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muddyorbsblr · 2 years

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talking in your sleep pt 1

Summary: Loki returns from a recon mission to discover that you hadn't slept since he left. Four days ago. based on the prompt "I haven't slept in four days"

Pairing: Loki x Reader (friends to lovers)

Word Count: 3.1k

Warnings: accidental sleep deprivation, light cussing, mild angst (?), Tony's a bit of a dick [let me know if i missed anything!]

"Hey, Reindeer Games, quit blocking the door, will you? I get it, you want out of here already because you can't stand being around us. Trust me, the feeling's mutual. But standing at the door while the Quinjet's still landing won't change a damn thing."

"It will guarantee that I am the first one out these doors, Stark," Loki grumbled in response, not moving an inch from his position by the door. Stark wasn't entirely wrong; he truly didn't wish to be around the billionaire, or his oaf of a brother. But he wasn't entirely right, either; if he allowed himself a moment of honesty, he wanted out of the flying vessel so that he could see you again.

You'd started working for Stark shortly after the god had been sent back to Earth due to a deal made by Thor on his behalf with their father, the Allfather, that instead of wasting away in a cell in Asgard for a thousand years, Loki would be utilized as an asset by the Avengers along with his brother as recompense for his attack on New York. When you'd started working at the tower, you recognized him immediately because of how often the news bombarded you with his face in those few days as well as the weeks – the months, really – that followed.

Not that you were complaining, of course, it was a devastatingly handsome face.

He fully expected you to recoil the moment he saw the recognition in your eyes, but just as much as you could recognize his face immediately, you saw as well that he was not the same man--god, actually--that he was all those years ago when he led the Chitauri to wreak havoc in your home. So with all the confidence you could muster, you smiled at him just like you did the rest and said it was nice to meet him. And that started the two of you on your path to where you were now, friends. Close friends, to be certain, but despite the arguments that would be made by some that you were more.

You weren't more. He would surely know if you were.

"Leave my brother be, Stark. He does not simply wish to vacate this vessel because he's itching to be away from us. He also wishes to be reunited with our dear Lady Y/N." What was that mortal expression again? Even broken clocks were right twice a day? Yes. That was Loki's current sentiment towards his brother. Oftentimes he would read situations wrong, but this time he was dead on.

"So what's the deal with you and her anyway, Rock of Ages? You hitting that?"

Loki straightened his stance, as if ready to battle yet again, and faced his brother and Stark. "How dare you insinuate that I would ever harm so much as a hair on her head--"

"Brother, no, you misunderstand our genius friend." He scoffed at the words. "Friend" was not a word he would use to describe Stark. "He simply means to inquire if you're laying with Lady Y/N--"

"Don't be ridiculous, brother," he hissed. "I've simply grown accustomed to her company. And she's too intelligent to get involved with someone as nefarious as I." And too pure, he thought to himself. To make the misstep of courting her would only proceed to corrupt her untainted soul.

"Oh I get it," Stark's words broke through his reverie. "He's in love." He didn't bother to even react to that observation. "Oh. Look at that. No snarky comeback? No 'you are all of you beneath me'? Are you actually--Oh my god Thor look at him he's seething!"

"Stark, I implore you to desist." Thor's tone was now cautious. "Perhaps just leave him be for now." Unbeknownst to the god of mischief, his brother had observed how he behaved around you. How he treated you as if you were something precious, and on the occasions that he held you, it was as if you were a delicate petal that might wilt at his touch. Thor had his suspicions, but watching how his brother reacted to Stark's words cemented them into conclusions. His brother was in love with you, and he'd chosen the path that would risk nothing but guarantee that you stayed in his life.

When the Quinjet landed and its doors opened, Loki let out a groaned "Finally" before striding through the Tower, down a path that was most certainly not to his chambers. Anyone who crossed his path knew to stay out of his way, what with the purposeful strides and the almost gleeful look on his face, there was no doubt he was on his way to you.

It was only when he was just a few more steps away that he realized the sun had only began to break through the night clouds, not having fully risen. You weren't due to arrive at the Tower for another three hours.

So then why was he hearing movement coming from your office? At this hour?

He closed the distance to your office and opened the door, half expecting staff to be doing their rounds. Instead he found you, furiously typing away at your computer as you always did, but looking more frazzled than usual.

"Y/N? Darling?"

You jumped at the sound of his voice, not even registering a few moments ago that the door had opened. You turned your head and looked at the devastatingly handsome features of the god you were fortunate enough to call your friend. Even though every time you referred to him as such, a dull ache would make itself known in your heart. You wanted more. Of course you wanted more. You'd have to be a fool to look at him, to know him the way you did, and not want more.

But you knew better. You knew your place. You were meek and unremarkable compared to the likes of a master assassin like Natasha, or a powerful witch like Wanda. You wouldn't even be able to defend yourself in a bar fight. Being his friend was all you'd ever get. And you had to be content with that.

I am content with that, you told yourself. Fooling absolutely no one.

"You're back already?" you blurted out, realizing you'd spent a few moments too long spaced out and staring, and hoping he didn't notice.

"Already? Darling, I was gone for four days, I--hang on." He walked towards you, taking your hand and gently tugging you up to stand. And then he took a good hard look at you, as if trying to remember something. "Something feels amiss with you."

"Y/N? You're way too early, even for you," Natasha's voice floated in to your office. She threw a quick glance Loki's way. "Welcome back, Laufeyson." Then she turned her attention back to you. "You're in the same clothes from Monday," she remarked, the concern beginning to lace through her voice as she observed the candy packets and coffee cups littered throughout your desk.

"Yeah. Because it's Monday," you answered, wondering why these two were acting so strange.

"Sweetie, it's Friday. The guys left for a 4-day reconnaissance mission on Monday morning. They returned today. Have you…have you been in here the entire week?"

Realization dawned on you as the words escaped your mouth. "I haven't slept for four days?" And then your knees buckled.

If it hadn't been for the reflexes of the god who wrapped his arm around you and held you upright, you would've for sure been on your ass on the floor right about now. "Sweetheart," he whispered into your ear, making you question if your heart picking up its pace was from the copious and questionable amounts of caffeine coursing through your bloodstream, or from his proximity to you. "Have you even eaten?"

"Do those count?" You motioned to the empty snack packets on your desk, causing him to groan as he rested his head against your temple.

"My darling human," he murmured, the rest of his words spoken too softly to be heard over the thundering of your heart.

"Alright, Y/N? Sweetie? I'm gonna fix you something to eat. Something proper. And then you're gonna get some sleep. I'll tell Stark you're not reporting for work today. Now go take a shower. Can you walk on your own? Loki, let her stand." He let you go, his arms poised to catch you in case you were to stumble over again; you didn't. And you managed to make your way over to Natasha without tripping over your own feet, which gave her a bit of reassurance. "Okay. Grab a change of clothes from my closet, get yourself cleaned up. Then make your way back down here and eat something before you go to sleep, okay?"

You nodded as you made your way upstairs. You briefly heard her tell Loki not to follow you, and then holler at Wanda to make sure you made it to her room alright, and the Sokovian met you at the top of the stairs. "Y/N, you look awful. What happened?"

"I forgot to sleep." The look she gave you prompted you to say more. "For four days."

She looked towards the common area, chuckling to herself. "No wonder your god looks completely beside himself."

"He's not my god, Wanda, he's--we're--we're friends." In your compromised state, you could barely contain the hurt that laced your voice as you said the words. "Just friends."

"But you love him," she prodded. "And I've seen the way he looks at you. That's not a look of friendship, dear one."

"You're wrong, Wan." You may be sleep deprived, but you were adamant in your convictions. "He simply tolerates me a bit more than the rest of you, that's all. That's it and that's all."

"If you say so, my friend," she murmured as you made it to Natasha's room. You walked straight towards the shower. "Any preference?" she called from Nat's closet.

"I just want my bits covered, Wan. I'll leave the rest to you."

Fifteen minutes later you emerged from Nat's bathroom in a fluffy white towel, eyeing the emerald green silk camisole and shorts set that Wanda laid out for you. "Really?" You proceeded to eye her.

She shrugged in response. "Suits you. Makes you look regal."

"I'm assuming you're not familiar with the concept of wearing certain colors in Asgardian culture, then?" At least your brain seemed like it was a bit sharper, thanks to the shower.

"No, I am." The smirk on her face told you she'd been hanging around with Thor and Nat too much. "I'm not lying about the color making you look regal, Y/N. It really does. Regal and his."

"I'm not his," you snapped, making yourself flinch. "I mean I am, but I'm not. I'm his but he doesn't know it. He doesn't care. We're friends. That's it--"

"--and that's all," she finished. "I get it, I get it. Now I'm pretty sure that despite our friendship, sharing panties is where we draw the line, so you'll have to go without." You shrugged, figuring as much, as Wanda turned around to let you change into the borrowed clothes.

She led you back to the stairs where Loki was waiting for you at the end. He threw a look towards Wanda when he caught sight of your outfit, and you were too caught up in making sure you didn't trip that you didn't catch her mouthing a "You're welcome" his way. When you reached the bottom of the steps, he wrapped his arm around you and led you to the kitchen island where Nat had a sandwich ready for you.

"You know I'm perfectly capable of walking, right? I managed just fine a while ago." You did your best to keep your tone light, almost joking. So that he hopefully couldn't see through you and see that you were fighting every urge to swoon and fawn over your current predicament. Just friends, just friends, you chanted over and over in your head.

"I prefer having my reassurances," he answered you simply as he lifted you onto a bar stool by the island. "You're far too precious to be compromised," he whispered as he pressed a kiss to the top of your head.

"Eat," Nat ordered, placing a glass of water as you took a bite. You winced at the sound your stomach made as your body began to recognize that it was being fed real food and not something ultra-processed and sealed into a colorful wrapper. When you finished your sandwich, she took your hand and gave you a pill. "Melatonin. Drink. Then go to my room and rest. I'll be away the whole day anyway--"

"Nonsense, she's staying with me," Loki cut her off. "You've mentioned multiple times that you keep blades hidden throughout your chambers, some of which are very well within reach of anyone sleeping in your bed, Romanoff. She's safer with me." Your blood ran cold. Sleeping in the same bed as him? In your current state of dress? Yeah, that sounded like the worst idea.

You opened your mouth to protest but the look on his face told you that wasn't any better of an idea. He seemed hellbent on personally making sure that you were nursed back to your normal state of mortality. He motioned to the pill in your hand. "Drink it, darling." You did as you were told. "Good girl." You fought every instinct you had in order not to show the effect those words had on you. His next words, though? You were completely gone. "Let's get you to bed."

"You know, Jack Frost, if you wanted to get dear Y/N into bed with you, you could've just asked," you heard Tony quip as he walked into the kitchen. Then he took a look at you, your sullen face and your sunken eye bags. "What happened--"

"She didn't sleep for four days," Natasha answered.

"I was trying to find a weak point in the security system of a group called the Ten Rings, you might be familiar with them, Tony, they were--" Your words got cut off as you felt the air leave your lungs, your feet leaving the floor as the dark-haired god scooped you up into his arms and carried you up the stairs and away from the conversation. "Hey!"

"No more talk of work, little mortal. It will still be there when you wake. For now you have to rest."

"Take next week off, Y/N! I don't want to see you in that office of yours for the next seven days!" Tony hollered from his place in the kitchen.

When you and the god were out of sight and earshot, Nat addressed Tony. "Isn't that a bit too much? I mean today and Monday? Yeah, I understand. But the whole week? What game are you playing, Tony?"

"Laufeyson's," he answered the assassin. "I'm giving him game. Those two are idiots in love if I've ever seen it. And call it a gut feeling, but I think one of them's finally gonna confess. The week is more a gift to him than her."

"Aww you're warming up to him."

"You tell anyone and the next mission I send you on is with Barnes. Just Barnes."

You finally felt the effects of the medicine kicking in as you laid in the center of Loki's bed, listening to him reading you poetry with his silken voice. You didn't want to but you felt your eyelids falling, despite wanting to keep awake a little longer just so he'd keep reading to you.

"Sleep, my darling," he chuckled as you let out a yawn.

What possessed you to shuffle closer to him and rest your head on his chest – his bare chest, mind you – you would never know, but you'd blame it on the Melatonin. "Thank you for making sure I don't stab myself in Natasha's bed," you mumbled against his skin, unable to register that his heartbeat had gone erratic against your ear.

He pressed a kiss to your hair. "Of course, my precious mortal. I'll always watch out for your safety, you can hold me to this promise." He ran his fingers lightly up and down your side, trying to help you get to sleep faster, so that he could allow himself to lose his feigned composure at the feel of your soft body against his.

You wrapped your arm tighter around him and burrowed your face into the crook of his neck as you mumbled, "I knew there was a reason I fell in love with you."

His hand stopped. His breath stopped. He could have sworn his heart stopped as the words left your slumbering mouth. "What did you say?" he all but choked out.

He felt you shrug against him as you said, "Why the fuck not. It's just a dream anyway." His breath hitched as he awaited your words. "I fell for you. Head first. Absolutely stupid in love." If it hadn't been for the drowsy tone of your voice he could've sworn you were awake. Or perhaps he wished you were, so that he could look into your eyes as you said these words. "I know I shouldn't be. Ruin the friendship and all that. But you didn't exactly make it impossible. You're perfect. Annoyingly perfect. And I was defenseless."

"Oh Y/N," he breathed out. "My dear heart. My darling, beautiful little human. Are you telling me you're mine?"

"I'm yours," you murmured. "I've always been yours." You nuzzled more into the crook of his neck, whispering against his skin, "I love you, Loki Laufeyson." The tears escaped him at those words, rolling down his cheeks. "Such a damn shame you don't feel the same way." It was as if the world had stopped turning as he felt you press your lips to his neck, letting out a contented sigh, before you fully succumbed to sleep. He had to tell himself to remember to breathe as he felt your breaths even out, letting him know that you had finally surrendered your body to rest.

The god, on the other hand, didn't sleep a wink. He couldn't. Not when there was so much he wanted to say. Not when there was so much to plan.

A/N: Yes there will be a part 2, I'm not leaving it here. I just had to cut myself off because I'm incapable of writing short stories ahhh

Part 2 is up and available HERE!

Taglist: @lokisgoodgirl @lokischambermaid @imalovernotahater @redbluekjw @lucylaufeyson3 @thomase1

#loki x reader #loki fluff #loki x female reader #loki fanfic #loki fanfiction #loki laufeyson #loki laufeyson fluff

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telvess · 5 months

Note

Halloween is over but the spooky never ends

Reaction to a handing SO a spell jar/ them finding out they have an alter dedicated to them

Jataka, Loki, Buddha, Your favorite

RoR: Receiving a spell jar from s/o OR finding out s/o has an alter dedicated to them (Jataka, Loki, Buddha, Thor, Apollo)

Jataka (spell jar)

That’s very kind of you. Jataka had received gifts from others before, either because he was their prince, or because he was sick, and they tried to comfort him, but from you… it was a different feeling. Especially if there’s no occasion.

