A/N's. I've had a bit of writer's block lately – and with a new idea came a new story. With my brain being unwilling to work on my other stories I thought this was an interesting way to take what I had in mind. I've always loved stories with lots of letters and notes between character's sent in a romantic way so I wanted to do that for the character's we have here. This is an AU to events after the Avengers and semi-during The Dark World. Please gimme some feedback (good or bad – but no flames please) if you read so I know what you like or what I need to improve on.

Let Me Love You

"Doubt is a creature within the air. It grows when someone hesitates."

-Toba Beta

Chapter One: Hesitation

To Loki Odinson,

I'm not sure why I'm writing this really...but when I was talking to Thor about you I'd mentioned it was common on our world to send people letters in prison. I said that it was people we cared about but I think he didn't know what to write so I figured I'd jot something out. I'm rambling, I do that often.

Before you get the wrong idea; I think what you did in New York was horrible, and that you deserve to be in jail – but Thor really cares about you. So I suppose I hope you two can get along someday. Even if you throw this letter away I hope you get that part of the message. I can see the pain in his eyes when he speaks of your imprisonment. So, I'm writing on his behalf. Even if I'm probably just some peasant mortal to you.

I'm Jane Foster, I'm an astrophysicist on earth and while we've never met I've seen you on television. I've been sort of dating your brother for a while? It's complicated. I care about him though, it's why I'm writing. It's been a long time since I had a pen pal – not since my elementary years – but then I dunno if you'll even keep this so I guess I shouldn't expect a reply.

According to Thor there is little news, that things are much the same in the 'realm eternal' as he calls it. Isn't that a bit much for a name? Couldn't you guys stick with Asgard? He also says your parents are well. I got to meet them today.

Your dad is sort of a jerk. I met him a little while ago and he called me a goat. So I guess I see where you get your humans are a lesser race crap from. Your mom is really nice though, so I think you should be ashamed of making her sad.

Anyway, I don't expect to write anymore. There's nothing else to say. I just thought it would be fair to write you something in Thor's stead.

-Jane Foster

P.S. I've never written anyone in prison before.

The smooth wax on the parchment was beginning to move as the prisoner continued to trace the edge of the melted candle used to seal the missive that had been given to him an hour before. Loki had left the letter on the side table near his cot for a time while he finished a chapter of one of the books his mother had sent. His eyes had been drawn up to it a few times, as there was no name on the outside. Once he'd finished his chapter curiosity had gotten the better of the mischief maker and he'd opened it.

Now it was held to the side, fingers still absently fiddling with the wax enough that it was starting to peal free of the paper. His eyes were on the ceiling as he considered the options of this letter – the guard had stated when it was delivered that he would accept a reply from Loki. It wasn't a breech of Odin's order that no one see him any longer – but it was far from expected. Thor still cared huh? Then why hadn't he written as opposed to his mortal love? Why was she even here? She said there wasn't much news but the fact that Odin hadn't immediately removed her from Asgard meant there was a purpose for her presence.

Information was paramount to eventually escaping the prisons, it was comfortable enough thanks to his mother but he couldn't sit idle too long without at least a plan to make his way free. He clicked his tongue before pushing himself up in a half-roll off the bed to pick up a fresh piece of paper. He might as well play 'pals' with Thor's girl – if it didn't get him any information it would at least probably bother the oaf that they were speaking regularly.

To the Lady Jane Foster,

Such nicety's aren't commonly allowed on the prisons of our world; whatever name you choose to call it. I am surprised that your letter was given to me, but as I have little better to do with my time I deigned to respond to your chiding.

I'll not write out some long description as to the various methods I could use to justify my actions on your earth, you seem unlikely to listen regardless of the words. As for my brother – our relationship is also best described as complicated.

As for your assumptions to my views of you; you would be incorrect. There are some mortals quite worth my time and effort. That are more than mere peasants to be commanded. From what I understand, particularly if my brother is to be believed – you are one of the precious few of interest. Then, it is Thor making that decision – so I'll reserve judgment for the time being.

I know a fair amount about you Jane Foster; where you have watched me – I have also seen you during your times with my brother on your earth's 'New Mexico'. I saw much of what transpired between you both then. This time, I am not in as easy a position to be witness to other parts of the world. Which leads to a question. You claim there is little news but you are here and being allowed to contact me in this antiquated method. Why are you on Asgard?

-Loki Laufeyson

P.S. Odin is not my father. Otherwise your observations of him are precise.

A scowl was settled on Jane's face as she paced on the balcony where Thor had left her while he went to speak with his father about her predicament. She was nervous as she walked along, not sure what to think of what Loki had written to her. He seemed well spoken enough, educated well given the words he'd chosen to express himself. His elegant script made her own scribbled note feel clumsy. The words were pretentious but in such a way that she'd almost smiled at the charisma put across even in a simple letter.

Of course, Ted Bundy was considered pretty charming so she knew she had to take anything being said with a grain, no cut that; a truckload of salt. Of course, he'd read right through her little lie about everything being just fine. Things were far from that – and perhaps with what she was going through the convict might know something that Thor didn't. At least she could share her distaste for Odin with him.

Jane bit her lip and glanced to the table where the writing implements sat on the desk in the nice cell where the guard's were watching her so she couldn't wander outside of supervision. She was just writing a letter – how dangerous could that be? Even if she told Loki everything he couldn't really do much from his cell. It couldn't hurt to ask if he knew something about this Aether that was taking up residence as a really creepy parasite in her body.

To Loki Odinson,

Maybe you get special treatment since you are a prince? Or were? I guess you wouldn't be anymore...

Jane shook her head, ripping up the piece of paper – that would probably just piss him off and she would be asking for help. She dropped the parchment into the trash, watching the pieces flutter as they fell into the small canister. Tapping the quill as she tried to think of how to reply – it wasn't like she'd expected him to actually respond to her. She had to try to be at least a little nice if she was going to get any information...long shot as that might be.

To Loki Odinson,

Thor does care about you, there's not much complicated about that beyond you two fighting all the time. You need to just apologize and then maybe you two can get along again – you guys are almost eternal right? They can't just leave you in prison forever.

I'd thank you for the compliment if it wasn't covered in spikes. Do you really need to veil insults into anything you have to say? You don't even veil them that well – it's pretty clear you don't like me much. You must be pretty bored if you're deigning to 'talk' to me so hopefully you'll listen to my advice and try to redeem yourself a little.

I'm here cause I have a problem, so I guess I'm not a good liar even on paper. I was pushed somewhere to some other world cause of what Thor keeps calling 'the convergence'. There I was infected by a substance he calls the 'Aether'. Odin's keeping me here because they're trying to figure out how to get it out of me. Doesn't seem like they've had much luck so far.

I'm frightened to be honest. I thought seeing a new world would be wonderful – and it first it was – Asgard is beautiful. Now I'm just concerned – I feel weaker all the time – this thing they're only spending time debating about is devouring me. I can't be sure if they'll even find an answer – more or less before I'm consumed by it. I don't know why I'm telling you this – I doubt you care. I think being left to my own thoughts isn't that good for me right now. Regardless, thanks – it's nice to sort of express myself to someone.

-Jane Foster

End Chapter

Not sure how long I'll last with just letters between them but the idea of it amuses me since it's been a long time since I wrote a fiction through this method. I'll certainly have to have them meet at some point though : ) This fiction is very much a way for me to just relax and try to get into writing again – so I only read it through one time past the first draft. If there are errors I apologize. If you let me know I'll try to fix them when I get time!

-Aura

To my reviewers:

Sadly as it's the first chapter I have none – but I hope you'll gimme some remarks anyway! Even short comments always make me smile!