did I hurt you? I..."
Placing your hand over his racing hear, "No! Loki... no, you were great. Better than great." Another strangled sob shakes out of you. "No one has ever... ever, made me feel the way you do. Beautiful and... cherished. And, I guess it made me emotional." Offering Loki a weak smile, you can't help the feelings of happiness that being loved by Loki has given you.
"Oh, my darling. How lucky am I? You let me love you... and for that I will always be grateful."
Sniffling again, "Even though I cried after sex?"
His barking laughter lit up the room, "Because I bedded you so well that you cried tears of joy? Absolutely!"
You share another kiss, slow and long, savoring the sight, smell, and feel of each other. "Ok, I have to pee."
Loki helps you stand on trembling legs, steadying you, watching as you step into the bathroom. Quickly he gathers up his clothes, making a pile in one of your chairs, his phone falling to the floor with a thump. Retrieving it, Loki sees a mountain of texts and missed calls. Not good.
There's a knock at your door.
Grabbing your robe, you sling it over your shoulders, "Loki? Is there? There's someone at the door."
Meeting you in the hallway, he's pulled on his pants, but left them unzipped. "I think this might be about me."
"Oh?"
Loki glanced through the peephole, sighing, "What?"
"Gotta let me in Loki. You're wasting time."
Shit. Tony Stark. You'd know that voice anywhere.
"Erm... just a moment."
Turning to you, Loki drags his lips over yours once more, "Will it be ok to let him in? This is your place after all... I don't want to assume."
"Well, his timing sucks, but... yea? I guess so."
Closing his fly, Loki unlocks your door and ushers Iron Man inside.
Tony's once over misses nothing. Your just been fucked look, mused hair, askew robe. Loki's tangled bed head, the small scratches on his arms, his missing shirt. "Called a bunch. Texted too. Seems like you were otherwise engaged."
"Well, it's been quite..."
"I'm sure it's fascinating. Look. Here's the deal, we need you for a..." glancing at you, unsure of how much to share, "project and you have to go now."
"Now?" Loki choked on the word.
"Uh huh. Now. As in, right this second."
Casting his eyes to you, Loki says, "Give me a minute, will you?"
"You have 5. I'll be in the car. Cute place."
"Uh... thanks?"
And he's gone almost as quickly as he arrived.
"Darling. I... I have to go."
"Ok."
"I have no idea where... or when I'm coming home."
"Yup. Got it." Fresh tears welled in your eyes.
Tugging his sleeves over his long arms, stepping into his shoes, Loki hasn't said much more and the quiet is killing you. "Tonight was... something special, don't you think?"
Raising an eyebrow, "Yes... special to me." And it was, truly. Magical even.
"May I call you when I... you know, get back?"
"If course…"
Watching him right himself, so soon after your coupling had you biting that lip again. Your mind was spinning. "Loki, will it be... dangerous? This project you're working on."
Loki nodded, he didn't want to lie, not to you. "Possibly. Probably."
"I thought so... um... What if something...?" Sensing where you were headed, Loki paused. Taking both your hands in his, "Nothing will happen."
"But, well, how would I know? If something did, I mean. I'm not your girlfriend or anything... who would even know to tell me?"
"No, you're something far more dear than... girlfriend."
"Ok... so?"
"So?"
"You're gonna make me say it? I... I don't think I want you to go. I'd much rather you stay here, on earth, with me. And not just because of the incredible sex, Loki, so stop smirking."
But he couldn't. "I know. It's just... I told you that I have to earn you, be deserving. This is a chance for me to do that... and if it helps me become a formal part of The Avengers, I will kill two proverbial birds with one stone."
His back was to the door, and despite his words, Loki didn't want to leave you. That torn feeling between his heart's wanting and the wants of other people fissured inside him. Please don't make this harder, he silently prayed, I won't be able to go if you do.
