Yay! Thank-you to the speedy response to that first chapter, it certainly was inspiring! Thank-you to everyone who added this story to their favourites list or alert list, it means a lot to me. A special thank-you goes to Chick With Brains, mslupin21, and, chatnoir1 who reviewed; fanfiction wouldn't let me respond to your reviews so there is a little response for each of you after this chapter:)
Ok so this chapter isn't too exciting so I've got another one coming up right after this... my updates will not always be this speedy... however I've written like 8,000 words in the past two days and I wanted to share... sooo chapter 2!
p.s. We pick up a few moments before Loki collapses... here we see Loki watching the ambulance drive away... enjoy!
Loki watched as the metal vehicle with flashing lights disappeared into the night. He looked up at the sky wearily.
He didn't know how long he had fallen for. He couldn't make sense of his journey from Asgard to Earth. He had reached out to the secret paths; he had extended magical limbs to find ways that had rarely been tread upon, ways that perhaps he was the first to discover. And then he had slipped into this realm. And he had suddenly hit earth's atmosphere. That had hurt. Then he had fallen. He had wildly attempted to steer himself to the same spot where Thor had landed and he wasn't that far off but the closer he got the faster he fell and the less control he had. He hadn't meant to land on the mortal. And in truth he hadn't really fallen on the mortal. He had landed directly beside him. His hand had hit the shoulder of the mortal and sent him flying.
Loki turned to the remaining mortal. She was a… interesting creature. She was almost comical in her efforts to aid her former lover. Comical in a sort of sad way. Loki had appreciated her supply of the words 'telephone wires', though he wasn't sure why she helped him with his false tale. Perhaps she was attempting to rationalize the situation. He knew that the mortals of today did that. That what they had once worshiped as holy magic they now looked upon as childish fodder. As he took in the appearance of the mortal before him now, her dishevelled exterior and red swollen eyes, he saw that she was staring at him, waiting, he guessed, for some sort of explanation.
Loki felt the toll of the fall begin to affect him. He gave her a small smile of reassurance before offering her a simple explanation, "I do not think it wise for me to go to your hospital."
The mortal looked at him with bewilderment etched across her features. "Oh. Okay." She shrugged. "Whatever."
He watched her wrench open her own vehicle's door, and then watched, puzzled, as she muttered something bitterly that he could not hear. She turned to him once more, "Okay..."
Loki suddenly was hit with a wave of pain. He did his best to remain composed. But could not stop his hand from flying to his chest where he felt the weight of Mjolnir as if it was still upon him. And then he felt a wave of nauseating pain issue from his stomach, hunger cut into him and in the back of his mind he wondered once again just how long he had fallen. He stumbled back and wobbled dangerously on his weakened legs. He winced in pain and then she was there, grabbing his shoulders, steadying him. He took in the concern in her eyes. He pressed his own eyes shut and suddenly the memory of her leaning over him came to him and he recalled the sweet intensity with which she had said, "It's going to be alright. I'm going to help you."
"Maybe it would be wise?"
Her words caused him to come back to reality and he would have smiled at her use of throwing his own words back at him. He would have smiled but black dots were beginning to cloud his vision. He waved his hand at her, dismissing the hospital. Hospitals required forms and identification and explanations and he was in no condition to produce such things, no matter how basic they were. Not only had his landing taken its toll on him and his sudden hunger began to gnaw at him but he was still wounded from his battle with Thor, and he was shrouding himself with magic. And that silly spell he used to produce clothing had for some reason left him feeling drained. He was in a poor state to deal with meddlesome mortals. He clenched his teeth, "I should not go there."
He felt her grasp tighten as he swayed haphazardly.
"Okay, well, I have a friend who is a nurse; can he take a look at you?"
Loki felt himself begin to sway again so he grabbed on to her slender arms. He blinked away the black dots and concentrated on the mortal's face. He frowned slightly, attempting to uncover any trace of ill will or cruel interest that would provoke her to run tests on him that would only reveal that he wasn't human. Not that he cared if she knew or not. One mortal wouldn't ruin everything. He just didn't want their pesky government to attempt to track him or contain him as they did Thor. Not that they could, although in his current condition… he took in the innocent compassion on her face and nodded heavily, "Yes." he amended.
And then it all went black.
Penny's eyes widened as the man fell on top of her. She supported his weight for about three seconds when her legs began to buckle underneath her. "Oh dear lord!" she breathed as she slowly sunk to the ground with him in her arms. She pushed him off of her and hopped up to car, opening the back door.
"Oh mighty Allfather!" The man hissed, in what Penny assumed was some sort of curse as he awoke on the ground.
She made her way back to his side. "Ok, I'm going to get you into the car, but I'm going to need your help. And then I'm taking you to the hospital because you're obviously in poor shape."