Jataka will ask all kinds of questions about the spell jar. He's interested in whether it's part of your culture or just a little thing that's been passed down in your family for generations. If this is important to you, he'd love to hear the details. Seeing how excited you are to share this part of your life with him makes him happy.

He holds the jar close to him. He doesn’t believe it actually has any mystical power, but it was created by your hands and that’s what’s important. You put your whole heart into it, so how could he not appreciate it?

Loki (spell jar)

The what? A spell jar? Pfft, hahahaha, how stupid of you! It has no power! It’s nothing! Silly human rituals…

proceeds to keep it anyway

And then he plays dumb if you find out he actually kept it. Good luck getting him to tell the truth. He would never admit that a gift from you is very precious to him. Of course, part of him wants it, but another part knows that you know the truth…

Loki likes to keep spell jar in his pocket, it’s small and easy to hide. Sometimes when he gets bored he just play with it a bit, wondering why he doesn’t just find you instead and play with you…

Yes, he will definitely pay you a visit.

Buddha (alter)

Oh? Did you do this for him? How sweet of you. But can you put some good candies on it? This is the kind of offer that interests him.

Buddha mocks you a bit about this whole thing. Nothing serious, of course, but he finds your altar amusing. He used to be a prince, he is a god now, and he still doesn’t care much about sacrifices, gifts, prayers, bows… everything that people do for those they consider superior over themselves. It’s just not his thing.

At some point he will tell you he doesn’t need it. He wants you to waste your time not on your alter, but on him. But once again - bringing the candies as an offering is never a bad option.

Bonus characters:

Thor (spell jar)

But do you remember that he is the strongest among the Norse gods?

He doesn’t need luck to win his fights, but once you point out that he might need it for other stuff, Thor will accept the gift.

He keeps it in his private chambers, in a safe place. Far from Loki’s hands (But let’s be honest, Loki will find out somehow anyway). Thor checks it every night before sleep, except when you share a bed with him.

He thinks you’re adorable with your little spells.

Apollo (alter)

The alter for him! Made by his sweet s/o! How lovely, how wonderful!

His narcissistic side is very pleased to see how much time and work you put into making something just for him. Apollo takes his time admiring the work of your hands. He asks questions about details and compliments profusely.

If he found out by accident and you’re embarrassed, don’t worry. Apollo wouldn’t mock you. BUT he may mention your little secret to Ares or Hermes (he’s so proud of you) and they might sneak in a few snarky comments.

#record of ragnarok #shuumatsu no valkyrie #ror x reader #snv x reader #ror jataka #ror loki #ror buddha #ror thor #ror apollo #udj

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fanficsformyfaves · 6 months

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Cardigan

Loki Laufeyson x Fem Asgardian!Reader

WARNINGS: ANGST, Mentions of Death and Grief, Abandonment Issues, Insecurities

PREFACE: Loki and Reader have always been frenemies of sorts, constantly teasing and getting on each other's nerves, but that all changed when Loki started growing distant.

A/N: Flashbacks in Italics!

Frigga doesn't die and Loki knew he was adopted since he was a child in this A/U!

My big scary baby :,(

I've been with the Royal Family since I was merely a child. My father was one of King Odin's guards, so I'd spent nearly my whole life within the palace's walls, becoming one of Queen Frigga's handmaidens.

Thor and I got along great...it was his brother that was the issue. All I ever heard about the young prince was that he liked to cause trouble. For his family, the people of Asgard and the staff who worked to end, trying to clean up his messes.

I was more than certain it had to do with his Jotunn side, but, I withheld from making such remarks.

To say our friendship was complicated would be the understatement of the millennium. He was always so audacious, especially towards the staff, which did not exclude me.

A vivid memory I had growing up was one where Loki decided it would be a good idea to shapeshift into snake and 'surprise' me, as I was making a visit to Thor's chambers.

"Thor?", I called out into the room,

Peaking my head in.

"Your mother says it's supper time"

Being met with no response, I figured he was already on his way to the dining hall and just as I was turning to leave and head back to my quarters, I see a serpent hastily slithering towards me.

I let out a blood-curdling scream, jumping back against the door and landing inside of Thor's room.

"Help! Someone!", I yell,

"(Y/N)?", I hear Thor's voice,

I turn back and see him, looking down at me with concern laced in his eyes. A flash of green catches my attention and when I face the front of me once more, I was met with Loki struggling to breathe from laughing so hard.

"You should've seen your face!"

"That is not funny!", I scold,

As Thor helped me onto my feet.

"Oh, lighten up, it was a harmless joke"

"Harmless? My heart nearly gave out!"

He scoffs, before exiting the room.

Let's just say that wasn't the first nor the last of his practical jokes, so at some point, I've just grown accustomed to the mischief. You can only be poked at so many times, before you've grown immune to the constant teasing.

But despite everything and him being the snarky son of a bitch that he was...I still found myself falling for him.

I remember the night that it happened.

I was just nineteen, when my father died protecting Odin. It took place on one of his missions, when an ambush broke out and he was pierced through the heart by someone after the king.

I was sitting in my room, stitching up one of Thor's capes, when my best friend walked.

"(Y/N)", the fellow handmaiden called out into my room,

"Yes?"

That's when I noticed the worry in her eye.

"What is it?", I questioned,

Standing up from the bed.

"What's wrong?"

"I'm so sorry", her voice gives out,

"You're scaring me", I warned.

It took her a moment to get the words out, but when she did, I felt my stomach drop to my feet.

"It's your father...he's dead"

Nothing felt real in that moment. I was more than convinced that I was just simply having nightmare.

"What?"

"There was an ambush during one of King Odin's expeditions and he took a sword through the heart", she wept.

I shook my head in disbelief.

"No"

"(Y/N)-", she says,

Taking steps towards me.

"No, you're lying"

She attempts to hold me, as I was repeatedly trying to pull away.

"You're lying!"

"(Y/N), please", she sobbed,

"YOU'RE LYING!"

Finally, she was able to pull my defeated frame into her arms, trying her hardest to soothe me.

"You're lying", I cried against her shoulder,

"Papa"

That was all I could do in that moment. Repeatedly call out to him, knowing there would be no answer.

I was so devasted by his loss. I locked myself away for days, not being able to sleep or eat. Whenever someone would try to check in on me, they were simply met with my voice through the door telling them I was fine.

Thor, being my best friend, organized a private funeral to honor his last selfless act.

So, there I stood before his casket, with tears streaming down my face, as I wished it had been me who took that blade instead.

"He was a noble man, (Y/N)", Thor said,

Placing a careful hand on my shoulder.

"This isn't fair", I whispered,

"I know"

"Of all people, why him? He was good. He's only ever been good", I struggled against my tears.

No longer being able to hold my composure, I walk out of the room and collapse onto the floor, gathering the remainder of my strength to sit up against the wall, before burying my face in my knees.

I'd never felt so crushed. Like, the rug had been ripped away from beneath my feet, sending me crashing onto the cold hard ground face first.

A moment of quiet passes, when I hear the door's handle click open.

"Thor, please leave me alone", I pleaded,

"It's not Thor"

I look up and see Loki, standing before me.

"Sorry to disappoint"

I sigh.

"If you're here to pick on me, now isn't exactly the best time", my coarse voice warned,

As I turned away. Just as I thought he would take the hint and leave me be, he joins me on the floor.

"I'm not going to. Not on a day like this", he reassured,

Placing a hand atop mine.

"He truly was a good man"

I nod, still unable to look him in the face.

"Yeah. He really was", I agreed,

Tearing up once more.

"I am aware of the fact that we do not always see eye to eye, but...I'm here to listen. Whether it's you crying or spilling your heart out, I will be there. Believe it or not, I do care about you"

"You don't have to-"

"I do"

I look back at him, confused.

"You and your father have always been so good to my family, even if it meant putting yourselves in harm's way"

"So this is what this is? A pity talk?"

"What? No-"

"If you're doing this because you feel bad for me, then don't"

He sighs to himself, before continuing to speak.

"I am here because you've turned everyone away and try as you might, it won't work on me. I've known you long enough to know that isolating yourself will only make things worse for you in the end"

I was speechless. I'd never seen him so sincere or honest. It was almost chilling.

"I'm not going anywhere", he promised,

Intertwining our fingers. That was the first time I'd felt something other exasperation for the prince. I felt...safe. Like, for the first time in what felt like my entire life, I was finally being seen.

Too tired to argue, I lay my head against his shoulder, whilst closing my eyes.

Since that day, our relationship had mellowed out and we could actually communicate without biting the other's head off. I actually grew to enjoy his company more and more as the days went on, but with the enjoyment, came the worry.

I was falling for him and I knew it.

What worried me wasn't the act of actually falling, more so the certain rejection I would face, if my true feelings were to ever surface past the bounds of my mind.

Despite that, he and I would eventually become the best of friends. Sneaking out past curfew to drink till the sun came up, whilst he talked about the adventures he and Thor would go on.

"It's true!", he defended,

As I let out a loud cackle.

"Oh, you and your brother are something else", I reply,

After catching my breath.

"Well, what can I say? I'm quite fun"

"I'm sure"

I turn to face him and he was already staring at me, with a soft smile. I shoot him a confused look, taking a sip from my cup.

"What?"

"Nothing", he shakes his head.

I couldn't help but blush at his gaze.

Seemingly, out of the blue, Loki had begun distancing himself from me. He would no longer meet me at midnight or even make his usual sarcastic remarks at me.

"Loki, I had a question about this book I found-", I asked,

Walking up to him, when he cuts me off by slightly brushing past me.

"Ask Thor", he replied dismissively.

This would go on for the next following weeks. Him avoiding me and me endlessly wondering why. Yes, I was confused, but more than anything, I was hurt. After everything, he was back to being cold and unkind.

"Are you alright?"

"I'm fine"

"Loki-"

"I said I'm fine! Could you please leave? I don't have the patience for your vexing today!", he yells.

I hadn't seen him for days after that. All I could do was carry on with my duties and spend the nights crying till I was to exhausted to stay awake. Was it something I had done? Or said? What could have possibly happened to make him hate me? Too many questions left unanswered, till I could no longer bare the agony.

If this was meant to be the end of the line for us, I was going to get that closure. No matter the hurt that awaited me at the other side of it.

I searched up and down the entire palace looking for him, but to no avail. I eventually run into Thor, but he was more nervous than usual.

"Thor, have you seen your brother?"

"No", he said,

Avoiding my gaze whilst trying to walk past me, when I block his way.

"Thor"

"(Y/N), I must go"

"What? I just need-"

"I must", he interrupts,

Finally making contact with my eyes. That's when the realization sunk in.

"Loki", I mutter under my breath.

He sighs, shapeshifting back into his usual form and brushing past me.

Being much taller than me, I chased him down the halls, struggling to keep up with his long strides.

"Loki!", I yelled after him.

But alas, my call was ignored.

"Loki, I can't keep up with you!"

"Then leave"

"Loki!"

He finally stops in his tracks and hesitantly turns back to face me.

"What?"

"You've been avoiding me for weeks", I shrug,

"And?"

"And I deserve to know why"

He scoffs, rolling his eyes.

"You owe me that-"

"I owe you nothing"

His words cut deeper than he knew. Just as I was about to speak, he turns and walks away.

"I'm not done talking to you!"

"I am"

I could no longer hold back the sadness that turned into rage. I was at my limit and I wanted him to know that.

"You're a coward!"

He pauses for a moment.

"After everything, you're just gonna walk away? That's how you wanna end things?", I yell on the verge of tears.

I knew he could hear it in my voice. The pure disappointment and defeat intertwined with my words.

"Fuck you! Fuck you!", I repeated.

I see him take a deep breath, before continuing to walk.

"At least tell me why! What did I do to make you hate me?"

"I don't-", he says,

About to reach his chambers.

"Then why?!"

"Because I love you!", he finally admits.

In that exact moment, everything went quiet. It was as if the world had stopped spinning on its axis and the rest of humanity disappeared around us.

As I stood there, trying to process what I'd just heard, he began slowly making his way to me.

"That is why I've been so cold. See, despite you being a thorn in my side, I couldn't help myself from falling for you. You are beautiful, brave and smart"

I had no words. Did I hear him correctly or had I finally lost my mind?

"But what I admire most...is your heart", he said,

Gesturing to his own.

"I was a lost cause till you deemed me otherwise. You believed that I was worthy of redemption regardless of everything horrible thing I'd done. Not many did and yet that did not sway you. You found it within yourself to forgive me for all the years I'd mistreated you and I will never be able to repay you for that"

"Loki", I whisper,

"I was and still might be that monster parents tell their children about at night, which leaves me wondering how someone like me end up with a person such as yourself in my corner. I know I do not deserve you, (Y/N), but I can no longer hide my true feelings for you"

It was getting harder and harder to fight back the tears that were threatening to spill. To hear him speak so lowly of himself was utterly painful. He wasn't that monster anymore and I knew that to be true.

"Now...feel free to tell me how repulsed you are and how much you hate me, so that we may resume our regular banter, before I inevitably lose my mind over you again"

"Loki-"

"TELL ME!", he screamed,

Causing me to flinch back in shock.

"I can't do that", I said quietly,

He shakes his head, aggressively wiping a tear away.

"Because I don't hate you. I never have"

I take a few careful steps towards him, as he eyes me down.

"Yes, the things you've said to me in the past have gotten under my skin...but none of that matters anymore"

Gently cupping his face, before finally closing the gap between us. His lips were softer than I could've imagined.

It took a slight beat, but he eventually melted into my touch, as his hands held me by my waist. The kiss wasn't rushed or hasty, in fact, it was delicate and soft, like he was making up for the years he'd missed out on. Eventually, I pulled away, pouring my eyes deeply into his and pressing our foreheads together.

"I love you too", I reassured,

"You didn't give up on me...and I won’t give up on you"

#loki laufeyson #mcu #loki laufeyson x reader #loki laufeyson oneshot #loki laufeyson fanfic #loki laufeyson fluff #loki laufeyson angst #loki laufeyson smut #tom hiddleston

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hail-brod · 6 months

Text

A Chance and Beyond (1)

Next chapter: (Chapter 2)

Masterlist

Series Masterlist

Loki x FReader

Set after the events of Thor: Ragnarok and begins with Infinity War when the spaceship containing Thor and the other Asgardians were spared from the supposed attack of Thanos. Meaning, Loki is alive. But the threat still looms.

(Also, let's just pretend Hela didn't destroy Mjollnir :DD)

Spoilers for Loki season 2!

Warning/s: Just some cursing

WC: 3.3k

When you realized that your existence is in great trouble, you do your best to find a way to get back to where you were previously encapsulated as a time criminal. After all, they're the reason why you're fucked. But, seems like you'll be needing the Avengers' help first. And Loki's.

"What the fuck."

Was all Tony Stark could managed to say after being abruptly interrupted by a terrifyingly distorted figure appearing right in front of him, evidently disrupting the banter he was having with the so-called God of Mischief, Loki. The other avengers surrounding the two men were no different, frozen on their spot as they gather round in the sophisticated compound, loss for words at the woman who happens to appear uninvited.

You stood there breathless.

