Author's note: Thank you very much for all the reviews I have gotten so far. They make me smile throughout the whole day : - ). I will probably not be able to update this story in the next few days, so here's a little riddle for you to figure out until then: Where did I get my title for the story from? Whoever gets it right first, gets to choose Hayley's favorite flower : - ). I had to change the rating of the story to be safe! Also, I found the best song for this chapter and possibly the whole story. Have fun reading (and listening)!

Song for this chapter: Trying not to love you – Nickelback

Lyrics: .

Chapter 2: Rekindled

The test run Loki had suggested didn't go as smoothly as Hayley had planned. But then again she didn't even know if she wanted to prove her worth to them anyway. Hayley, Loki, Thor, Sif, Fandral, Hogun and Volstagg had assembled on a field outside of Asgard.

"Focus, for Odin's sake!" Loki shouted at her. Only, her concentration wasn't as strong as it was when she was on her own; without him. Loki was throwing small lightning like balls at her protection shield and Hayley was trying to keep it up while Thor, Fandral and Hagun were inside of it. Sif and Volstagg were simply observing. Unfortunately, that didn't improve her situation either. Hayley hated it when others judged her and what else could these experienced fighters be doing right now?

Her magical barrier was shrinking and Hayley was failing. Why do all this and then come out the useless loser in the end again? Loki must have found her expendable back when he stopped spending time with her. And now he wanted to prove it one more time? Realizing this, first Hayley hurt more than she had during all this time she had spent on her own. Her shield flickered and a few of Loki's flashes reached Thor and Hagun, who ducked them effortlessly. But then she grew angry.

With her arms stretched out in front of her, Hayley was standing facing Loki when a strong wind came up and whipped her long red hair around her face and body. It almost looked like flames were surrounding her and her shield started to expand again. When Loki saw the stern look on her face he was brought up short. And then he realized that at the same moment her force field lashed out at him. Although Hayley's shield was barely visible under normal circumstances, now it had assumed a silver-white shimmer and separate glistening bright beams had lunged out for Loki.

Caught off guard, he was thrown to the ground and Hayley's shield vanished. Exhausted, she sank to the ground. Where had all that anger come from? Astounded the others turned to her. Loki was only a few yards away from Hayley when he rose, looked at her and spoke. "Well, that was impressive. Where did that come from? We need more of that. But I'll sure have to teach you a lot about how to use your powers correctly!"

Correctly? She thought. Didn't I just knock you off your feet you stupid… Her body ached all over and she felt very weak but she didn't' want him to know that. "Maybe I will have to teach you some lessons instead!" she answered irritably. The others were laughing at that but Hayley simply got up and walked back towards the castle. She could hear the others discussing what just happened, she didn't care though. My anger must have channeled my power in a way, she thought. Well, if Loki wanted he could have more of that.

At the same time Hayley wondered if she actually wanted her magic to be driven by anger. In general, she wasn't a person susceptible to rage. Normally, she buried her emotions inside and didn't let anybody see them. Thinking about that, the pain of seeing Loki and practicing magic together with him after all that time returned.

On her way to the wing of the castle where her room was located she started to cry. Exhaustion and the unwanted stirring up of her feelings had gotten the better of her. Hayley dragged herself into her bathroom and drew a bath for her oppressed body. Slipping out of her dirty clothes, dark wide trousers and a jacket with an intricate design of red knots, she slid into the steaming hot water and tried to forget the worries of the day.

Hayley closed her eyes and was engulfed by the scent of the bubble bath. She started to relax a little and let her mind drift to more pleasant things like the stories in her books. In them there were brave heroes with sparkling green eyes, like Loki's. Hayley's eyes flew upon. Why was she suddenly thinking about him? She wanted to forget, not reminisce. Determinedly she closed her eyes again and started to ponder once more about her literary heroes. Billowing cloaks, strong horses, muscled and trained bodies with an air of success when they came home from battle; like Loki did recently.

Frowning, Hayley kept her eyes closed and kept thinking about her former best friend. Apparently, he wasn't going to leave her mind that easily. A slight breeze nuzzled her cheek; and then it wasn't a breeze anymore, it was a very pale hand. Startled, Hayley opened her eyes and jerking up she splashed water all over the marble floor. Immediately, when she realized that no other than Loki was sitting on the brim of her bathtub she ducked back under the foam to hide her nude body from him.

Openly staring at him, she shouted "What are you doing here, Loki? Get out now!"

Loki however, chose to stay where he was and just watch her. Hayley was pretty sure that he couldn't see her intimate parts beneath the water and the bubble bath but still she was shocked to find him here. "I just wanted to tell you that we decided to let you in. Let's see how you do in real battle." The words from his silver tongue were smooth and Hayley shivered even in the hot water. "What if I don't want to accompany you into battle?" Hayley said self-consciously. "Well, Thor already told our father. So, if you were to object his will, this would mean treason." Loki was stroking the surface of the bathing water with one hand absentmindedly. "In that case, count me in." was all Hayley answered to this thinly veiled threat. She couldn't quite grasp if he was serious, though.

With that, Loki gave the brim of the tub a pat and got up. "Take care of yourself, Lady Hayley. Training starts tomorrow. You have a lot of catching up to do." With one last glance at Hayley's almost completely submerged self, Loki left the room, his cloak flowing after him.

Exhaling deeply, Hayley thought about the strange encounter she just had. Had he seen the shed tears on her face? Why had he just flounced into her bathroom? Loki had caressed her cheek but at the same time he had threatened her with treason and pointed out her shortcomings. All those conflicting thoughts and feelings made Hayley sure of one particular circumstance; she was more vulnerable than ever when it came to the smug God of mischief.

Flash forward:

His hands were all over her; cupping her breasts, caressing her hair. He was kissing the nape of her neck while he was lying on top of her. Hayley was completely naked underneath the covers and the heat between her and Loki's body made her sweat. She clawed at his back while he was nibbling her skin. A small sigh escaped her lips and her eyes fluttered open.

Hayley found herself alone in her bed and fully dressed but heavily panting. Beads of sweat had formed on her forehead. "Did you have a nice dream?" a familiar voice breathed.

Alarmed, Hayley sat bolt upright in bed. Loki was casually leaning in her doorframe, arms crossed. She noticed his meaningful smile and thought, does he know? How could he? "Loki, I told you, I don't want you rummaging around in my head; especially when I am sleeping!"

"Why, I didn't do anything to your head. What was it; did you dream something nasty?" Loki's innocent tone was contrasted by his broadening smile. Hayley didn't look at him.

Flash back.