Loki reeled in pain that seemed to be coming from every part of his body. He pushed the mortal away from him once more, making sure she was a safe distance from him. He looked to her vehicle and saw the opening where had intended to take him. He took in a deep breath and gritted his teeth. He used magic to swiftly propel himself into the vehicle. After he landed he let out a small cry of pain. He needed to rest. And eat. And drink. He turned to the mortal who was still crouched where he used to be, she was staring at him, dumbstruck. He tilted his head in what possibly could have been condescension if it weren't for the pain, "No hospital." He let his head fall back as he lost consciousness once more.
Penny stared. She heard herself meekly agree, "Okay." She shut his door and climbed into the front seat her eyes darting to the rear-view mirror as she stared at the man's unconscious form. She replayed everything in her mind. He had fallen from the sky. He had been wearing some sort of odd armour that he had miraculously changed into more acceptable clothing. Then he seemed to not know what a telephone wire was. And he refused to go to a hospital. And of course he seemed to somehow teleport into the back of her car. Penny took a deep breath and silently named the man Spaceman in her mind.
If today had been a normal day she would have called Becky and told her everything. But she couldn't; not anymore. She started the car grudgingly and began to drive back towards the city when she realized that she did have to call Becky. Groaning she pulled her phone from her pocket and dialled the number she knew off by heart.
When Loki awoke again the first thing he noticed was that he was moving, rather the vehicle was moving. He observed the outside world passing quickly by. He decided to remain still; allowing his eyes to roam over the innards of this 'car'. After a quick inspection his eyes fell on the mortal woman. She was watching the grey road but he could see the beginning of tears pricking at her eyes. She let out a morose groan and pulled the little talking device from her pocket. Loki watched her as she pulled it to her ear, an expectant look across her face.
"Hey Becky, it's me." Her voice sounded remarkable small.
He watched as she bit her lip and nodded, more tears appearing.
"Yes, I know. About the two of you. Just-
'Becky' must have cut her off because the woman stopped talked and shook her head bitterly.
"Forget it! Ok? Just forget it. Listen, Blake, he's in the hospital. It's kind of a long story. Well. No. There was this guy on a telephone wire and he fell on top of Blake. You can ask Blake about it. I'm sure he'll remember. If they let him out tonight, take him home with you. I can't see either of you right now… or preferably for the rest of my life."
She squinted and used the back of the hand that was holding the device to wipe away her tears. She kept it away from her ear for a moment; she took in a deep breath and lifted one end to her mouth, "Goodbye Becky."
Loki continued to study her as she began to press more buttons on the device. Again the pain returned to him, though he was able to stifle any movement, his eyebrows furrowed as a sudden thirst ripped at his throat. He closed his eyes. How long had he fallen? He listened to the woman's voice as she began to speak again.
"Hey Chris." She paused focusing on the road. "Ya listen I have a patient for you. He fell off a telephone wire onto Blake and refuses to go to the hospital, would you mind meeting me at my place?" she paused again, listening, "Great, you're a saviour. Literally. Blake is fine. Well, I don't know, he's at the hospital. We broke up. Ya. Ok see ya soon!" Her voice was filled with a venomous positivity.
She threw the device onto the seat beside her and returned her gaze forward.
Loki narrowed his eyes as he attempted to decipher this woman. He wasn't sure why she had repeated his ridiculous telephone wire story. He looked at her weary expression and he realized that it would be simpler for her just to tell the lie. He focused on his breathing for the rest of the ride. It calmed him and was an attempt at a distraction from the pain that was slowly dying down.
When they arrived 'Chris' was already there. The woman got out of the vehicle and shut her door. For a moment Loki was alone, he watched Chris hug her through the window. Then the woman turned back to the car and opened the door by his feet. He looked down at the two approaching mortals.
The woman made a small expression of surprise, "Oh, you're awake."
He didn't make any move as if he heard. Loki watched them wondering what they expected him to do. He slowly sat up, grimacing as the pain fluttered through his stiff body. Chris offered his hand. Loki looked up to him inspecting him quickly. He didn't take his hand but pushed himself out of the car. He stood for a moment but quickly realized his legs were unsteady. The mortals were on either side of him then, helping him into the woman's abode. For a brief moment the image of Sif and the Warriors Three entered his mind. He saw them as if they could see him now, laughing at his weakness. He grimaced in pain and hate. He allowed the mortals to seat him on a long comfortable cushioned seat inside the house. After they sat him down they both looked at him unsure of what to do.
Loki sighed, "I need water, and food."
The woman quickly scurried away with a surprisingly upbeat, "Coming right up!"
Mortal Chris took in his form, "Can you tell me what's going on?"
No. thought Loki instantly. You wouldn't believe me, and you would question my sanity… though you wouldn't be the first. He sighed, "I've been… traveling for quite some time-
"How long?" Mortal Chris interrupted him.
I don't know. "For a long time. I need rest and I need sustenance. I will be quite well after that."
Mortal Chris looked at him sceptically, "And the fall?"
Loki patiently hid his exasperation, "A bit bruised, but I think that the other man got the worst of it."
The woman came back with a big glass of water in her hand; offered it to him, "Just tap water I'm afraid but there is pizza warming up for you in the microwave."
Loki gratefully accepted the water and ignored that fact that over half of the words that the woman had just said sounded like nonsense to him. How had Thor done this?