Without any second thoughts, they made their move directing a fighting stance at you, as if expecting a sudden attack. Just what you'd expect from the Earth's mightiest heroes.

Minus Loki.

Though, not without a hint of confusion delighting their faces.

After you had successful regain your balance, although still dreading the feeling of being ripped apart through time, you slowly flayed your hands up in defeat. Panting, you surveyed around.

You were in the Avengers' compound.

"What...in the hell was that?" the one who seemed to have said that was actually the only one hesitant to attack you, knuckles upfront him with an obvious unsureness as his eyes warily scanned you. Gaping, he continued. "Did I...Did I hallucinate that or...? Oh, god, am I going mad?"

"I don't believe that is the case here, Banner." boomed Thor, holding out Mjollnir threateningly. Eyes stern at your panting form.

Alright, how fortunate to see a very familiar face.

"I hope so. Or else, I might as well decide that being on a whole different planet for a whole year and being part of a godly family crisis has already altered my mind in many different ways."

"Bruce, calm down." a bearded blonde man with a shield said. Steve Rogers. You recall. "Just be thankful that isn't the case here because it certainly isn't."

You wish you could snort at the exchange but you have other matters to focus on at the moment. Though, you held Banner's terrified gaze with a wary of your own as you think for a moment who Banner is but you brush it aside.

You can't afford to dilly-dally with such questions and just preferably, avoid starting a needless fight.

With Stark now a few steps back from you, hands enclosed in his iron red gauntlet with the center of his palm alight, he eyed you suspiciously. He pointed at you, threatening to blast you on your spot. Not even sliding the chance to put out a snarky comment. "I don't know about that Cap. I think we've all gone mad."

"Shut it, Tony." the blondied woman in a black armored and leather suit remarked, eyeing the freaked out Banner. "Now's not the time."

He only gave her a stern look before returning it back to you, although not without muttering something under his breath. You can almost make out the mocking smile he had before seriously staring you down.

That's also when you perfectly noticed the raven haired God at your other side. Just like Stark, he was a few steps away. Your hands were still in the air as you didn't waste a second to slowly shift your eyes to the God who you we're just with a few hours ago.

Technically, it isn't him and also, you're not even certain if that was a few hours ago. TVA has victoriously displaced your sense of time and you have no choice but to set that aside for now.

First and foremost, let's not die in the hands of these worldly — and otherworldly — renowned superhuman Midgardian people.

"That was no sorcery." was all Loki could utter, blaring a suspicious glare at you. At this point, you can say that everyone here is glaring daggers at you with so much suspicion after just witnessing you appear uncannily right in front of their eyes. Loki's trusty daggers points at you with such intensity that you can't help but freeze on your spot entirely. You garner that moving further might just cause him to pounce on you and successfully cut your throat out.

Such a Loki trait. You consciously note. At the same time, it pricks a sense of oddness to you.

"For once, I can agree with you." this time, it was the man in a red cape. His hands projecting a some sort of fiery circular engravings — Or markings, it seems — that you were not familiar with. Although, it did felt familiar. "Who are you and why have you come here?"

Finally asking the right questions, everyone else anticipated your response.

"I'd really thought you'd ask how I did get here but, fine." your attempt at settling everything down with a little humor earned nothing. You only strained a smile. "You can put your guard down now. I doubt I can even inflict damage to any of you when I am outnumbered, don't you think?" You say with a nervous shrug.

"Wait.." Thor started. "You are an Asgardian."

Ah.

"Wait, what now?" a conflicted Banner turned to him with a frown. "Where did that come from?"

"Her clothing." it was Loki. Tilting his head, he slightly squinted at you. You can already feel their movements break from their stance but nonetheless, was still on guard. "But I wouldn't want to jump to conclusions if I were you, brother. A lie or two is easy to miss." he says that in a lowered and slick tone, eyes prying deep in your existence.

"Good preach, God of Lies, but why don't you myth brothers figure something out if she'll massacre us or join the party. Is that good or is that impossible?" Stark commands.

"That's-" Thor tries to say.

"I can do that." Oh no.

Without hesitation, Loki readies to attack you with a knowing smirk. You want to say that you expected that but in terms of fighting physically between you and him, he always precedes. Except when it comes to sorcery.

Yet, his daggers haven't spelt your doom when suddenly, you fell.

You fell and landed in a bright room enclosed with the very bright color of white. Norns, help me. At this point, I'm not even surprised if Midgardian structures could be capable of blinding me. Humans and their taste in design.

Before you could jump to assumptions whether you time-slipped again, you heard the sound of sizzling above you as you turn to look only to see a yellow ring close.

Oh. You thought. Of course. How can I forget that doctor wizard and his parlor tricks? I can do better than that.

But before you could prove it to no one in particular by trying to dematerialize a wall for your way out, which you expected to be unbreakable because, well, this is the Avengers' territory — you felt the familiar twist of your body as you closed your eyes, getting ready for what's to come. You're time-slipping. Again.

When you opened your eyes, you don't know if you should be relieved or not because you were still in the same spot.

I am seriously starting to despise this more than anything. You say in your mind, cranking your head in pain.

As if the universe has heard your impulsive thoughts for wanting to pride yourself as the better sorcerer, one episode of time-slipping has managed to avert your thoughts to a different one. There's really no point in trying to escape when you'll be thrown off eventually to a different timeline thus, relieving you off of this situation. At least you hope you'll have that kind of luck, considering that you're here imprisoned and untrusted by heroes. For the meantime, you painfully have a lot of questions.

The fact that you are time-slipping outside of TVA is making you feel wary and disoriented.

Not just that, because you're not being tossed around through time in one place like before in TVA, but because you're being tossed around in different branches of time. You can't help but overthink, a blooming panic erupts in you. If what you heard from Ouroboros was true, about the possibility of being lost to time, then maybe you can consider that that's what's occurring to you. Adding to that, how can Loki and the others track you when there's a number of branches exceeding spontaneously and you're amongst one of them — inconsistently appearing through one branch after another.

To hell with this time-slipping phenomenon.

Such thoughts have managed to waver your poised will. You don't want this. After everything that's happened, you're now overwhelmed by incomparable fear, enough to cover the pang of grief that you successfully tried to keep a hold off during the dangers you have encountered. And that causes you to resume the fear of losing something again. If before you've lost the right to exist in your own timeline, then now seems like you're losing more than you could think of.

A chance. The chance to only exist without the burden of being a criminal to time.

The Loki you met ensured you that. And you're scared to lose the hope you unconsciously held so close that he had given you.

You're scared that you're bound to be stuck in time, alone and nowhere to belong to.

You're just a displaced speck of entity in the vast timelines of universes, an error meant to be rid of.

Is this truly the ending that you deserve?

Just lost to time. For eternity.

After everything that you've been through, you think of the fact that your Nexus event was a fickle thing in the grand scheme of things. A mere sentiment, and now it's a fault that you apparently cannot undo.

Would you have regret it?

Ah. You think. That's the problem,

I don't.

For the love of Buri, what is happening?

You have already time-slipped thrice in a row now, and you're still where you stood afoot a few minutes ago.

You hitched your breathing as you relished the acquainted feeling of distortion, you exhaled in distraught. Your mind trying to run a million miles per second thinking of an explanation on the same bloody concept of time as well as your timely old friend, time-slipping. Marvelous.

But before you could sit down and relax on the cushions edging on two sides of the opposite walls which levels above your knee, you caught in the corner of your eye the wall you tried to dematerialize earlier; now fading from white to being transparent like glass.

And behind the glass wall stood your captors.

You tried to ground yourself with the wall beside you, but you pushed your body to the side so that you can at least have the decency to look like you aren't struggling so much. Because you definitely aren't.

"Good catch." remarked Stark. "We have so much going on today with Earth being threatened by a goofy alien that's apparently so much more dangerous than we could know — and now, you add more questions and trouble to that just for appearing out of nowhere like a grated spaghetti."

You almost missed the way the blonde woman rolled her eyes at Stark's words but nonetheless, you focus on what he said.

Earth being threatened by an alien.

"Do you mean to say... Thanos?" you ask. Doubtlessly aware of his feats and reputation in your timeline. Their heads perked up at the mention of the said Titan.

"You know of him?" quite surprised at the familiar voice, you turn to look at Thor.

Parting your lips with slight hesitation, you reply. "No. No, I do not. At least, not personally. He is called the Mad Titan, a galactic conqueror. Tis but a.... common knowledge where I come from."

"Which is Asgard, is it not?" Loki tauntingly says.

Oh, well.

He eyes you in victory for having caught your lie and the foolish words you had unintentionally slip. But he continued. "Or perhaps, my brother and I are mistaken to assume that you are a kin of our people. As well as considering that of your knowledge of this Mad Titan, you seem to know more than just that." you slightly stiffened, noting the lofty tone he had, slowly strutting his way forward with his hands tucked behind him. "Keep hiding your secrets but your eventual lies will get you nowhere when I'm here, imposter."

"Brother..."

"No, no, let him. It's great that we have a lie-detector in the team." Stark muses, earning an unamused head shake from Rogers.

Your gaze lingers a tad bit longer than you intended to at the raven-head, deciding whether you should even admit your unruly situation to them and potentially double their troubles a hundredfold by stating that their lives are also in danger from a timeless phenomenon and being at risk for the possible collapse of their existence altogether.

Probably not a good idea.

Moreover, you don't want to let yourself fall in the luxury of pitting yourself with fellow Asgardians and perhaps attain the old life you had when you woefully know that you have no place in any kind of reality no more. Your heart clenches at that.

But how can you possibly deny your origin and the non-sorcery distortion materialization, also called—

Your body aches and twists as you grit your teeth, shutting your eyes and reliving the ripping portion of this damned time-slip. As it ended, your breath wavers as you pant, shoulders crooked at the fleeting sensation it brought. Expecting that maybe you have been transported to another timeline, you peek one eye out.

You see the same faces and surroundings except this time, their reaction contorts to a series of pained and horrified expressions. Even Loki looked uneasy.

You exhale. "Pardon me, that must've been very unsightly." you eventually say.

"That just happened again." Banner gawks.

"Are you alright?" a stern voice asks. You turn to meet the concerned eyes of Rogers. "I assume that doesn't happen normally. Not even for Asgardians." you caught the quick glance he gave at Thor before focusing back on you.

You reply, nodding. "No, no, you're right. This is no common occurrence amongst the people of Asgard. It is simply just.... " you puff your body back up in a poised posture. "No, not simply." you let out a strained chuckle, confliction can be traced on your face. "To be painfully honest and blunt, I am lost through time and I haven't got a clue on what exactly I shall plan to do in these circumstances. Although indeed, I am an Asgardian but, from a different...let's say, reality. So rest assured because I don't plan on harming heroes I've accompanied in battle."

You were ready to receive their doubtful phrases and looks, but the sorcerer who brought you in this cage steps forward. Almost like he disapproved everything you had just mentioned.

"Time-travelling is not something to be tampered with. Unless, you're adept at the arts of time sorcery, and to be able to manipulate it without damaging our reality is rather a big feat for a sorcerer." he explains. This time, he frowns at you. "But no. Whatever's happening to you, it doesn't feel like magic."

You take in his words, holding his unrelenting stare. "You're right..."

You know Doctor Strange and his capabilities as the Sorcerer Supreme, and as you thought of the fact that he also possesses the Time Stone, maybe you can do something with his help.

Even though you know the chances of successfully using magic against a complication from TVA is way below the odds, you'd wager.

He raises a brow but before he could add more, you spoke. "Time-slipping." you pause, scanning his expression, hoping that maybe someone who knows so much about the expertise of time in terms of magic could help you discover your way back to TVA. Though, his face doesn't show any hint of knowing so you pushed further. "I've been repeatedly tossed around multiple branches of time against my will, but not because I time-traveled. For now all I can say is, I am stuck here in your reality and, well... with a distorting body."

"Great. Sure. Magic and sorcerers exist, even Gods, so why the hell would I not believe anything about time-traveling now? Tell me, Doc, is she making any sense to you?" Stark walks towards the said wizard. You slightly frowned at the tone he used. If this is how Tony Stark reacts to someone he doesn't trust just like how a particular individual mentioned to you, then you're glad that the Stark that you know favored you well.

Not that it matters anymore.

"I've never heard anything about that kind of problem. Especially now you do confirm it doesn't root from magic." the Doctor answers.

Stark hefts up his hands, looking around at everyone else, as if showing that his point has just been proven.

But from the corner of your eye, you noticed the way Loki haughtily rolls his eyes with a sigh and you perfectly know what irked him at that moment.

"As if a second-rate sorcerer could know anything more beyond the complexion of sorcery and time."

The only woman other than you sighs in slight frustration. "Oh, no. Someone please stop him."

If you weren't in a tight spot, you could've laughed at her compliant. Although, that earned her a glare from the trickster with crossed arms. For once in a while, it's nice to see Loki act so indifferently.

Strange only gave the God a pointed look before resting his eyes back on you. "Okay. If what you say is true, time-slipping as you would call it and to consider there's no magic tapping into this, what exactly do you plan on doing now?"

There it is. "I need your help."

"Are you shitting me right now?" Stark loops in.

"Even if with just your help, Doctor Strange. Please." you plead, firmly stepping closer to the glass barrier.

"How can you assure you're not just after something from us, specifically from him." Loki tips his head in Strange's direction. You know well that he caught unto your intentions as he spares a quick glance at the necklace of the said wizard.

Cocky snake.

At that, everyone stares at you sharply that if looks could kill, you'd be a dead corpse that has been stabbed with various types of weaponry magnificently forged by dwarves.

"You're not entirely wrong if you think that I'm after the Time Stone but for argument's sake, there is a reason why it is called the Time Stone." you explain, trying not to waver for being the receiving end to their eventual wrath. For a second, you thought you'd gain another yet of Loki's condescending retortions, but you're surprised that he only eyed you down impassively. Observing you.

Banner joins in. "If you admit it and put it like that then, I don't even know if you're lying or not anymore." he sits down on one of the metallic chairs by the semi-circular machinery in the middle of the room. "Even though that last part sounded dumb for an excuse; which is exactly why I'm having second thoughts."

"That's... I appreciate that — I think." you say, slightly frowning. It is dumb. You don't blame him though.

He gives you a tight-lipped smile which disappears immediately. "Yeah, no, it's fine."

Stark looks at him incredulously, as if he truly felt betrayed. "Bruce, what the hell?"

The others quirk confusingly at the exchange before you spoke again. "But to be clear again, that wasn't an excuse. Not for deception, at least."

It actually didn't sit quite well with you that the one who usually loves to deceive is standing idly in silence when you mentioned his expertise.

But you know that calculating gaze of his.

"Fine." you bat an eye at the person who spoke. "But you are to be restrained until we deem you trustworthy. One wrong step and you might just end up somewhere other than a cell."

A weight lifts up from your chest, somehow. You eye Strange in relief, almost a hint of exhaustion engulfs your expression but you blink it away. "I am grate-"

Your body contorts and twists once again.

Next chapter: (Chapter 2)

Masterlist

Series Masterlist

Ko-fi?