"Here." Reaching to your ear, removing one of the delicate gold and stone earrings Loki so generously gifted you, you push it into his hand.
"Darling?" It was a strange parting gesture, Loki thought.
"Um... it's a pair, right? One can't be worn without the other."
Loki squeezed the token tightly until his knuckles went white.
Your eyes blazed with unspoken thoughts, "I really like these... earrings, Loki. A lot. Might even... love them. So, take care of that one. Bring it back to me, you hear?"
Breaking at the last second, your voice betrayed your warring heart, but Loki didn't signal that he'd heard. He couldn't, not without breaking himself.
His hug was bone crushing, willing the shape of you into his memory, searing this moment into his heart. Rising on your toes once more, you kissed those lips, remembering where they'd been earlier this evening. Loki, deepening your embrace, drank his fill of your fine flavor. Resting his forehead to yours, "I'll see you soon, darling..."
Your dark wine laugh, so intoxicating to him, made him smile too. "You better, Odinson. You better."
Watching him walk out your door, into a place that you couldn't follow, made your heart crumble. Spinning on your heel, rushing to your balcony garden, you stepped up to the railing just in time to see Loki gain the sidewalk. Stark leaning against the fancy sports car parked in front of your building.
Raising your hand to wave, Loki, seemingly read your mind. Those eyes, so impossibly blue, winked at you from four floors down. And it was enough for you to know that Loki was going to miss you too.
The Epic Conclusion Awaits: The Testing Kind Part 5
Author's Note: This is Part 3 with Part 4 being posted today as well! It was too large a file for one post... so enjoy that! Thanks for the patience everyone... this was a doozy!
Pairing: Loki and Plus Size Female Reader
Warnings: Implied Violence... Fluff for days.
Summary: Loki is going to prove himself deserving of you and your date night is his first opportunity to do so! What happens when you get into a spot of trouble and your favorite god is nearby?
Saturday's were usually quiet. You liked them that way. Long walks in the park, lounging in your library, couch naps, all favorite pastimes for lazy Saturday afternoons. Having spent your morning at the book shop, trying not to think about Loki, you picked up a book of poetry. At lunch, ordering a sandwich, you couldn't help noticing the server's eyes, blue but not as bright as Loki's.
When you stretched out on your couch, napping your top priority, your mind wandered back to Loki and your unplanned dinner date. The feel of his hands on your body, those soft lips and oh god, just thinking about it made your panties wet. Closing your eyes, deep breathing to relax yourself, your willful brain kept returning to the man who had held you so close. Sweet dreams of swaying hips and hungry kisses lulled you to sleep.
Your post lunch siesta was languid and long, rejuvenating you. And waking with a stretch, you reach for your phone, finding a single, unopened message from "You Know Who".
"Did you get my note?"
The text was seconds old, as if it'd sent the moment your eyes had fluttered open. Pushing off the soft sofa, excited by the surprise, you slip on shoes, ready to rush down to the mailbox. You didn't make it that far.
On your hall floor, inches from the door, was a heavy cream envelope. Inside there was a single card. In golden ink on emerald paper, written in a man's bold style was the message, "Knock, knock..."
Reading his card makes time stand still. After your impromptu dinner date and tongue tasting last night, you knew Loki was interested in more. He had asked about taking you out tonight, but this... this was some romance novel level skill.
Knowing that he was now waiting outside your door had stolen your breathe. Knocking against your ribs, your yearning heart raced, suddenly aware of your yoga pants and baggy tee. Wishing you could throw on a pretty dress or at least some mascara, you fluffed your short hair in the hallway mirror, pinched your cheeks to redden them just a touch and licked your lips. "Whoa... steady girl."
Excitement made opening all five of your door locks a challenge. Your nervous hands kept slipping. And you swore at the stopper, wedged so carefully under your jamb, that you had to bend over to free the thing. You just knew your skin was crimson from anticipation but you pulled open the door anyway.
