Granny Smith Marshmallows

30 Day OTP Challenge

Disclaimer: I don't own The Avengers or this writing challenge. I don't know who made it but I got it from Batsutousai.

Day 1: Holding Hands

Loki wasn't a big fan of public displays of affection. Anyone and their grandmother could see that. While he understood the need to show the world what was his, he didn't understand the methods by which most couples chose to show the world. Every day that he walked about the streets of Midgard, he saw all kinds of couples with all kinds of PDA. He saw teenagers kissing in the park, families laughing and playing together, and elderly couples holding hands and smiling. He definitely had a similar attraction to Bruce Banner, but he more or less refused to take part in showing his vulnerability to the public.

At home, however, in their cheap-but-glorious apartment, all bets were off. Hands were held(rather possessively, too), kisses were exchanged(almost more often than breaths were taken), and affection was clearly shown.

Bruce, while in a calm and content mood, decided to comment on Loki's relationship behavior. The two were sitting on the couch in their living room, watching some new movie that nearly every Midgardian was going gaga over. Loki couldn't help but laugh at the stupidity of the film – since when do vampires sparkle? Even on Asgard, everyone knows that vampires burst into flames when exposed to sunlight. Or at least they start sizzling. They sure as hell don't turn into to icy diamonds. He also noted the tamed nature and appearance of the "werewolves." Pathetic, if you ask him. Werewolves are way more ferocious than that. Anyway.

Bruce glanced down at his right hand, which was currently very tightly intertwined with Loki's left hand. He then looked up at his partner's amused face. After a few moments of silent staring, Loki's agitation grew and he turned to see if the human's contemplative stare had a purpose.

"Is something wrong, Dr. Banner?" the god asked. Even in private, he used his partner's professional name. "Bruce" still sounded too personal, even if they had been dating for six months. He had used the name a few times, but only in serious or personal moments.

"I was just wondering what you have against PDA. I mean I don't like seeing teenagers make out on the street myself, but would hand-holding when we go for a walk kill you?" Bruce asked. He bit the inside of his lip, hoping he hadn't upset the god. Of course, if Loki got angry, then Bruce would get angry, and then Hulk would say hi, and Loki would have to spend an exhausting amount of magic to fix whatever they broke. So it usually didn't matter.

Loki hesitated. His muscled tensed and he stared intensely into the television screen. Bruce worried that the screen would shatter under the pressure.

Loki took a breath, gave a sigh, and turned back to his partner. "I just don't understand the need to get all touchy-feely in public. Those teenagers are disgusting and the children are loud. I enjoy your company, and everyone we know knows you're mine and I am yours. Why do we need to show the rest of the world?"

"Because I'm proud of us." Bruce replied with a small smile. "I want people to know how happy and how lucky I am."

"Exactly how are you lucky, Bruce? Your body contains what most people call a monster that you can barely control, and the world knows it. How is that lucky?" the god asked quietly.

"Not that part. I'm lucky because I have you. I enjoy being yours. How many people can say they're happily dating a god?"

"From your world, I suppose not very many."

"What about the elderly couples we saw?" Bruce asked.

"What?"

"The elderly couples. The old people that were holding hands and smiling at each other. You mentioned the teens and the kids but you didn't say anything about the old people. What do you think of their public displays?"

"I. . ." Loki paused. He didn't really know what to think. He had usually brushed it off, since shortly after he saw the elderly couple his attention was demanded elsewhere. "I'm happy for them. I may not fully understand Midgardian customs but from what I've learned, not many couples last that long. Before you, I didn't care for love or romance or any of this relationship nonsense. I'm still learning the ropes. But it seems nice that two people can stay in one loving relationship until that age and still be happy with each other."

Bruce smiled again. "I want that to be us. I want us to last that long, and longer."

Loki couldn't help a small smile. It felt nice to be loved. "As do I, Bruce."

"So, maybe we could hold hands next time we go out?"

"I suppose so."

They turned back to the movie, hands intertwined once more. A few kissed were exchanged until Bruce fell asleep, his head resting on the god's shoulder.

They went for a walk the next day, and Loki enjoyed the various looks they received for their intertwined fingers.