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mischief-lies-and-stories · 7 months

Text

Analyzing Loki's Love Interests (Canon and Foreshadowed and Not-So-Canon)

As always, spoilers for Loki, a multitude of comics, and the MCU. I'm focusing on primarily canon love interests and implied to potentially become canon love interests, with one glaring exception because I think they deserve to be included here.

Women Love Interests

Amora: leads Loki on and then betrays him (Where Mischief Lies)

Lorelei: betrays Loki in Agent of Asgard at least twice (and she's made appearances as Loki's love interest in other comics, too, but none that I've read). It should also probably be noted that Amora and Lorelei are sisters and both have also dated Thor in other comics.

Wanda: brief but a bit of a lead-on in Scarlet Witch 8. I wouldn't say she betrayed him, though.

Leah: they're children, mostly, so there's not explicitly romantic scenes. But Kid Loki is the reincarnation of his previous self, and Leah is a clone of Hela (which makes things weird, since Hela is inconsistently acknowledged to be Loki's daughter in the comics). Leah essentially betrays him, too. (Journey into Mystery)

Sylvie: Of course, she betrays Loki at the end of season one. On the one hand, it may be worse, because unlike all but Lorelei (of the comics I know), she led him on to the point of actually kissing him. Now, I will concede that she doesn't actually lead him on throughout the show (by my definition at least), so in this, she's certainly better than Amora or Leah. I think a few times she tried letting him down gently. But if you only look at the point of betrayal, I believe she and Lorelei are the only ones who kissed him, though Amora may have, too.

Men Love Interests

Theo: The only canon male love interest on the list; trusts Loki, believes he's better than the stories say, sympathizes with him and his feelings of being outcasted. He's courageous and determined and snarky, but with Loki he's ultimately soft.

Mobius: He knows Loki, from an academic standpoint, probably better than anyone. And then he gets to know Loki off paper, so to speak, and it rewrites everything he thought he understood, about this specific person, about himself, about reality itself. But his compassion remains, his kindness remains, and he directs it toward Loki when he needs it most. And he discovers he believes in Loki, and his potential, and his ability to dismantle everything everyone expects of him, at a moment when Loki's not even sure he believes in himself. And the trailer for season two means one of two things: One, if the Mobius from the finale is not our Mobius, then Mobius very quickly moves heaven and earth (or rather, alternate timelines) to get to his Loki. Or two, if the Mobius from the finale is a memory-wiped Mobius, then even when he doesn't know Loki, he's still determined to help him. (Or Loki was able to restore his memories, but even in the finale we can still see this care Mobius takes with a frightened stranger.)

Thor: I think the way Thor feels for Loki is clear (whether you interpret it as brotherly alone or romantic). In Ragnarok, you have his line "I thought the world of you." And you have the many times in the comics Thor claims him as his own. "You are my brother, and I love you." In Original Sin, it's so interesting to hear their language very subtly cause a conflict between them. When referring to Angela, Thor always says "our sister" and Loki always says "your sister." To the point that Thor actually calls him out on it once, though I don't think Loki really addresses it. And I think Loki's wording is an attempt more to distance himself from Odin and all the shit he caused, and now Freyja, too, after the betrayal of the All-Mother in securing Old Loki's promised future at the cost of Loki's penance and redemption. And then you have that moment in King Thor, my favorite comic panel, when the Necrosword is swallowing them in darkness and in the very last moment they reach for each other. Because Thor will never give up on Loki. And, try as he might, Loki cannot hate Thor. Not permanently.

I feel like Loki's writers, when they give him these women lovers, almost do it to spite him. They think this is the only type of woman to catch Loki's attention and that haha, Loki's been outmatched by a girl (if misogynist) or diva (if they worship the ground this woman walks on). This idea that the only interesting or believable romantic subplot for Loki is with a woman who will ultimately turn on him. Once again, in all aspects of his narrative, Loki's stuck doing the same thing over and over again. Except this seems like the one thing all writers are willing to let him keep up the cycle, and be seemingly okay with upholding the cycle.

In the case of canon, an argument could be made about this kind of woman (and all of these women are very different except in that they betray him eventually) being Loki's type. There's a rather sick sense of irony in being aware of the narrative, yet being so attracted to a certain quality that he keeps sowing the seeds of his own destruction even in knowing how it's going to end.

Of course, like I've said, this doesn't mean Loki can't love a woman. This doesn't mean I don't want Loki to ever have a girlfriend. I just want Loki to have a love interest for once who isn't going to hurt him before the novel or issue or season ends. I don't even care what gender they are. I just want him to be loved. Because he keeps insisting that he isn't and that he's incapable of it. And I'm tired of that story. And I think he might be, too.

#loki #loki tv show #loki theories #sylvie laufeydottir #loki comics #loki season 1 spoilers #loki season 2 #mobius m mobius #marvel comics #theo/loki #theo bell #thorki #lokius

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godsleastfavoritewriter · 2 months

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Kings and Knives

Pairing: Switch!Loki x Y/N

Summary: When training means you find a hidden weakness

Warnings: Hints at stuff but nothing... (maybe later teehee)

Words: 757

“Got you.” Y/n panted the words out with the knife only centimeters away from his throat. You watched him slow his breathing as he pushed his chin up higher, doing anything he could to keep the knife away from him. You turned ur knife around in ur hand so the dull side was facing him. He was too busy looking up to notice the transition, all he felt was the cold metal on his throat as he tried to keep his demeanor. “What? No snarky come back?” You chuckled lightly, you had never seen him like this, out of breath, out of words, defeated. He could easily keep fighting you but he strangely stopped. You finally dropped your knife leaving it at your side, as you watched him lose his composure, immediately dropping to his knees as he let his head fall in front of him, he is in a perfect position to apologize though he has nothing to apologize for. He stays there for a few more seconds to catch his breath. “Sit up” you surprised yourself with how demanding you sounded. Usually, you were never the one in charge or someone who gave orders. This new feeling made you feel confident and you loved it, you adored the power you had over him now.

Instinctively he sat up, he looked at you trying to regain the upper hand that he lost. “You know-“ “I didn’t ask you to speak” You cut him off not wanting to hear what he was about to say, knowing that it most likely would be to try to push your buttons. Maybe, it was time for a change, maybe you needed to remind him who was truly in charge of the relationship. He quickly closed his mouth fixed his posture and looked directly at you with pleading eyes. You now stood in front of him leaning down towards him with your hips. You were going to have fun with this. “Now look at you, seated so perfectly for me. I didn’t know I could bring a God to his knees so easily.” His eyes widen with your words. You stood back up as you watched him struggle to find a response. He opened his mouth to say something but quickly stopped when he saw you flipping the knife in your hand. You raised your eyebrow “Good boy, listen so well.” You pushed his hair back and watched him close his eyes in the bliss of the moment. “Now will you, be a good boy and wait for me in our room?” You questioned him with authority in your voice. He slowly got up and started to hover over you. You could feel your heart quicken as he started to put a hand on your cheek. Quickly you regained your thoughts and grabbed his wrist “That was an order, not a question.” You pulled him down and you heard a small airy whine fall from his lips. “And I would hate to have to repeat myself.” You could almost see his mind slip into a state of submission as he only nodded and left the training room. You watched him calmly leave the room, as soon as he left you cleaned up the training room. You needed time to think of your next steps, you wondered what he looked like when you stepped into the room, would he try to regain confidence? You were excited, a little nervous as this is not the normal dynamic between the two of you but it was thrilling. Once you made it to the door you took a breath, bracing for whatever it was that you would be walking into. You pulled your shoulders back and opened the door, closing it behind you. He sat there on the edge of the bed, sat up straight with his hands interlocked on his lap, he watched you intently. You walked in front of him, the knife still comfortably in your hand, “You truly are a sight for sore eyes.” you praised him as you let your other hand brush his hair back. He closes his eyes as he leans into your touch. You start to kiss his other cheek, you can hear his slow breaths as he enjoys this moment. He slowly moves his hands to your waist, you back up away from him just before he is able to touch you. “Please,” He looked at you with pleading eyes, he picked himself up standing in front of you now with much darker eyes, “You don’t have-”

#loki #loki laufeyson #loki x y/n #loki x reader #sub loki

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barcaavengers · 1 year

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Illicit Affairs || Neymar Jr. Imagine || Pt. 2

Tag List: @24-martie @swissbacon @softiegukk @cierixx @hannahzmllr @b-bradshaw @enthyn @effervsnt @tpwkangieee @chipstatoest @santhimariyanbu @champagne-priincess @taestrwbrry @katcoolcat @winterwidxw @loki-tom1 @mrs-da-silva05 @goeskths @mickschumacherswhore @itsmoes-world

Disclaimer: Gif not mine. All credits to owner! Found it on google.

Note: Part 2 is here! Don't know why but Tumblr wouldn't let me tag some people for some strange reason but tomorrow I'll try to reach them with the link. Tried to spice things up a bit but not giving everything away. I hope you all enjoy it! As always, let me know what you think and if you want to see anything specific happen!

Warnings: Not in this one.

Your hands were sweating, and you didn't seem to know how to cross your arms as you waited for Neymar to pick you up from work. You had moved to a different zone from the parking area so none of your coworkers would see who picked you up. You didn't need the nosiness nor the questions.

Of course, the car the football player rented couldn't be a Corolla or at least a Mercedes. No. The man just had to get a Lamborghini with a shocking green color.

"Couldn't go for something less subtle, just like in the game."

"Still criticizing my choices, like in the game" he says. He had rolled up in front of you with his window down. He was placing the car in parking but you were already opening the door. "Really?"

"Too slow" you tease as you get inside, you are reaching for the belt and twist to buckle it up, but he was already close to your face and kissed your cheek.

"Hey."

Whatever snarky remark you could've thought of next, it just flew out the window. "Hey" you say, and you are thankful it was dark or he would see the blush on your cheeks. Well that was unexpected.

"Your place? Did you eat something? We can go eat something" he says as he starts to drive.

He was being so nice..

"Uh, yeah, I guess. Thought we'd go somewhere else when you said you'd pick me up" and then you regret the way that sounded. "As in…I don't know" you shrug.

"You are nervous, aren't you?" And with that he reaches to hold your hand.

This felt so random yet so….right?

"It's not an everyday thing for me to get picked up by Neymar Junior, so excuse me" you tease and he chuckles.

"You got nothing to worry about, amor" he brings your hand up to his lips and kisses it. You could've sworn you just had your heart skip a beat. You didn't like this feeling.

"I'm not worried" you lie. "Its just…I don't know" you shrug.

"Still thinking about what happened yesterday?"

"In a way" you say and bite the inside of your cheek and he steals a glance from the road to look at you. "It's just…What is going on here?"

"What do you mean?"

"The kissing. You picking me up…" you pause. "You and Bruna, maybe?"

Not a single word came out of him for a few seconds, and you realized he was still holding your hand.

"I-, I really don't know how to explain it, or where to begin."

"The beginning would be nice," he glares at you. You were already approaching your house so you gave him the directions of turn here, straight, then turn there and after you were in front of your house.

"I didn't think I'd enjoy the kiss as much as I did. I've kissed girls before but something about you is different" he explains. "I don't know about you, but I liked it, a lot" he winks to not keep the conversation serious. This guy.

"What about her, though?"

"She is busy with her own things" he hesitates for a second. "We don't share the same spotlight, she likes one thing, I like the other. I go just to make her happy even if I am miserable, but she can't do that for me unless, like I told you, it's something big" he explains.

"I'm sure those are things that if you guys talked it out, like I said, it would work. Every relationship goes through rough patches, and they don't need to like the same things."

"Before she was okay with things, then all of a sudden she just stopped. I don't think I feel the same anymore either" he admits, and you could've sworn the only working cell in your head just started jumping of joy at his words.

"If you feel that way, then maybe you should just…not be there" you internally wince at your own words. No. You were not saying it just to get some benefits out of it, although apparently you didn't seem to mind. Your head was spinning cause it was all happening so fast and you had no idea how to slow it down. So instead of looking at Neymar, you decide to unbuckle the belt which seemed more interesting.

"I know…" he admits. "It's hard because it has been years, you know? Just hoping for the best that she would change and it just happens by seasons" he shrugs as he unbuckles his belt as well and shifts to face you, and you mirror his action. "Now you," he reaches to cup your face with one hand and you lean against his warm touch. "You have shown more interest in the time we have known each other than she has, ever." Yikes.

"You are just leaning on me because of your struggle right now, Ney. You don't mean it. And I'm sure she loves you a lot and would love to work things out with you."

"Of course I do" and with that his lips press on yours and you are caught off guard once again. This time the kiss is different, he is pouring what he was feeling into it. Somehow a slow yet urgent kiss that you couldn't resist and you didn't want to either.

Your hand goes to the side of his neck, reaching with your fingers behind it and finding yourself pulling him closer. His hand goes to your waist, holding it tightly as he kisses you. Those lips that you couldn't deny had you wanting more since yesterday and were finally yours again. Except that he wasn't yours and he was Bruna's at the moment.

"Stop thinking about her" he mutters against your lips before intensifying the kiss, and you try to keep up. This was bad. You were finding yourself wanting him. All of him. "I don't want to go back to her."

"What?" You had to pull away, your hands resting on his shoulders as you eyed him.

"I'll tell her it's over", he says. "I want to try it with you…" he pauses. "If you want to, obviously."

"Ney, I-" how can someone answer that? "I don't know what to say. I-" you hesitate and think of your next words. "I would love to, don't get me wrong. What I'm feeling for you…it has never happened to me with anyone else."

"And what are you feeling?" He has a cheeky grin taking over his lips.

"I can't explain it" here goes nothing. "Yes you were my football crush, first ever" he grins like a kid who just got permission to go play at the playground. "But it isn't the same, you know? When we started playing it was not like I was in love or the crush was still there, and after yesterday things just…I didn't even like you that way" you say, laughing at your words and he does as well. "Somehow I didn't let it happen, because obviously you are with her and I would never interfere with that so maybe after these talks it just…happened" you shrug and he pulls your hand again to his lips and kisses your knuckles.

"I can deal with that explanation," he says. "Y/N, I mean it when I say that I like you, alright? There is a true reason why I sent you the hearts, and compliments, and play with you every day. You are like my personal getaway from everything, and Bruna hasn't been that for me for a while."

Oh you knew better than to believe him. Isn't that what all guys say? My girlfriend doesn't do this and that, its terrible, please take me? That's what they say and some time later they are back at it again, all happy and in love. Yet Neymar sounded truthful, and you kind of believed him, but you didn't want to take it further until he proved his words.

"If…you happen to break up with her then maybe yes, we could give it a try" you go back to his previous words. "That's my only condition, and this is me risking a lot and playing with fire because the only one that would get hurt badly if you change your mind is going to be me. So meanwhile, I won't let myself think any further" you hope you sound sure of your words.

"Wrong, if I change my mind I would get burned too. I do want to be something with you, I mean every single word I have said." That if meant that there was still a chance.

"So you'd go back to her?"

"I didn't say that, but anything can happen. I don't want to promise you something that not even I can be sure I'm done with."

"Mhm" there is an annoying sound.