The hall was empty. Well, empty of people. Empty of Loki. And just as your heart was sinking you notice the golden box with its green card tucked under the ribbon, resting at your door.
"Take me inside and open me..."
Looking up and down your hall for any sign of the trickster, finding none, you do as the note commands and heft the large gift through your doorway. Lifting the lid you find another card, iridescent ink in Loki's scrawl provide you with these directions:
"Darling, Don't think me too forward. It's my understanding that you'll find everything you need for our date this evening in this box... If you care to join me, I'll be the devastatingly handsome man in the car downstairs. I can't wait to see you. - You know who"
"Holy shit."
Who does this type of thing? Tom Hanks in a Nora Ephron movie, maybe? But you're no Meg Ryan. Not even close. And never in a million years could you have imagined this sort of treatment. You're being courted like a Julia Roberts' character. It's unfamiliar but also alluring as hell.
You tear through the paper, like a kid at Christmas, digging until you find the dress. Short but appropriate. Figure flattering, you think, as you lift the garment from its package. Gold, which seems to be a theme, sparkling but not heavy, this dress is top quality and clearly costly.
Underneath more tissue lay a pair of shoes. Strappy, with a thick heel that feels sturdy, but still classy cool. Loki had nailed your style and somehow managed to elevate it as well. In a green velvet bag, nestled in the corner of your gift, you find a pair of hoop earrings the exact shade of gold your dress gave off, emerald stones studding the circlets.
"He thought of everything..." and you giggled out loud at the insanity of all this. You were amazed at the details Loki captured, outfitting you from top to bottom, in clothes that were not from the outlet store. Just when you thought you'd unwrapped everything from your Mischief maker, another layer of paper parted.
Moaning softly, your core tightened reflectively as you reveal a pair of green lace panties, edged in black ribbon. The accompanying bra, corresponding in color and material, was a piece of wearable art. Loki would know what your underwear looked like. He had selected them for you, after all. It made you blush again, heat rising in your face.
Looking at the outfit Loki sent, you shook your head. All of his effort, which some might read as self serving, you actually found endearing. There was intention behind all of Loki's moves, he had admitted as much during one of your conversations, and to you it seemed like winning you over was his end game.
Biting on your lip, smiling at your expensive, over the top present, you headed for the bathroom. You had a date to get ready for.
---
He was nervous. Why should he be? The gift had been delivered, as he requested. The car was waiting, directions to your destination locked and loaded. Now, all Loki needed was you.
Pacing the sidewalk, Loki stalls as you push through the apartment door. He knew the dress would look good on you but he wasn't prepared for how good it would look. Mouth dry, words failing him, Loki can only offer you a boyish grin.
"Good evening!" You're effervescent and sparkling, Loki is caught in the glow of you, a moth to your flame. Leaning into him, you plant a little kiss on his cheek, "Well? What do you think?" Twirling, eager for his approval, you strut and spin, showing off.
Shaking his head, clearing the stupor of seeing you all shined up, "What do I think? I think you need to get into the car." His hands circle your waist, pulling you tight enough to feel Loki's beating heart.
"What?"
"You look good enough to eat, my darling. If you don't get in now, I'm afraid I'm going to take you, right here on this filthy sidewalk."
"Oooo… I see. Well, don't threaten me with a good time, sailor." Throwing a mock salute, you tease Loki, shamelessly.
Whispering into your ear, fingers digging into the swell of your hip, "It's no threat. It's a promise. Tonight, you're mine!"
Chuckling sweetly, batting your eyelashes his way, "And here I thought you just wanted to buy me dinner."
"Breakfast. I'm holding out for breakfast, dear."
Turning to face him, one foot in the car, you counter tartly, "Let's see if you can stay up that late, Odinson."
"Oh, I can do this all night."
---
Dinner is not what you expected.