He drank the water in its entirety and handed the empty glass back to the woman, "Another." She pursed her lips and nodded before exiting the room once more.
Mortal Chris moved closer, "I just want to make sure that you're not suffering from a concussion."
Loki fought his annoyance, "Very well."
Chris sat down on the chair across from Loki, "How's your breathing? Any difficulty?"
Loki shook his head, "No."
The nurse nodded, "And what about circulation wise, any pins and needles?" he said the last part with a smile.
Loki bristled at the tone Chris used, like he was talking to a child, "Perfectly fine." He murmured icily.
Chris smiled uneasily, "Ok. Now, where are you?"
Loki frowned, "What?"
Chris looked at him comfortingly, "Just some mental awareness questions."
Loki inclined his head, "Earth. In this woman's home." This was precisely why he did not want to go to the hospital.
Chris frowned slightly as the woman entered the room with another glass of water and some sort of food. She offered the plate to Loki. Loki gingerly picked up the warm food and brought it to his mouth. He decided that it was edible and continued to devour the rest of what she had given him. After he finished the woman silently handed him the water while watching him.
Mortal Chris produced a small circular item that generated light. He waited until Loki had finished his water and then said, "I just need to check your eyes." He lifted the small lamp and shone it in Loki's eyes. After a moment he seemed satisfied. "Are you feeling at all nauseous, have you gotten sick?"
Loki shook his head, "No. I'm actually quite hungry."
The woman's eyebrows shot up, "Still?" She took the glass from his hand and grabbed the empty plate. Mortal Chris followed her out of the room.
Loki could hear noises of their muffled conversation in the other room. He sat and pondered his next move.
The two mortals emerged a few minutes later.
Mortal Chris was the first to speak, "Well I don't think you're concussed, although you may be suffering from exhaustion." Chris turned to Penny and placed a hand on her shoulder that she shrugged off, "Call me if you need anything. Keep him awake for another hour or so. Tell me if he becomes unconscious again."
The woman nodded, "ya, ya, ya… Bye Chris, thanks for everything." The words left her mouth half-heartedly.
Chris nodded to Loki, "Take care." And then he left.
The woman walked him to the door and disappeared for a moment, only to return with another glass of water and plate and bowl of food. She sighed, "You ate all my pizza so here's some vegetable soup and some bread."
Loki accepted the food and began to eat.
The woman sat down on the chair across from him, watching him again. "My name's Penny by the way."
Loki looked up from his meal.
Penny squirmed under his gaze, "Penny Holden."
Loki used the napkin she had placed on the plate to wipe his mouth gingerly. "I am Loki. Odin-son."
He resumed his meal.
A/N: So here, we got to see a little bit of what Loki's thinking. Meddlesome mortals... hehehe, I like that line, he sounds like a scooby doo villian. I also thoroughly enjoy the bit where Becky slowly sinks to the ground with Loki in her arms... Have you every tried supporting someone's full weight... it's tough when you're not expecting it... imagining her sink down is something I find hilarious... As always I really hoped you enjoyed this, got another coming right up for you. But first:
chatnoir1: You are my first reviewer of this story! Thank-you! And as a frequent user of public transportation I definitely agree with you about that stupid unwritten law. I'm glad you liked the anvil bit, I wasn't sure if it was too cheesy or not but I thought Blake deserves a little cartoon Anvil. When I first imagined this scene I thought Loki's helmet might come down first... but I don't think his Helmet made the trip to earth and I'm pretty sure it would have sliced Blake in half. I would also take the bad day if it ended with Loki collapsing on top of me. Okay, a lot of people are writing that Loki's eyes are green but Tom Hiddleston's eyes are such a pretty blue, and I like those icy villian eyes he's got going on in the movie; I couldn't help but keep them blue. I'm sorry if it doesn't work for you... just imagine I said mesmorizing green... or something like that... thank-you so much for your kind words!
mslupin21: Thank-you for saying this story was interesting! I appreciate that because honestly, I think that sometimes I'm the only one who doesn't find my writing boring... or I worry about that anyways. And yes, poor, poor, Penny. I did kind of torture her with that day. But it was necesary... sort of. I actually wiggled my eyebrows suggestively when I read your review; this part "Hopefully with the jerk gone, a certain god can cheer her up (-;" hehehe... yes that is exactly my plan. They've got a couple hardships coming their way but they will bond and it's all very exciting and Penny's heart will be racing and there's going to be danger and suspense and arrows... I'm going to stop now. Thank-you for your review. :D
Chick With Brains: Great name btw. I agree with you, Loki landing on your ex-boyfriend is a perfect end to a bad day. And that was the thought that first started this whole story... no joke. Ya... scaling the telephone wires... kind of lame but hey there was no other logical explanation. I figured that silvertongued Loki was also kind of shaken up so he had a little bit of difficulty coming up with a good story... hence the telephone wires. I'm glad that you love this! That is awesome! Like really! I'm not the only one! Hooray! Is this update soon enough? ;)