"We will both get burned, not just you. So just…relax and let's enjoy it" he moves closer. "If this is meant to be a temporary thing and it doesn't work then at least we won't stay wondering what could've happened…" and he pulls you close again so your lips meet. Almost as if he couldn't get enough of you, and you couldn't get enough of him either even when you knew better.

It wasn't like his words were reassuring. You weren't one to risk yourself like this knowing it could end up badly for you, but what if it didn't?

Then the moment was interrupted by his phone ringing and he pulled away from the kiss. You pull yourself back to the seat, running a hand through your hair, and you don't know why but you feel more annoyed than you should. "It's her, isn't it?"

"Yeah" he says as he sets the phone aside.

"Aren't you gonna get it?"

"Nah, I'll talk with her later."

"I still think you should talk with her to fix things first before you jump into something crazy" you say to him.

"Been there, done that. She won't change" he says.

"I broke up with her."

It was…2:27am. What the hell.

"What?" Your voice couldn't be groggier.

"I broke up with Bruna" he is sniffing. "I-"

"I told you to think it through, Ney" you yawn. "Maybe you can still fix it."

"I'm not…like this because it's over", yep, he is crying. "I just thought she'd care a little more."

"What do you mean?" You sit up on your bed, putting the phone on speaker, you were too tired to just be holding it.

"She just…waved it off. Asked if I was seeing someone else, asking why the sudden change but no feeling, you know? No asking how to fix it…I told you", he says and it breaks your heart to hear him with his voice breaking.

"I'm so sorry, Ney" you frown. "You don't deserve that."

"I guess it's over now…and that's fine…"

"At least now you know the feelings were not mutual. Or maybe she hasn't processed what happened yet."

"Yeah, because someone breaking up with you will have you processing so-" he pauses. "Well, she is writing to me now."

"Ney, please just talk things out" a hand runs over your face. There goes your sleep.

"Y/N, I don't want to talk things out. I did enough and she won't change" he says. "I want to try something with you."

"Can we talk about this later? You are confused and you have a lot of feelings going on right now so…"

"I'll pick you up tomorrow for breakfast."

"What?"

"See you tomorrow" he blows a kiss into the phone and hangs up.

What the hell just happened again?

"Ney, we barely know each other, I can't just go to his party."

"It will be fine. Besides, you have played with him before" here is Neymar trying to convince you to go to some streamer's birthday party. You have probably played with him like five times maybe?

"But he didn't invite me."

"You are my plus one, though" he grins and you sigh. This was your first appearance with Neymar after….after the sudden break up with Bruna. You two had talked to keep it cool, just friends because there were people here that knew his ex and the least you wanted was to be caught as Neymar's new girlfriend in a matter of a week.

"Fine" his grin remains there and he leans in to kiss you, a passionate kiss before opening his door.

The party was fun. Neymar and you have been distant yet close from each other. He would casually get into the conversation you were in, arm around your waist for a few seconds before letting go. His hand would brush yours just enough as if he was holding it, his hazel eyes following you almost everywhere. You have made conversation with some of the guys so that was fun. It helped to keep yourself from following Neymar throughout the party like a lost puppy because you didn't know anyone.

"Come on, let's dance."

"Spoiler alert, I can't" you voice. "And I could never keep up your pace" you tease.

"Come on, I'll show you" he takes your hand and pulls you to the side, arms around your waist. "Just let me handle you, okay? For once?"

"Like if you could" you say playfully and he starts guiding your steps. His breath smelled of that peanut butter whiskey he started to like so much, and it was proven to you when he kissed you and the after taste was of just that. "Ney" you say in a warning tone.

"Its fine, no one is looking at us." The party was taking place right besides the room you two were in, only a wall was hiding you two from the rest. "You look gorgeous today" he says into your ear. "The things I would do-"

"Hey, easy" you shush him. Yeah, you two suddenly jumped the other night into this kind of conversation. You don't remember how you got there. You just did and it seemed to have had a mark on him. Obviously in you too but he was the one voicing it.

"Let's get out of here" his nose nudges your own, his eyes closed as he moves a tad backward and his back hits the wall, his arms still tightly secured around your frame holding you close to him.

"I work tomorrow, silly" you say as your arms go around him. You might have had two or three Sangrias…and some other drink you forgot the name of.

"Just another hour or so" he says and his eyes open to look at you. "Just us" and his hands start roaming down your waist.

"I know you, and it won't be an hour."

"You just look so good, princess. I could take you right here…" a shiver runs down your spine at his words being whispered into your ear. You had to resist.

"And you look very handsome, babe" you run a hand through his hair. It was true. His baggy pants and loose shirts along with his cap and jewelry. He really knew how to dress up. "But we have to go soon. I work early."

He groans, "Okay" he kisses your lips, pulling you in before pulling away and licking your bottom lip before his teeth catch it, his hands groping your behind in sync.

"Ney" he pulls you close and you could almost feel him through his jeans.

"Yes?" He asks once he lets go of your lip. Then his phone goes off, a groan leaving his lips in annoyance before reaching for it and looking at you.

"Her?" He stays silent. "Just answer it" you pull away from his embrace, stealing a glance at his phone and noticing she was video calling him.

"I won't-"

"Just go outside and answer, I'll stay here" your heart was beating wildly against your chest in anger. Why was she still calling him? Was it soon for you to start getting jealous about it?

Once the party was over, he dropped you off at your house to then go to his. Your mood had completely changed and it was a mixture of confusion, jealousy and maybe even anger. Yet you weren't ready for Neymar's call.

"You driving?" You ask curiously.

"Yeah," he pauses and you are just waiting for him to finish. "She showed up at my house."

"I'm sorry?"

"She wanted to talk and we did. You have nothing to worry about. I just escorted her to her house."

"What?" Your head was spinning.

"Its late, I can't just let her drive by herself." It was 2am!

"Oh, she forgot her way around or something?" Yeah. You were getting mad.

"I would've done the same for you."

"Except that I wouldn't be bothering you after we broke up" you snap. "Look, I work in a few hours so just….bye."

"Princess, list-" and you just press the red button and toss your phone to the side.

First the random video call and now she shows up at his place. And he doesn't seem to be telling her to stop looking for him. What's next? Cause this was starting to get on your nerves…

#football imagines #football imagine #neymar jr imagine #neymar jr imagines #neymar imagine #Neymar imagines #(mine)#(illicit affairs)

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welcometololaland · 11 months

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Fic Rec Friday - Round Up Part 2

Thanks to everyone who participated this week - the theme was: rec a fic starting with the same letter as your name / username. I have a list below, but I only included ones people tagged me in or ones I could find from the #fic rec friday tag. If I've missed any, please let me know!

Please read at your own discretion. Heed tags and ratings on each individual fic. Keep yourself safe, friends!

Also PSA - the rec lists were super long this week so i'm so sorry if i have stuffed up a link or accidentally put someone in the wrong category!

911 Lone Star (part 2) (needed to be split into 2 posts this week!)

Sanctuary by @reyescarlos

Say You’ll Remember Me by @myemergence

Searching For A Trail to Follow Again by @sunshinestrand

Seven Ways Back to You (series) by Lolaland (me)

Slowly Becoming Lovers by @morganaspendragonss

So Many Somethings by @iboatedhere

somebody to you by @reyescarlos

Soon by @rmd-writes

snapshots by @sanjuwrites

still we’re holding on by @rosedavid

sweetest devotion by @reyescarlos

Teardrop on the Fire by @carlos-in-glasses

The Many Names of TK Strand by tabbytabbytabby

The Marriage Tamales by @bellakitse

The Ring In by Lolaland (me) and ifyoustay

the ruins of wonderland by @carlos-in-glasses

The Sex Pollen Incident by @hoko-onchi-writes

The Space in Between by @fortunatelydecaffeinateddinosaur

to live for the hope of it all by @strandnreyes

to which there is no reply by @reyesstrand

Two Hearts gone black and blue by paperstorm

Two paper airplanes flying by @liminalmemories21

Vet Pups and Set Ups by @iboatedhere

View from the Top by @bellakitse

What Family Does by AShortWalkToDelinquency

What You See Will Be by @thevenstar

When I dropped my sword I threw it in the bushes and knocked on your door by @liminalmemories21

when I’m like this, you’re the one I want by @thebumblecee

White by @chaotictarlos and paperstorm

Wings Are Frayed by @iboatedhere and @pragmatic-optimist

911

hate to say i spent it all on masquerades by @hattalove

i don’t think that we should have friendly sex, anymore by @capseycartwright

i like you so much (it's kinda gross) by @gayhoediaz

Make it pretty for me. by @snarky-drabbles

Our story's been heartache and wonder by @tails89

The Shift by @popfly

whenever you call me, i'll be there by ipretendtobesane

with every heartbeat I have left by iriswests

Black Sails

i might believe a good deal of it, too by explosiontimothy

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Raspberry Sherbet by theclaravoyant

Repudiate and Disavow by mystery_ink

Check Please!

A Whole Different Kind of Light by @porcupine-girl

As We Run, We Become by @iboatedhere

at certain times by @parvuls

Chris Chow, Matchmaker Extraordinaire by 42hrb

Cromwell Cinematic Universe (series) by @sincerelyreidburke

Crossed Wires by @lecrivaineanonyme

Theatre Building, Dec. 6 by @cricketnationrise

There Have Been Five Kisses by @cricketnationrise

Good Omens

Take My Hand, Take My Whole Life Too by @thebibliosphere

Inception

Wherever You Will Be (That's Where I'll Call Home) [The DomesticVerse] (series) @gyzym

Loki

A can of josta by @jim-jam-gem

Cold, Cold Heart by @amadness2method

Marvel Cinematic Universe

take it or leave it by kellifer_fic

Merlin

in a field of dandelions by @princess-of-the-worlds

It's Not in the Way that You Came Back to Me by nie_narzekam

Parks and Recreation

It's a Strange Paradise by CongressmanNoJaw

#fic rec friday #fic rec friday round up #911 lone star #911 #check please #black sails #brooklyn nine nine #merlin #parks and recreation #loki #inception #good omens #marvel cinematic universe

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use-your-telescope · 2 months

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When Everything's Made to be Broken - Chapter 16: We Don't Know What We're Doing

Summary: Amidst the day to day, Theo and Loki continue to learn new things about each other, including some interesting details about how they view relationships.

Author’s Note: First, I am so sorry this is so late!! I had planned to post on the 28th, but I ended up having some (good) things come up that took up my weekend and meant I didn’t have time to get this to a point I felt was ready to post. I foolishly thought I could have it ready by Tuesday, then by Friday, then Sunday, then accepted my fate and admitted I just wouldn’t have time until this weekend to get this chapter wrapped up and posted (shoutout to a work trip last weekend for making this take an extra week!) I shared a note about the delay on tumblr, but figured I’d share it here so I’m covering my bases.

That being said, spring is a crazy time for me work-wise, plus I’m finishing my second master’s degree this semester (after a two year hiatus!), so this will probably not be the only time things get a bit delayed. I’m pretty sure I will have the next chapter ready for next Sunday (the 24th), but the week after that has some work stuff going on, which means the following chapter would be posted on March 9th. Anyways, thanks for your patience, and hope you enjoy <3 reblogs are always appreciated, and lmk if you want to be added to tag list!

Word Count: 6,789

Song: Amateur Lovers - Switchfoot (Bonus Song: Passing Through A Screen Door - The Wonder Years)

Everyone I know Needs love like drugs Like a common cold We could never shrug My baby and me We're missing the same stuff We've all got a disease Deficiency of love Every day we still try Every night we still cry Driving home on the 805

Months after Theo first promised Loki that she would hang out with the other Avengers, she could not deny the truth: Loki, the little shit, was right.

Unintentionally agreeing to “family night” opened the floodgates of invitations to hang out, and other than the period of time where everyone’s moods plummeted from the string of unpleasant anniversaries, Theo found herself becoming more and more fond of the colorful collection of superheroes that she lived with, and it seemed like they accepted her with open arms.

Even worse, Loki was right and he knew it.

Every time Theo caught him watching as Wanda braided her hair or Yelena talked her into trying (and absolutely sucking at) Call of Duty, Loki cocked an eyebrow and shot Theo the most smug, self-satisfied smirk. When he wandered into the lab and stumbled upon Theo and Helen working on new medical technology with Bruce and Shuri, a downright devious glint flashed in his jade eyes, and his jaw flexed as if he bit back some snarky comment about Theo’s voluntary presence. When they went out as a team and it came to light that Natasha had done Theo’s makeup, Loki bit his lower lip to stifle a snicker.

On that night, Theo had just finished up working in the emergency department; after showering and changing into an old set of Duke sweatpants and a shirt she stole from Chris the last time she stayed at his apartment, Theo made her way out to the living room with a book in hand.

The sight that greeted her was one she often found at the end of the day: Sam, Bucky, Yelena, Natasha, and Steve sprawled out on some of the more comfortable seating options, clad in sweatpants and worn t-shirts after what was likely a long day of training and briefings. A video game that Theo vaguely recognized, but not enough to identify, broadcast itself from the television screen, displaying a mix of desolate space-esque scenarios and scifi combat.

Sam sat on the edge of the couch cushions, leaned in towards the television screen with a video game controller clutched in both hands, focusing so intently on the screen that he stuck a bit of his tongue out as he mashed buttons on the controller.

On another couch sat Yelena and Natasha, with Bucky sandwiched between the two widows. Yelena and Bucky alternated between shoving fistfuls of popcorn into their mouths and shouting at the television as an explosion flashed on the screen, while Natasha sat with her legs curled up under her, sipping a glass of merlot as she occasionally teased Sam about dying in the game.

“Theo, hey,” Steve waved from the other side of the living room, where he stretched across on the couch with sock-covered feet propped up on the coffee table.

“Hey,” Theo waved as she took her usual seat, curling into the corner of the couch. “So, which game is this?”

“Halo–” Yelena replied between mouthfuls of popcorn, “— Genetically enhanced super soldiers fighting aliens.”

“I thought the point of playing video games was to take a break from reality…” Theo glanced around the room. “How is ‘genetically enhanced super soldiers fighting aliens’ any different from what we already do?”

“It’s fictional.” Yelena shrugged, despite the knowing grin she wore.

“Hey, bird brain, don’t you have something to ask Theo?” Bucky threw a piece of popcorn at Sam, bouncing a fluffy kernel off Sam’s head; Sam scowled, but kept his eyes on the screen.

“Ask me what?” Theo glanced between the others expectantly, her pulse quickening ever so slightly.

They must have been talking about her… But why?

“Fuck! I was so close!” Sam groaned as a message flashed across the television screen stating his team lost. He tossed the controller at Bucky, who effortlessly caught it in his non-vibranium hand. “You try.”

“Is anyone going to tell me what I’m supposed to be asked about?” Theo repeated, her chest tightening as she tried to guess what they wanted. She couldn’t think of anything that she did recently to raise any suspicions, and the way Bucky brought it up made it sound like it wasn’t anything serious…

“Dammit Buck, I was gonna ask her when it was just the two of us.” Sam glared at Bucky, who was too busy setting up the next round of whatever shooting game they had decided on for that night.