Opting out of fancy, formal dining rooms or tiny, bustling bistros, Loki surprises you by pulling up at a row of food trucks. People mill around, their laughter mingling with the shouts of stall workers. Playful children and music from the band performing live vie for attention from the adults present.
It's unexpectedly lovely. A pop up festival, bringing neighbors together for a night of food and fun. Your favorite little park, lit up with twinkle lights and vintage light posts, reflected in the shimmering river.
"I hope this is alright."
Swallowing swiftly, "Loki! It's amazing!"
Beaming, he grabs your hand. "What shall we have first?"
"Is that a taco truck?" You wiggle your eyebrows excitedly, making Loki grin.
Nodding knowingly, he steers you toward the long line of tacos lovers, "Let's go, then."
As you wait, making small talk about your day, listening to Loki describe dealing with the Avengers, you have a minute to look him over.
Black trousers, finely pressed, accentuate his long legs. They match his well fitted jacket, snug over the bright white shirt he's wearing. Loki doesn't wear a tie, and somehow that's the sexiest thing about this outfit. The unbuttoned collar, loose and relaxed, shows just the telltale signs of chest hair, raven's wing black like his long locks.
"Darling, you're um… staring."
"Oh! I… It couldn't be helped." Sputtering, you blush at getting caught ogling your date.
"See something you like, little dove?" Something in his cinnamon steel tone makes your body react. There's lots that you like about Loki, his lethal good looks, the sexy sound of his voice, those strong, handsome hands. But what you like best is his ability to spar with you, intellectually. And that's also why you answer him, "Eh… I haven't decided yet."
Faking shock, "Still not convinced?"
Elbowing him, "Like I'd tell you that."
"That really hurts, dearest. I am wounded. Bleeding."
Your wine tinted laugh gives him goosebumps, "You'll live."
---
Tacos ordered and eaten, beers consumed. Walking and talking, Loki tells you about Thor and their childhood together. You spill about your family, your work, and your wants. When you're with Loki it feels so natural, as if you had always been together, as if you always would be. His hand grabs yours, twining fingers, connecting you to each other. It's not enough for him. Anxious to hold you closer, Loki directs you towards the band and makeshift dance floor in front of the stage.
"Let's dance" Those blue eyes twinkle at the prospect.
"Loki, I'm a terrible dancer." An easy and truthful excuse, if not the whole story. Reluctance made your feet heavy.
Grinning widely, "Lucky for you, I'm not." Loki, eager to have his arms around you, feel your body close to his, was radiating excitement.
Gripping your hand in his, Loki, more than urgently coaxing, leads you towards the musicians and the couples already moving to the music. Stalling, your tentative steps slow, a gap as your clasped hands stretch apart. "Loki... I don't know about this."
Your free hand fidgets, tugging at the golden hem of your dress, trying to hide more of your body than material would allow. Anxiety curled in your belly poisoning your brain. Your muscles stiffening in dread.
Blissfully unaware, "I brought you here to show you off. You see, I want everyone... everything, to know you're my girl!"
But how could you tell him that, as sweet as his sentiments were, you still felt as though you took up too much room? How you couldn't shake the sense that all the people here were waiting to see you stumble, eager to laugh, to poke fun at the flailing, falling fat girl? "Loki... please..."
It was whiny. It was pleading, in either case, making yourself the center of attention made you feel weak, fragile, vulnerable. Tightening against your arm, Loki was practically forcing you into the throng of swirling bodies. Bracing your legs hard, pulling against his hold, "Loki... No, ok?"
Unfazed, jerking against your wrist, "Darling, I promise, it'll be fun! Come on!..."
"No!"
You hadn't meant to shout it. Nearby, snapping heads focused on the pair of you, scandalized and shocked. Shrugging free from your date's grip, turning away from Loki, you brusquely made your way through the crowd, filling eyes on a distant spot to collect yourself.
"Darling! Wait!" Loki's voice, calling to you over the din of merrymaking, sounds surprised.