“Okay, now I’m just getting nervous.” Theo tried to laugh it off, but it didn’t do much to cover up her ballooning nerves.

“Nah, don’t be - I just need advice… ” Sam rubbed his face with both hands, conveniently hiding any clues Theo might have gathered from his expression. “... Dating advice.”

“Dating advice?” Theo’s brows shot skyward as she echoed Sam’s message back to him.

“Yeah. There’s a hot doc that you work with, and I want to see if she’s interested.”

Well, that certainly changed things.

Theo struggled to keep her cool, cheeks and jaw tensing to prevent a grin from curling up her lips...

.. What were the odds that Sam shared Julie’s crush?

“Thing is, the only way I ever run into her is when I need to get patched up —“ Sam continued, “— not exactly great for getting to know each other...”

“… So you want my help getting close to her?” Theo ventured, her mind running wild with possibilities. “Who is it?!”

“Oh hell no, I’m not telling!” Sam laughed sheepishly, “Not until I know if she’s interested too!”

“How can I help if I don’t know who it is?” Theo pointed out, “it’s not like all doctors are the same! What works for Julie won’t work for Helen!”

If Theo didn’t know any better, she swore she saw Sam’s cheeks flush at Julie’s name; then again, that might have been in her head.

“Watch him when he’s in the ER,” Bucky commented, not missing a beat even as all of his attention seemed focused on the video game. “You'll know in two seconds.”

“As much as I don’t want you to need to go to the ER, now I’m curious - maybe we can beat you up a bit during training so you need to pay a visit.” Theo teased, smirking at Sam. Yelena laughed, offering to beat him up, while Natasha and Steve exchanged knowing glances.

“Not you too–” Sam groaned, before pointing at Yelena and Bucky. “ – that’s the same thing these assholes recommended!”

“Because it’s good advice!” Yelena huffed, crossing her arms. “You want to see her? That’s how!”

“Oh come on, you really think that’s my advice?! I’m not that terrible,” Theo scoffed, feigning offense. “My first piece of advice would be to talk to her and see what she likes outside of work, then figure out a way to ask her to hang out and do something she enjoys. But unless you tell me who it is, you’re going to need to work up the courage to stop by the ED specifically to talk to her, or you’ll have to wait until you actually have a reason to get patched up.”

Sam let out a sharp breath, shoulders slumping as he narrowed his eyes at Theo. “And if I tell you?”

“Maybe I can help — invite them over when we do a movie night or something,” Theo offered, this time not bothering to hide her smile. After all, Theo was not above a quid pro quo - she gets to satisfy her curiosity, and Sam gets a chance to talk to whoever he’s crushing on. Win-win, really.

Sam narrowed his eyes at Theo. “… Let me think about it.”

Theo stood up and stretched her arms overhead; since it seemed like Sam had put an end to the conversation, it was as good of a moment as any to step away for a moment and get herself some water. As she sauntered towards the kitchen, she called over her shoulder: “Your choice, but it doesn’t have to be hard!”

Conversation continued among the others as Theo entered the kitchen, voices laughing and chattering over each other so Theo couldn’t make out what anyone said.

Theo moved on autopilot as she found a glass and added some ice from the freezer, mind spinning as she tried to recall any details from past interactions that would help her figure out which of her colleagues caught Sam’s eye. Even as she moved to the sink to fill her glass, her thoughts remained so occupied with the new mystery that she barely paid her surroundings any mind.

“You feared the Avengers would never trust you, yet Wilson trusts you enough to seek your guidance in matters of the heart; I dare say that your concerns were unfounded.” A low voice spoke from just behind Theo — a smooth baritone that she recognized anywhere, even if it startled her so badly that she dropped her glass and nearly jumped through the ceiling from shock.

A flash of emerald shot forth. Loki caught the glass just before it clattered into the sink, all the while failing to stifle his laughter at the string of curses that fell from Theo’s mouth.

“Can’t you just say hi like a normal person?!” Theo pressed one hand to her heart in a feeble attempt to settle her racing heart, all the while glaring at Loki.

“When such amusement is a possibility? Absolutely not.” Loki grinned, offering Theo her water glass. She snatched it from him, taking a quick drink of water before turning back to the sink and topping it off.

For a moment, Theo considered finding some way to fuck with Loki so he couldn’t gloat so much, but after Loki had a difficult month (between the shitty anniversaries and Thor nearly dying, calling it difficult was probably an understatement), Loki needed the chance to loosen up and laugh. Besides, he was the first friend Theo made when she moved into the tower, and even if she wouldn’t admit it outright, Theo was grateful that Loki had been right.

So, she simply rolled her eyes and smiled.

“You’ve not responded to my original comment,” Loki pointed out, smug satisfaction dancing in his tone.

“Sam’s interested in one of my colleagues,” Theo attempted to brush off Loki’s observation, her cheeks burning as they undoubtedly flushed.

“I heard…” Loki leaned back against the kitchen counter, a lazy smile dangling on his lips as he looked at Theo. “Still, he trusts you.”

“Not enough to tell me who it is,” Theo grumbled, setting her water glass on the marble counter as she pretended to pout so she could cross her arms. “How long were you lurking there?”

“Long enough,” Loki simply shrugged, eyes twinkling from the reflection of the kitchen lights as he looked at Theo. “The exchange reminded me - are you still courting your gentleman caller?”

Theo couldn’t stifle the snort of laughter that escaped from Loki’s unironic use of the term “gentleman caller;” she slapped both hands over her mouth, entire face now aflame with embarrassment from the ridiculous sound.

Loki tilted his head at Theo’s reaction, brows furrowed in a silent question.

“Am I supposed to ignore the fact that you just used the term gentleman caller?” Theo finally managed, still chuckling as she repeated the term.

“Is there another term I ought to use?” Despite the neutral tone of Loki’s reply, his cheeks took on a faint shade of pink that stood out against his porcelain skin. “Or am I to presume you are no longer courting him?”

“I’m still seeing him, but I don’t think that ‘gentleman callers’ exist in modern day dating,” Theo couldn’t wipe the smile off her face from hearing the term in daily conversation. “Feminism and all that.”

“Ah, yes, forgive me.” The flush on Loki’s cheeks grew more noticeable. “Nonetheless, you are still courting him?”

“Yeah,” Theo nodded. “Why?”

“You’ve not spoken of him in quite some time.” Loki shrugged; the gesture looked like an attempt to be nonchalant, which matched his tone, but something about the movement seemed a bit… forced.

“You were busy supporting Thor, and I was busy supporting you, so it didn’t seem like the thing to discuss at the time.” Theo offered a sheepish smile as she explained her reasoning. “Besides, it’s nothing serious.”

In response, Loki leaned away ever-so-slightly, narrowing his eyes with a slight frown as he studied Theo.

“What?” Theo tensed as heart quickened in her chest, confused by Loki’s reaction.

“Midgardians often speak of love at first sight; after quite some time, your feelings for the actor seem ambivalent at best, yet you continue to court him,” Loki remarked slowly, continuing to look at her with a perplexed expression. “It’s rather odd.”

Odd - with a silent sigh of relief, Theo relaxed, her shoulders dropping ever so slightly.

“I don’t believe in love at first sight – that’s lust,” Theo winked, shaking her head. “We’re just having fun and enjoying each other’s company, that’s all.”

“I see,” with a nod, Loki hummed to himself. “Do you foresee the relationship turning into something greater?”

“I don’t know,” Theo shrugged. “Never gave it much thought, if I’m honest.”

As she answered the question, a thought occurred to her: Loki asked about her dating life, but Theo never asked about his…

“Speaking of dating, did I see you bring someone up to your suite after Stark’s fundraiser a few months back?” Theo cocked a brow at him, a sly grin spread over her face. “What’s going on there?”

“Rest assured, I’ve not kept any partners from you,” Loki replied with a smirk of his own. “I am… not one for attachment, shall we say.”

“So she was a booty call?” Theo giggled, earning a venomously dirty look from Loki. “Well, what would you call it?”

“I prefer to have companions for a single evening,” Loki dryly answered, a pale pink blush returning to his cheeks. “It’s less complicated that way.”

“Is that so?” Theo teased, her grin widening to the point that her cheeks hurt as Loki’s blush grew brighter.

“Yes –” Loki’s explanation took on an edge of defensiveness as his expression teetered on the verge of a scowl. “It’s not as uncommon as you might think, particularly among our peers.”

Theo barely managed to keep a straight face, all-too-amused by how quickly Loki became flustered.

“Civilians do not understand the nature of our roles, so relationships that are not between two agents or established prior to one becoming an Avenger are practically doomed from the start,” Loki continued. “Having seen the effect of those failed relationships on others, I have chosen to refrain from courting anyone.”

Theo’s stomach lurched at the observation, her prior amusement vanishing in an instant. She quickly grabbed her water glass, taking a long sip of chilled liquid to ground herself before the implications could make her spiral.

“That being said, physical desire is a near-universal experience, or a need, if you will—” If Theo’s expression shifted, Loki must not have noticed; the usual glint of something clever returned to his eye, as did a wry smirk. “—And sometimes our needs… Well… They need to be satiated.”

“Can’t fault you there.” Theo covered up her discomfort from Loki’s earlier comment with a smirk and a wink of her own. She started towards the living room, glancing back at Loki over her shoulder. “Some of us are hanging out in the living room. You want to join?”

Loki nodded, pressing away from the counter and following Theo into the living room.

Amidst a chorus of greetings directed at Loki, Theo took her usual seat, but this time stretched her legs out across the cushions so there wasn’t room for anyone else to sit. She looked up and grinned at Loki, who stood in front of the couch like he was about to take his usual place beside her.

With narrowed eyes flitting between the seat and Theo, Loki arched one brow in a silent challenge. Theo simply widened her grin, curious to see what would follow.

To Theo’s surprise, Loki didn’t say anything; instead, he picked up both of Theo’s legs, moving them out of the way so he could sit down; once he settled into his seat, he placed both of Theo’s feet on his lap, as a result returning Theo to her initial position. He capped off the response by flashing an impish grin at Theo, a sort of silent taunt - “you thought you could try me? Foolish mortal.”

Other than a suspicious glance exchanged between the widows, it didn’t seem like anyone even noticed the exchange between Loki and Theo.

Despite Theo’s playful behavior, Loki’s comment about relationships doomed from the start lurked in the dark recesses of her mind, no matter how hard she tried to ignore it. Even as she forced herself to pay attention while Sam and Bucky explained the rules of the particular type of Halo match they selected for the evening, Theo couldn’t shake the vague uneasiness that the comment initially instilled within her.

A good night text from Chris, something which usually made Theo’s heart flutter in her chest, instead filled her with dread. However, Theo kept her discomfort close to her chest, acting like nothing was amiss as she replied to Chris, wishing him a good night. When Theo returned her attention back to her friends, she tucked her concern away behind carefully crafted smiles and quick-witted comments with such practiced ease that it should have been concerning.

Only when she had retreated to the privacy of her suite, after turning out the lights and tucking herself beneath her thick, plush comforter, did she allow the matter to crawl out from the shadows and capture her attention.

When Theo accepted the offer to go on a date, she hadn’t even considered that the difference in careers/experiences would influence their relationship, or the special considerations that she needed to make. Given her career as a doctor, she was used to missing holidays, birthdays, and special occasions because of work. Chris had, up to that point, seemed perfectly fine with that. With healthcare privacy laws, it wasn’t odd for Theo to avoid talking about work with other people, and that naturally flowed into her relationships, another thing that Chris never seemed to mind. He didn’t care that she never brought him up to her suite, and that they always stayed at his apartment.

Maybe she was overthinking it - they never said anything about getting serious. Besides, she didn’t know the circumstances of the failed relationships that Loki referred to. Other factors could have impacted those relationships.

Still, the idea of Chris inevitably being hurt because of Theo’s lack of foresight left a bitter taste in her mouth. The last thing Theo needed was to hurt anyone else, but time and time again she made the same mistakes, and innocent people were caught in the crossfire.

Staring up at her ceiling, Theo drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Up until that night, she had no reason to worry about the future with Chris. He hadn’t made any indication that he wanted to pursue a long-term relationship. At that point, they were more of a situationship than anything - they didn’t change their lives for each other, they simply saw each other when it was convenient. That was okay. Theo was fine with that.

Hopefully Chris was alright with that as well.

You tried to play it down But it never stuck I tried to bail this town I'm getting no such luck, yeah When nobody's around I keep my eyes on the clock There ain't a cure I've found In all my times around this block Every day we still try Every night we still cry We’re driving home on the 405

Between the overly loud sounds that Midgardians called music, the throngs of sweaty people, and the sharp stench of alcohol, Loki vehemently regretted allowing Maximoff to convince him to partake in this particular outing.

One of the local bars, the Hi-Lo, hosted an event they decided to call “Emo Night.” Maximoff’s explanation of “Emo Night” conveniently omitted that the “music” was far too loud and the quality of “singing” was questionable at best. Quite frankly, the quality of the scratchy, sometimes guttural noise could hardly be classified as singing, yet the people around them “danced” all the same - that was, if one could call shoving each other about in a sweaty horde dancing.

Theo informed him the correct term was “moshing,” but Loki felt “barbaric stumbling” would be more appropriate.

Some of their entourage seemed right at home. After freeing himself from the Winter Soldier’s programming, Barnes had grown fond of the loud and angsty racket. Maximoff had a penchant for live music, though this escapade made Loki question how the Scarlet Witch defined music. Though Wilson did not seem invested in the performance, he seemed quite comfortable with the strange cacophony – particularly strange given his typically warm and straightforward nature.

Others, however, shared a response akin to Loki’s. Rogers hung back near the bar, nursing a bottle of beer with ear plugs in as he watched the scene unfold with an openly perplexed expression. Romanoff sat on a bar stool beside him, maintaining her usually neutral expression while drinking some sort of dark-colored cocktail from a cheap plastic cup. Despite shifting his appearance to look human, any passerby could have concluded that Vision’s presence in the midst of the drunken chaos was not natural. Amidst a sea of dark, casual clothing, Vision wore a pastel blue sweater and well-tailored pants. The android’s complexion lacked the flush of alcohol and the sweat from ‘moshing;’ combined with his lack of movement and mild expression, only emphasized the utterly strange nature of the event. Had it not been for Maximoff’s presence in the crowd, the android would undoubtedly have chosen a different location from which to observe the spectacle.

Until that evening, Loki assumed Theo would not be at home in such a ruckus - though she had performed in similar venues prior to becoming an Avenger, her musical prowess seemed far more advanced than this drivel.

Yet, to Loki’s shock (and concern), Theo also claimed to be a fan of the so-called music; though she initially stood beside Loki as the so-called band performed, after bobbing her head to a couple of songs she disappeared into the sea of people as they jumped and screamed incomprehensible lyrics off-key.

Left by himself in what might have been his personal hell, Loki cursed Theo for abandoning him, only to chastise himself for such a thought; after all, Theo had attempted to warn Loki of what he would experience.

Earlier that afternoon, when Maximoff said “You’ll love it Lokes,” to which Loki rolled his eyes — it didn’t matter how many times he told Maximoff, she insisted on calling him Lokes — Theo couldn’t hold back the snort as she countered, “Given your thoughts on Tony’s music, you’ll probably hate it. But hey, you’ll probably enjoy the people watching.”

Theo was not to blame for Loki’s current predicament; if anything, the only person Loki could truly blame was himself. After all, he was the one who accepted the invitation.

The sound of distorted guitar shook the walls, his shoes stuck to the floor, and he couldn’t tell if he smelled stale beer or body odor - or both - but the scent was utterly repulsive. There were far too many people packed into such a small place, and they were drunken imbeciles. Even if he wanted to people-watch, it was too chaotic to tell what was going on. With the unnecessarily loud noise coming from the stage, a conversation would be near-impossible, no matter where he stood.

Then again, now that he was alone and everyone else was distracted by other things, no one would miss him if he left. Loki glanced over his shoulder at the exit, debating whether or not he should attempt to slip away at that moment, or wait until a break between songs.

The collision of another person bumping against Loki’s hip interrupted Loki’s train of thought. He whipped around, ready to unleash a series of insults at whoever dared to run into him, only to find Theo standing before him with two identical plastic cups in hand, both filled with a dark liquid similar to what Romanoff drank. The insults died on Loki’s tongue as she offered him one plastic cup, glancing down at the cup and then back at Loki before mouthing “for you.”

Loki lifted the cup and sniffed the drink; the saccharine scent of Midgardian soda intertwined with a spicy, sharp scent akin to some sort of Midgardian alcohol filled his nose, which he quite preferred to the establishment’s fetid aroma. However, Midgardian liquor would not be enough to dull his senses and render the evening tolerable; a tense chuckle – hardly more than a puff of air – escaped him at the thought.

When he looked back at Theo, her previously free hand now dangled a steel flask between two fingers for Loki to see, as if she could read his mind.

“Spiked with Thor’s whiskey,” Theo called out over the music, “You look like you need it.”

Loki rolled his eyes, schooling the discomfort from his face as he took a swallow of the beverage.

As if the Norns recognized Loki’s frustration from the inability to converse, the ending of the next song brought a short break in the music - just long enough for the performers to switch instruments - after a relentless barrage of sensory overload, the lack of screeching instruments filling the air was a blessed reprieve.

“Honestly, how can anyone enjoy such nonsense?” Loki leaned in towards Theo, still forced to raise his voice in order to be heard over the hollering from the inebriated audience. “It’s horrendously loud, the musicians are off-key, and the technique is terrible.”

Theo failed to bite back a grin, unfazed by Loki’s ire. “It’s not about perfection, Lo.”

“Lo?” Loki raised an eyebrow at her.

Theo faltered, worrying her lower lip between her teeth. “That’s okay, right?”

Loki sighed. “It’s—” tolerable, at the very least “—fine.”

Begrudgingly, Loki suspected that there were many things he’d allow Theo to call him that he wouldn’t allow anyone other than Thor to even consider.

“It’s about the feeling behind it. It helps us deal with the bad shit, like anger and sadness —“ Theo glanced toward the stage, then back at Loki. “— Life isn’t perfect. Music shouldn’t be perfect either.”

Much to Loki’s dismay, the band’s vocalist approached the microphone and announced the start of the next song.

Theo, however, lit up, practically glowing despite the dark venue.

“Listen closely to the lyrics—“ Theo instructed (via shouting) as the first chords and the drunken ruckus of the entire venue singing off-key slammed against Loki’s ears, “this is a good example!”

Had anyone else made the request, Loki would have outright refused; however, Loki trusted Theo enough to comply, and begrudgingly put forth a concerted effort to listen closely.

A few lines in, Theo joined in singing:

“The highway won / I’m listening to traffic reports one on one, coming quietly undone / I was born to run away from anything good / an escape artist’s son / sun drenched pavement in my blood / the first thing that I do when I walk in / is find a way out for when shit gets bad, and…”

Theo kept eye contact with Loki as she sang along; a wistful look in her eyes made Loki recall some of the emotions he’d buried from his younger years. An uncomfortable void swirled in his chest as he stood amidst what he might consider to be the first tier of his personal hell.

Yet, the song barreled on and Loki forced himself to continue focusing on the lyrical content. Though the writing was not Shakespeare by any stretch of the imagination, the lyricism surprised Loki with its complexity and depth. References to historical events - the Cold War scares of the sixties - interlaced with references to the lingering sentiment within tragedy led to commentary around existential anxiety, loneliness, and the fear of not fulfilling one’s potential.

Loki glanced back over to Theo, who continued to watch him while singing along. She flashed a small, almost sheepish smile as the song reached its bridge:

“Jesus Christ, I’m twenty six / all the people I graduated with / all have kids, all have wives / all have people who care if they come home at night / well Jesus Christ, did I fuck up?”

Even in the poor lighting, Loki caught a glimpse of something painful behind Theo’s expression as she uttered the phrase ‘did I fuck up?’ The expression, however, was fleeting, replaced with a different sort of intensity as Theo locked eyes with Loki for the final chorus:

“I've been looking for tears in the screen door / and I’ve been waiting for another disaster / but I was kinda hoping you’d stay / I was kinda hoping you’d stay / I was kinda hoping you’d… stay.”

Though the song concluded, neither sorcerer made any effort to look away; something unspoken and inexplicable held them in place, frozen in a moment despite the chaos and discord of their surroundings…

… Until said chaos and discord quite literally crashed into them.

Some drunken oaf had been shoved from the crowd and into Theo’s side, knocking her off balance. Theo let out a shriek of surprise as she stumbled forward in an attempt to not crash into Loki or spill her drink.

Without a second thought, Loki practically dove to catch her before the horde could trample her in their ‘moshing,’ even though it made his drink splash out of the cup in the process. Ignoring the liquid dripping off his other hand, he hoisted Theo up by her elbow and pulled her into his chest to steady her, at least until she regained her footing.

Yet, when he felt her weight lift, he hesitated to let go.

“Are you alright?” Loki leaned down, close enough that his cheek brushed against Theo’s temple as he spoke into her ear.

“Yeah, I’m good.” Theo tilted her head back, the soft skin of her nose brushing against the crook of Loki’s jaw as she replied; the sensation sent a pleasant chill down Loki’s spine. “Thanks!”

Theo stepped back, and Loki forced himself to let go; though they met each other’s gaze again, this time neither of them allowed the moment to last.

Stifled by the sheer volume of the music, the only conversation between Loki and Theo until the end of the event consisted passing comments from time to time - Theo sharing thoughts on a particular song, Loki offering to bring Theo a refill when they both finished their drinks, or one of the pair pointing out something particularly amusing.

Between comments, Loki often caught Theo singing along, though she did so in a far more discreet manner than anyone else in the venue. Despite Loki’s best attempts to focus on Theo’s voice, the sound was lost in a swell of drums and guitars and other voices. The effort invested into trying to hear Theo successfully distracted Loki from the disdain he held for everything else about his surroundings, though it did nothing to dampen the disappointment when he could not hear her far-more-melodic voice floating through the air.

Perhaps if Theo was the one singing them, or the one playing the songs on piano, he might enjoy them more.

After far too long, the return of overhead lighting and disappearance of musicians from the stage confirmed that the event had finally drawn to a close. Wrangling the various members of their entourage required a bit of teamwork and effort, but it was not long before the Avengers exited the establishment and felt the blessedly cool air of the city against their skin.

It did not take long before the Avengers split into smaller groups along the sidewalk, a mixture of varied walking speeds and small conversations naturally pairing certain avengers with others. Maximioff and Barnes led the group, laughing and singing along to themselves as they stumbled along. Close behind, Vision and Wilson kept a close eye on their companions as they chatted with Romanoff and Rogers.

From the back of the group, Loki observed his surroundings while relishing the quiet of night. Quiet, of course, was relative - in a city such as New York, the bustle of traffic remained such a constant that it turned into white noise with due time. Strangers occasionally passed on the sidewalk, barely giving any of the Avengers a second glance as they ventured to mystery destinations in the night.

Farther ahead, a beggar sat near an alleyway, his back against a dumpster so thoroughly covered in graffiti that it would have been impossible to guess its original color; as groups of people passed without paying the man any mind, Loki couldn’t help but notice the man’s resigned sadness.

“... You survived.” The comment, clearly directed towards Loki, drew his attention from the beggar, though he did not catch the full remark.

“Pardon?” As Loki replied, he glanced over to find Theo walking beside him, somehow managing to keep pace despite her much shorter stature.

“So, you survived Emo night,” Theo repeated with a coy grin. “How terrible was it?”

“It is certainly not how I would choose to spend my time,” Loki dryly replied. “Nor is it something I would have expected you to enjoy.”

“Thought I had more cultured taste?” Theo teased, bumping Loki’s hip with hers as they strolled along.

“Clearly I was mistaken.” Loki chuckled and shook his head. “Tell me you do not subject your actor to such nonsense…”

“You think I can walk into a bar with him and not be swarmed?” Theo cocked a brow as she looked up at Loki. Despite the amused smirk she wore, something bittersweet lurked beneath her gaze. “Even if he could get in without drawing attention, I think the internet would drag me for bringing him to a place like that.”

“Drag you?” Loki echoed, hoping Theo might clarify what she meant by such a term.

“Chew me out. Chastise me. That sort of thing.” Theo sighed, looking ahead once more. “It’s not exactly a luxury hot spot; I’m guessing Chris’s fans would think this kind of place is beneath him.”

“What would he think?”

“I couldn’t see him having fun, but I don’t really know,” Theo admitted with such nonchalance that it almost seemed odd. “He seems too happy to really get the appeal.”

Loki froze in place, struck by Theo’s answer. Yes, Loki had endured hardships that others might not understand, but no one could truly exist without heartache, could they?

Theo stopped a step ahead and glanced back at Loki. “What?”

“I–” Loki faltered, grasping for the appropriate response. “Surely he has experienced emotions other than happiness?”

“I mean, sure?” Theo glanced ahead at the rest of the group, then back at Loki. “Look, we don’t really talk about shit like that, but I don’t think he’s ever had a bad thing happen to him. If I ever got the crazy idea to talk to him about a bad day at work, I don’t doubt that he’d listen and try to make me feel better, but I doubt he’d really understand.”

“The more you reveal about your relationship, the less I understand the appeal.” Loki shook his head and started forward once more. “I thought that Midgardians valued love for the emotional connection, and yet you seem all too content to avoid emotions in your courtship with the actor.”

“We connect in other ways.” Theo’s tone held a certain cheekiness to it, which she paired with an equally cheeky grin. “I could tell you about the se–”

“– No, I think I am quite alright –” Loki replied rather sharply, cheeks burning as he forced images of Theo in a compromising position from his mind. The last thing he needed was to linger on such inappropriate thoughts, particularly with another Avenger.

“– Hey, you were the one who said everyone has needs –” Theo pointed out, far too self-satisfied in her response, “I figured you’d get it.”

“I do not need the mundane details to understand the appeal of physical intimacy.” Loki scoffed, rolling his eyes. “I simply do not understand why you bother with the rest of the courtship if you’ve no interest in further commitment.”

Theo did not have an immediate answer; she drew in a breath as if to speak, but remained quiet.

By that point, the pair had walked far enough that they were about to pass the beggar Loki had previously noticed; at that point, they were close enough that Loki could clearly make out the creases of age and weathered skin, as well as the faint wisps of silver where a once robust head of hair likely sat. The man’s earlier melancholy lingered in Loki’s memory, and sentiment tugged at Loki’s heartstrings, compelling him to do something.

All it took was a twitch of Loki’s fingers to conjure some cash in hand; if nothing else, Loki figured the man could use the money for a night of shelter and a warm meal. Yet, before Loki had the chance to acknowledge the man, Theo had already greeted the man by name, then crouched down so she was at eye-level before she extended some sort of plastic card to him, saying something Loki didn't quite catch. The man, however, grinned at Theo, his smile highlighting gaps where his teeth had fallen out at some point, before thanking her for her generosity.

Dumbfounded, Loki offered a quick greeting and extended the cash, which the elderly man thanked him for, though it was not with the level of warmth that the man exuded when he spoke to Theo.

The moment they were not within earshot of the man, Loki turned to Theo. “You know him?”

“Before I was an Avenger, I played a lot of shows in this area,” Theo explained with a small shrug. “Greg used to be the janitor at one of the local bars, but since I last saw him, he had to quit because of some health problems that left him unable to work. Between the treatment and the lack of income he couldn’t pay rent and ended up on the streets.

“I didn’t find out until a couple weeks ago, when I was walking home and I recognized him, so I stopped to talk to him and learned about what happened. I told myself that the next time I saw him, I’d put Tony’s insane bank account to use and give him enough money that he would never have to sleep on the street again, and he wouldn’t have to worry about making ends meet The card has contact info for some people who can help him with the logistics.”

“Awfully generous of you,” Loki remarked.

“Hey, you didn’t even know him, but you still gave a bit of cash too,” Theo pointed out with a soft smile. “Most people would have ignored him.”

“Yes, well, back to our previous conversation–” Uncomfortable with the direction with which Theo took his remark, Loki quickly diverted the conversation. “–You never answered my question.”

“What question?” Theo glanced at Loki as they rounded the corner, Avengers Tower stretching into the sky ahead of them.

“Why bother with a courtship if you have no intention of pursuing a serious relationship?”

“You’re reading too much into this,” Theo laughed nervously as she shook her head. “It’s not that I refuse to be in a serious relationship - I just like to go with the flow.”

Yet, contrary to what Theo said, a familiar melancholy in Theo’s eye said otherwise - the same melancholy he caught when Theo sang, ‘the first thing that I do when I walk in is find a way out for when shit gets bad, and / I’ve been looking for tears in the screen door / and I’ve been waiting for another disaster…’

That look in Theo’s eye told Loki everything he needed to know.

We don't know what we're doing Let's do it again, yeah, you know We're just amateur lovers With amateur friends I can tell you what you're thinking now Before you think it you can settle down Our lovin' isn't gonna burn us out We don't know what we're doing Let's do it again Yeah, let's do it again

#loki #loki fanfiction #loki slow burn #loki fluff #loki fanfic #loki marvel #loki mcu #loki laufeyson #loki odinson #loki x ofc #loki x ofc fan fiction #when everything's made to be broken #wemtbb #loki angst

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late-to-the-party-81 · 3 months

Text

Of Pianos and Mischief

AN: You know when you have an idea for a fic, and then that idea grows, and then you think “I could link this to a story I wrote last year”? Well, that!

This can be read as a follow-up to the story I wrote for BBB 2022 - Polyamory

Beta’d by BritBrit99

Likes are loved, reblogs are golden

Mood board by me and dividers by @firefly-graphics

Bingo Fills -

@buckybarnesbingo K4 - Playing an instrument

@stuckybingo I2 - Loki

@steverogersbingo C4 - Loki

Master list | BBB Master list | Stucky Bingo Master List | SRB Master list

Summary: Just a normal day for Sam and his two super soldier boyfriends, sketching, reading and wondering how the hell Bucky has managed to smuggle a piano into his room….