Spinning your head towards his, your attention diverted for only a second, your shoe catches on the sidewalk. To keep from crashing into the ground, arms flailing, you turn too quickly and rush into a wide wall of a man. Colliding at full speed, you feel his beer splash onto the ground, amber liquid washing over your feet.
"The fuck?! Look where you're going, you stupid bitch!"
"What?! I'm sorry... what?" Stunning, that's what his vulgar comments were, disorienting and rude. Radiating drunken anger, now directly focused on you, he moved closer.
Naturally, you took a small step backwards, but this man was out with his friends. Guys who were just as large, just as crude, taunting you with hurtful words. Blocking any retreat you might have made, the lined up loosely behind you. Bubbling panic, revulsion and shame rose in you, each more bitter tasting than the last.
You couldn't even vocalize a cry for help. The abrupt change in energy paralyzed you. Luckily, your date wasn't too far away. "Excuse me? Perhaps I can assist here?"
Loki, stepping smartly through the divide of dudes, cut into the conversation, casually commanding everyone's attention. Without looking directly at you, Loki put himself between you and the threat, creating a physical shield with his body. Stepping up to Loki's brogues, the loudmouth countered, "Oh yea? The fuck are you gonna do, you skinny ass punk?"
"So, so many things... but for the sake of my lady, I'm going to offer you a fresh drink and let bygones be bygones. What do you say?" Flashing the grin that hid all of his feelings, Loki seethed inwardly, yet calmly offered the offending oaf his hand.
"I say, fuck you and your clumsy bitch!" Punctuating this curse with a rude hand gesture, the thug pushed against Loki, attempting to assert dominance. Chin raised in defiance, ham handed fists curled at his sides, the man was itching for a fight. Drawing to your side, his arm circling your waist, Loki could feel your fear rising. While his own ire climbed, thundering through his body, Loki remained outwardly stoic.
"Oh no. Please. I beg you. Reconsider." You'd never heard Loki's voice like this before. Arid but still acidic, dripping with icy poison, his words burned with cold fury.
You just wanted to leave. Fighting and violence isn't high on your list of favorite past times. And you know that while Loki can hold his own, you hate the idea that he might have to… on your date, no less. "Loki... come on. Let's go." Tugging on his suit sleeve, you tried to redirect him. "I'm fine. Really." But you weren't and Loki knew that, too.
"Best listen to that fat whore."
A joyless laugh left Loki as he shook his head, shrugging, looking at you. "I tried."
There was a blur, movements too fast to track, as Loki brushed you away from the action. You heard a cracking pop as skin met bone, next a mewling whimper, then the sound of bulk hitting the concrete. Your eyes had been open the whole time and still you wouldn't believe what you were seeing. It was over in seconds, ending with Loki, shaking in rage, standing over the knocked out form of your insulter.
Straightening himself, chest heaving, Loki ran his trembling hands through his hair in an effort to settle himself. Coming back into his right mind, Loki looking to the friends of the defeated foe, "Take this mannerless... buffoon away from here." They wasted no time complying.
Casting his eyes on you, Loki saw the doe eyed distress in your expression. Part fear, part excitement, he wasn't sure which side you were leaning towards. He wanted to protect you, tuck you to his side, and keep you there safely. But you stood stock still, a hand over the surprised "o" of your mouth. Maybe if you shouted at him, Loki would feel better. But he was completely undone by the softness of your voice. Your unnerving whisper, "Loki! Oh my god..."
In shock, struggling to process everything that had preceded your rescue by fists, you were gaping at Loki, eyes wide. He reached for you, hand outstretched, "Darling...?"
In that word Loki tried to say so much. "I'm sorry. Don't be frightened… don't go. Not now, when you've seen my striped down, barest instinct at work." But what you heard in his endearment, Loki had no way to know.
Didn't you understand that Loki hadn't planned on knocking this... ass out. Your date was supposed to end with drunken giggles and hot kisses, not silence and sulking. Loki hadn't planned on a lot of things the night had thrown his way, your reluctance to dance with him, the sexy way you'd held your ground, the way your hips swayed as you left him behind. No, he hadn't planned on wanting you even more. When that goon narrowed his eyes, seeing you an easy mark, Loki was surprised at just how mad it made him. You were his, damn it, and there was no way in Hel he was going to let anything happen to you.
That's why watching you walk away from him for the second time this evening, well, that hurt worse than his swelling knuckles.
---
What, exactly, were you supposed to do now?
Adrenaline from witnessing Loki lay out that piece of human garbage pulsed through you, making your head swim and your skin tingle. Intense. That was the only word for the last, what was it? Twenty minutes?
In that time so much has happened. You had gone from carefree and flirting to dragged on the dance floor then being rescued like a Disney princess. What a night! Willing your body to inhale and exhale, shaking your hands to clear the excess energy you held, you began walking towards the water.
Luckily, the festival was uninterrupted. You could still hear the sound of laughter and music, fainter now, as you moved further away. This park, you knew it well by day, having spent many a Saturday morning strolling around it, tea in hand. At night it was no less lovely, with long shadows and vintage lamp posts lighting the winding paths, leading you quietly to the bank.
At the river's rail, a good distance from the night's festivities, you hooked one heeled foot over the lowest rung and leaned towards the rushing water. Resting your elbows on the aging metal, cool in the evening air, you admonished yourself for freaking out back there. But it was justified, right?
And Loki, he had to realize that you weren’t a subject of Asgard. You weren’t someone he could order around. There would be no forcing you to do his bidding, even if that bidding was swaying to a samba beat. Your mind was torn between regret and anger.
How hard would it have been to dance with him? You chastised yourself. If you had pushed yourself, stepped out of your comfort zone and into a step touch, then you would never know the sound of that disgusting man's voice. Or the rude names he'd called you.
But then... Loki wouldn't have rescued you either. He had laid out that enormous piece of shit with one swing. As terrifying as it was to witness, no one had ever come to your defense like that before. And, if you were honest, he looked amazing doing it.
Loki would think you were ungrateful, your mind said. That his stepping in to help you was what drove you away. In reality, your own insecurity had forced you to flee. How could Loki want a woman who got herself into situations that required his violent interventions? A person who couldn't even thank him for his help? A person, in his eyes, ashamed to be seen with him?
"There you are."
You shifted towards his voice, inky dark like the water in front you, as Loki braced his long back against the protective bars. Resisting the urge to fold you to him, be reassured that your feelings towards him hadn't vanished, Loki maintained a calculated distance. "First, please, tell me that you're alright?"
Loki saw your head bob, watching carefully as you pulled your bottom lip between your teeth, eyes refusing to swing his way. With an anguished whisper, "Can you no longer bear to look at me, little dove? Am I that monstrous, now?"
Hearing Loki's broken vibrato, the pained tremor in his tone, had you facing him in a second. "Monstrous? No... you're no monster, Loki."
"But... you ran?"
Nodding again, your eyes rising to his, shiny with unshed thoughts, "Yup."
"Look… that guy…"
Pushing away from the rough rail, rounding on Loki, "He was an asshole. One of a thousand I've dealt with in my life. They all say the same things, fat bitch, stupid slut, blah, blah, blah."
"So… I was right to…"
"Punch him? Yes! Of course… although, I wish you hadn't. I mean. I wish you hadn't needed to." Dropping her hands to her side, sighing, she turned focus back to the river.
"So, what? Is it my fault then? You bump into the biggest… idiot here and I'm to blame?"
"Oh, he's not the biggest idiot here."
"I beg your pardon? Are you saying…?"