Relationship: Steve x Bucky x Sam

Word count: 1.7k

CW: Sam Wilson PoV, Domestic fluff, boys in love, Bucky Barnes recovering, Protective Steve, Protective Sam, Snarky Loki.

Sam had known that when he decided to follow his heart and accept the love of not one, but two, centenarian supersoldiers, that he wasn’t picking the easy path. But when had he ever picked ‘easy’? Every day was a challenge of some description and today was no exception. He should have known that something was coming when it started off so calmly.

Bucky had gone out to the shops this morning, coming home with a secret bag of ‘who knows what’ and was now ensconced in his room, apparently working on a ‘special project’. Sam and Steve knew by now to just let him be - he’d tell them when he was ready. However, it had been while they were waiting in the living room, Steve randomly sketching and doodling at one end of the sofa and Sam trying to make his way through The Hobbit on Bucky’s recommendation at the other, feet tangled together, that they heard a sound that just cemented in Sam’s mind that his life would never be straight forward.

A piano.

They could hear a piano being played in Bucky’s room. Steve’s eyes had lit up, obviously recognising the melody that was being played rustily from behind the closed door, but Sam’s first thought had just been ‘How the hell did Bucky sneak a piano into the apartment?’

“What the hell? Did you know about this Steve?” Sam turned on the sofa to look at Steve, but his blonde boyfriend now had his eyes closed, his right hand moving in time to the music, still clutching a charcoal pencil.

“He’s playing ‘Night and Day’,” Steve replied, dreamily. “He used to play this when we went down Farrell’s on the corner of 16th and 9th. The girls would hang around him, trying to get him to notice them, and if he was lucky, some of the old timers would toss a nickel in his hat. I don’t think I’ve heard him play since he shipped out.”

Sam rolled his eyes. Steve was always so sappy, which was normally endearing, but not in this instance where there were questions to be answered.

“And I’m all for it, really, but how did the piano get in our apartment? I’m guessing you didn’t help him and I sure as hell didn’t.”

At Sam’s words, Steve’s face took on a quizzical expression and, to be honest, it was pretty cute.

“I mean, he could probably carry one in here on his own,” Steve suggested, but it was clear he didn’t really believe what he was saying, even if it was possible.

“Yeah, but without either of us noticing?” Sam countered.

“Maybe Thor helped him?” Steve offered, even less convincingly.

Sam rolled his eyes and shook his head, putting his book down and shifting so he could straddle Steve’s legs and cup his jaw.

“Steve, the situation is weird and you know it.” He dropped a kiss to Steve pink, pouty lips. “Now, I’m gonna go find out what’s going on.”

He straightened and climbed off Steve’s lap. He made it two steps across the room before Steve called after him.

“Sam, wait…” Steve practically stumbled to his feet, his sketchpad and charcoal tumbling to the floor as he did so. He reached out and snagged Sam’s hand. “You know Bucky doesn’t like to be disturbed. We promised to respect that.”

Sam looked at Steve’s earnest face then at Bucky’s door and back again, and his shoulders slumped as he let out a sigh. “You’re right, but you know how much I hate mysteries.”

Suddenly a voice came from behind them.

“It’s not that mysterious, my dear New Cap.”

The two men whirled around to find a pair of blue-green eyes twinkling at them, mischievously.

Steve scowled and took a protective step forwards, fists clenched at his sides.

“Loki!”

The God of Mischief was perched atop the sideboard, legs crossed with the one underneath swinging jauntily.

“Now, now, Captain - sorry. Nomad - don’t get your star-spangled panties in a wad. I’m just here to help.”

Steve let out a low noise, which to Sam’s ear sounded like a growl. It was both surprising and sexy in equal measure.

Loki hopped down, uncaring of Steve’s posturing and took a relaxed seat on the couch.

“I know! It still comes as a surprise to me on occasion. But I will admit to having been very intrigued when the good Sargent’s missive reached me in New Asgard, asking for some assistance. I needed to see for myself the man that had caused you and Stark to fall out. I must say I wasn’t disappointed.”

“You leave Bucky alone, Loki, or so help me…” Steve took another step forward but halted and trailed off when Loki raised his hand.

“I assure you, I have no designs on ‘your Bucky’. My tastes run more to blondes who are even older than you are.”

Sam stepped around Steve, hoping to keep him from launching himself at the smirking demi-god.

“What did Bucky actually ask you to help with?”

Loki turned his head to take Sam in with an appraising look. “Finally, someone who asks the real questions. But then I’m guessing that you don’t have any ridiculous serum making you all addle-pated. You don’t seem so pompously righteous either.”

“You still don’t want to underestimate me though,” Sam quipped back, easily understanding how the others found Loki insufferable.

Loki looked at Sam, opening his mouth as if to make a retort, but then seemed to think better of it.

“Well, anyway,” he said instead, “He wanted help acquiring and secretly installing a Midgardian piano, and then adding magical sound-proofing to his room, so he could practise without either of you knowing. And as a former brainwashing victim myself, I have to admit I was very intrigued to see how he was readjusting. I can see that all it took was the love of two good men, a global pardon and a stint in Africa.”

Steve’s shoulders lost some of their tension at Loki’s explanation, but he was still far from relaxed. “So, let me get this straight - you used your magical abilities to conjure Bucky a piano?”

“My,” Loki drawled, “you really are more intelligent than you seem.”

“And you’re more of an asshole than you seem,” said Sam. “But if you also sound-proofed his room, why can we hear him playing?”

Loki smiled a toothy grin. “Well, I wouldn’t be the God of Mischief if I didn’t do the unexpected every now and again, would I?” With that he stood, brushing imaginary specks of dust from his clothes. “Anyway, it was very nice chatting with you both, but I must be going. Things to do, you know how it is.” Then, with a wave of his hand and a green flash, he disappeared.

Sam and Steve looked at each other in disbelief, still trying to work out what exactly had just happened, when Bucky’s door opened and he came strolling out. The other pair jumped in surprise and Bucky raised his brow.

“What’s going on?” he asked. “Why does Stevie look as though he’s squaring up for a fight?”

Steve looked down at his hands that were still curled into fists and unclenched them.

“I was… just… um… walking through a defensive move with Sam. Wasn’t I?” Steve looked at Sam, his blue eyes imploring.

“Yeah, something like that,” Sam confirmed.

Bucky obviously wasn’t convinced. “Mmm-hmm? You two keep your secrets then. I won’t be offended.” He let out a mock sniff as he made his way over to the sofa, sat down, and then noticed the book on the coffee table. “Hey, Sam, you’re actually reading it. What do you think so far?”

Sam flashed Steve a look of relief that Bucky was now distracted by one of his favourite topics and went to join Bucky on the couch, curling up tight next to him. “It’s great, Buck. But you know what would be even better?”

“What, dollface?”

“If you read it to us. You agree, don’t you Steve?”

Steve smiled broadly at them both, before crossing the carpet and wedging himself down between Bucky and the opposite arm of the sofa, pulling Bucky to half lie with his back against Steve’s chest.

“Sure I do. You’ll read us a chapter, won’t you, baby?”

Bucky smiled at each of his boyfriends in turn. “Anything for you two. But afterwards you gotta tell me what was going on before I came out.”

“Only if,” Steve countered, “you tell us what you were up to in your room.”

“Deal,” said Bucky, and dropped a kiss on Steve’s lips before turning back to Sam and dropping one on his too. “So, chapter five. Riddles in the Dark. When Bilbo opened his eyes, he wondered if he had; for it was just as dark as with them shut.”

Sam let himself relax against Bucky’s side, resting his head on his shoulder, and listened to his deep voice rumble through him. Steve’s arm rested along the back of the sofa, and the tips of his fingers, which could just about reach Sam’s head, traced lazy patterns in his short hair.

Life might not be easy and constantly filled with the unexpected, but thinking on everything else he had, Sam decided he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Tag List: @km-ffluv @wheezy-stucky @christywrites @doasyoudesireandlive

#All Caps #SamStucky #buckybarnesbingo2023 #Steve Rogers Bingo #Stucky Bingo #Steve x Bucky x Sam

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fandomtcikles · 1 year

Note

Hellooo! If it is prompts you need, then prompts I shall deliver >:)

“What’s with the bad mood? I think that may need to be remedied…”

with ler!Thor and lee!Loki? :)

(sending love <3)

Eeeeh thank you so much for the request @just-a-fluffy-knight, I loved this one. You always give the best prompts my love!

Hope you guys enjoy this! It’s just a little Drabble of everyone’s favourite Asgardian brothers

Not in the mood

Warnings - none

Word count - 1.4k

“Greetings brother”, Thor declared as he waltzed his way into the lounge area, and flopped onto the couch that his slightly less cheerful brother was already lounging on, in a hopeful attempt for some peaceful reading. So much for that plan he thought to himself, as the oversized golden retriever that was his older brother flopped far too close to him for his liking on the equally oversized couch. He only huffed in annoyance and shifted away, in yet another attempt for some personal space.

“Must you do that”, he grumbled. Thor only chuckled in return, “yes I must dear brother”.

“Wonderful”, Loki threw his head back dramatically, rolling his eyes, before returning to his book. Thor chuckled again, “do you really find me that intolerable?”. Loki never even lifted his eyes from the page he was on, and yet they still told Thor everything he needed to know. “I sincerely doubt you want me to answer that honestly” he sighed, the annoyance lying heavy in his voice.

Thor wasn’t having this; he was used to being the happier of the pair but even he knew something was different today with Loki, and as he was the older brother, he decided to take matters into his own hands.

“What’s with the bad mood brother? I think that may need to be remedied...”, mischief lacing his voice, and an unsettling smirk gracing his face. This did not go unnoticed by Loki, who despite his best efforts to pretend he didn’t notice, subconsciously shifted even further away from Thor, so that he was now pressed right against the side of the couch, nervously turning the page of his book. Thor wasn’t exactly wrong. He hadn’t exactly been having the best day so far, hence his mood and attempt at trying to find some peace and quiet. However, it had escaped his mind that as his brother, Thor knew him well enough to know when something was wrong, and worryingly for Loki, Thor had a preferred method when it came to bringing his younger brother out of his moods, despite Loki’s numerous protests against it in the past. And judging by the mischievous glint in his brothers' eyes, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was right to be nervous, especially as he noticed Thor making his way closer towards him.

“Thor, I assure you I am not in the mood for any childish games right now”, as he attempted to back even further into the couch. However, Thor was not away to give up that easily. “Oh, come on Loki we both know you could do with some cheering up today”, making his way closer to Loki still. “Thor, I assure you that is not necessary”, the panic in his voice becoming evidently clearer, as Thor neared closer still, until he managed to get close enough to Loki to pin his arms to his sides with his knees, before he ever got the chance to escape.

“Thor this is childish nonsense that we are much too old for, must this be the way it always goes!”, Loki frantically rambled, as he desperately tried to squirm his way out of Thor’s iron grip. Thor in turn let out a hearty laugh, “you know I might ask you the same thing brother”. Loki shot him an incredulous look, “I beg your pardon”, he questioned, still attempting to worm his way free.

“Loki you are the God of Mischief; a man known for his tricks and illusions, whilst being cunning and sneaky. You’d think a man capable of such feats would be able to escape a situation like this easily, why not rely on your illusions or teleportation's to escape if you truly hate it so much, rather than this child like display of strength”.

Loki went to make a snarky remark to immediately defend himself but found himself unable to do so. As Thor said despite him being known for his deceptions, he found he was unable to explain why he hadn’t truly chosen to escape all the times when Thor had subjected him to this childish torture. Unfortunately, he didn’t get much time to ponder on this, as his train of thought was abruptly disrupted when he felt two strong hands digging into his ribs, causing him to bark out a surprised laugh.

“THOR STOP THIS AT ONCE THIS IS UTTERYLY RIDI-”, he was cut off yet again by his own surprised laughter as a result of Thor suddenly leaving his ribs, only for him to start digging into Loki’s bony hips. Loki attempted another snarky remark, but the unbearable ticklish jolts shooting through him rendered him useless of any strength or ability to speak he may have previously had, much to Thor’s amusement.

“Face it brother, we both know you need this”, and with that, he went in for the kill. Using one hand to knead into Loki’s hip, whilst his other hand spidered its way across his other hip, and up and down his side multiple times before kneading into his ribs. Any hope Loki may have had to escape this situation with any part of his dignity still intact vanished, as he got lost in the million maddening sensations jolting through him, rendering his mind essentially useless and only allowing him to throw his head back in pure unfiltered laughter, as he continued to be subjected to the torturous feeling.

“THOR-” he finally managed to wheeze out in between frantic peals of laughter, as Thor continued to knead into his hip, whilst his other hand had begun to spider up and down his sides and stomach, both torturously light but also with enough pressure for it to still tickle like hell. It was no secret that Thor was enjoying this, knocking his usually stoic arrogant little brother down a few pegs with a few squeezes to his sides. However, he also had the feeling that he was not the only one enjoying it, as Loki was still yet to try and make a proper escape, or any escape for that matter, proving to Thor that he had been right all along, which he couldn’t help but smile at. Loki certainly could have his moods, but at the end of the day he was still his little brother.

Thor couldn’t help but smile at this, and looked down at his younger brother who was still in hysterics, and decided to finally have pity on him, at least for the moment. Slowing to gentle rubs on his sides, Loki’s laughter eventually slowed down as well as he finally regained his breath, uncontrollable giggles still spilling out. “I still think that was ridiculous” he managed to wheeze out, his voice hoarse from laughing so much.

“Careful how you speak brother” Thor warned him playfully, squeezing just above his knee, causing Loki to let out another wheeze that spiraled into yet more giggles.

“THOR”

Thor only laughed. “I’m sorry Loki that was just too easy”. To which Loki only grumbled, but even he couldn’t help the small smile that was tugging at his lips. Just as Thor had realized, this did bring back fond memories for Loki as well. There were countless memories of them as kids where Thor would pull one of these attacks on Loki to see him smile, and to ensure he never felt left out. These attacks would often consist of Thor pinning down Loki and going for his death spots. Loki couldn’t help but shudder slightly thinking about all the times when Thor would go after one of his worst spots. Something that didn’t go unnoticed by Thor now.

“What are you thinking about brother?”.

“Well, I still believe that was completely unnecessary” he grinned. Thor only smiled and rolled his eyes. “I do believe you were still ever so slightly more merciful than when we were children, for which I am... somewhat grateful I suppose” still grinning.

Thor thought for a moment before all those beloved childhood memories came crashing back to him as well, which gave him an idea. “Ah yes, I do believe your neck used to be rather sensitive didn’t it... hhmm I wonder if that is still the case”, and without any warning, he dipped his head into the crook of Loki’s neck, blowing an enormous raspberry causing Loki to wheeze once more.

“THOR”

“I’m sorry brother that was the last one, I promise”. He smirked. Loki, still giggling slightly, only rolled his eyes and shook his head.

“I’m sure it was brother”.

#marvel tickle #ler!Thor #lee!loki #Loki tickle #Thor Tickle #tickle fluff

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