Voice going slightly shrill, "Yea. I am. You're the big dummy, you big dummy!" Toe to toe with Loki, head raised in righteousness fury, "You can't just make me do whatever you want, ya know? I… I don't like to dance. Not in front of people anyway. And…"
In that moment Loki realized two truths. First, you were a fiery fighter, laying into him in a way no one had for ages. It made him smile. Second, "You're right. I am an idiot."
His about face took the wind out of her sails. She softened her shoulders a touch. Scanning Loki's face for falsehood, finding none, "Well, as long as you know that."
Silence spread between you. Not uncomfortable but not quite your easy vibe. Breaking the gentle din, "You're not... afraid of me, right?"
With a sigh, you thoughtfully answered, "Me? No... no. I'm not... but those guys? Yea, I'd say they're terrified."
It was a stupid joke, small even, but it helped break the tension of tonight. A smile, gentle and sweet grew across Loki's face. Exhaling a breath he didn't recall holding, opening his arms, "Come here....please?"
You resisted, just a moment's hesitation, as you weren't keen on giving in so easily. But he sounded so pleased with your answer, content. Loki slid closer, his hip bumping into yours, the drifting breeze carrying the scent of his cologne, and you couldn't help but surrender.
You let Loki draw you into his chest, the point of his chin resting on the crown of your head, comforting you both. "I... I wanted to show you off, you see. I thought it would be... well, fun. Considering that you might not want to dance? Or be the center of everyone's attention? It... well, it didn't even cross my mind."
"I... I'm just very self conscious, Loki." Stepping out of the comforting circle of Loki's body, facing him fully, "I spend so much of my life trying to make myself smaller... not be seen, not take up too much space, ya know? And tonight the least I could do... was dance with you." Ending with a breathless whisper, Loki's impossibly sharp features so near your own, you noticed the battling feelings of self loathing for his misstep and wolfish desire shining from those bottomless blue depths.
Your raw honesty was on stunning display as you gave voice to the real fear that Loki's assertive actions had caused. "If I hadn't been so... unreasonable, if I had listened better, you wouldn't have wanted to run. That... poor excuse for a man would have never laid eyes on you! It's all my fault."
"No, it's mine, Loki."
Shaking his head in regret, "Hardly, darling."
"Loki. I shouldn't have bolted like a frightened horse. I could have explained to you. I could have just danced with you..."
"Maybe, but I shouldn't have dragged you out there..."
"True, you probably shouldn't have. But you were so excited. And... I... I let you down."
"Let me down? Not possible. You are..." Sighing, Loki pushed a lock of your hair behind your ear, "you are more than a man like me deserves."
Your rich red laugh bubbling out of you, "Oh? Maybe I'm exactly what a mischievous man like you deserves. But I should've watched where I was going..." Your little hands were smoothing over the lapels of Loki's jacket as you slid closer to his tall frame.
Head falling forward, dark hair tumbling in a raven curtain, "I should've punched him sooner."
Pulling back from him just a bit, "Yea... why didn't you?"
"I didn't want to make a scene... a bigger one, anyway."
Resting your cheek over the center of his chest, murmuring, "Well, thank you. I'm glad you did it. It was heroic... and... also... kinda sexy."
"Kind of sexy, huh?" Lifting your chin, blazing blue eyes finding yours, Loki smirked.
"Yea... I never had anyone care enough to... ya know, protect me like that."
Tightening his hold on you, "Truthfully, he's lucky. I wanted to kill him. Those words, they are not remotely true, you know that, right?"
Gulping hard, a lump of emotion stuck in your throat, "Uh huh... I... Like I said, I'm glad you punched him. He deserved it."
Loki squeezed you hard, savoring the feel of you in his arms, relaxing into the scent of you. "I feel like I got this whole night wrong. Is... is there anyway I can make it up to you? Anything I can do to... you know, fix this?" Desperate and wanting, Loki was practically pleading for absolution, a corrective course of action.
"Walk me home?"
Why wait? Read the next chapter here: The Testing King Part 4
