Hannah woke slowly, cocooned in warmth. She took a deep breath, letting it out slowly.

"Welcome back." The words were a soft murmur next to her ear.

She shivered as she realized that part of the warmth surrounding her was coming from Loki. She tried to turn in his arms and found that she was still ridiculously weak.

His fingers tapped a rhythm on her lower back, stirring her and she giggled softly. "Why did you do that?" she asked.

"There is a reason."

She looked at him. "What is it?"

He smiled and didn't answer, pulling her closer instead. She sighed.

"Are you feeling better?" he asked.

She nodded against his cheek. "Yes. I'm still so weak, though."

"It will pass. For now, I will assist you."

Her breath caught at that offer. The idea of Loki doing things for her was completely unexpected and entirely foreign.

"What would you like first?" he continued. "Food? A bath?"

"A bath," Hannah said slowly, drawing the word out in sensual pleasure. "That sounds wonderful."

He chuckled. She looked up at him with a curious scrutiny. "Why are you doing things for me? I thought the mortal things were more Clint's prerogative."

"The archer will not touch you." He replied, not a threat or a request, simply a statement. "While you require help, I will provide it."

She laughed. "What planet are we on?"

He laughed with her and got out of bed. She heard him walking, then the sound of water running and cabinets opening and closing as he moved around. A few moments later, he came back and picked her up, carrying her into the bathroom. She felt like a child again and wrapped her arms around his shoulders.

He set her down in the tub, then knelt on the floor.

"Why don't you join me?" she suggested.

He tilted his head and gave her an admonishing look. "You're not well enough yet."

She pouted, knowing he was right. Still, just the sight of him, the sound of his voice and the feel of his skin had awakened the old desire in her. He chuckled and leaned forward, catching her out-thrust lip between his. His tongue caressed it slowly, waking her desire more, then his lips moved upwards and his tongue slid into her mouth. The kiss was slow and sensual, just as their last time together had been. Like the last time, it ended too soon.

He drew away from her and picked up a wash cloth, dipping it in the water.

"Loki," she breathed.

He rolled the soap in his hand, filling the cloth, then began to slide it over her body.

"Loki," she breathed again, a little more strongly. Her eyes drifted closed as his hand moved over her throat, her breasts, her belly, then dipped down into the cleft between her legs.

She inhaled sharply, a gasp of pleasure as he touched her, arching her back. His fingers, still covered with terry cloth, moved over her clitoris, setting a rhythm that she found irresistible. Her hand closed on his wrist as his touch brought her to exquisite release.

As the final shudders passed through her, his hand moved away, shutting off the water. Her breathing slowed and she realized the tub was full. It had taken almost no time at all for him to bring her to orgasm.

She opened her eyes and looked at him. "Why?"

His eyebrows rose. "I told you I'd take care of you."

"And you want nothing in return?"

He smiled slightly. "You're too weak. Rest now, Hannah. I'll get you some breakfast ready."

His fingers tapped rhythm on her thigh again. She didn't know what it meant, but it was obviously important to him. As he started to pull away, she grabbed his forearm with her hand and turned his wrist so she could reach the interior. She tapped out the rhythm on his flesh from memory. When he pulled his wrist away, his look was one of stunned incredulity.

She smiled shyly, still not understanding, but knowing she'd scored somehow. "Where's my breakfast?" she asked softly.

Loki entered the bedroom to find Clint reclining in a seat beside the dresser.

"Good morning," Loki said.

Clint nodded, his eyes hard.

"Did you sleep well, archer?"

Clint's eyes narrowed. "How's Hannah?"

"Much better."

Silence fell for a moment, both men watching each other. Clint broke first. "I know what you're doing."

"Considering what to make her for breakfast?" Loki asked, smirking at him.

Clint simply smiled back at him knowingly. "For it to count for shit you have to tell her what you're doing."

"And you think she will decline?" Loki asked, confidence radiating off him in waves.

"Oh hell yeah," Clint laughed, tossing his head back with mirth. "You clearly don't know that girl as well as you think."

Loki's eyes narrowed. "I know her intimately, archer. Don't forget that."

"Whatever. You're in trouble if you think she'll just consent to being your mindless concubine."

"I see my brother has not made clear what I offer to her. You will understand in good time, as will she."

Loki proceeded to ignore Clint as he assembled a tray out of thin air, containing coffee, butter croissants and fresh fruit. He placed it on the bedside table.

He looked over at Clint. "I am about to bring her back in wearing just a towel, I doubt she'd appreciate your presence here as witness to that."

Clint nodded, ignoring the stab of pain at the knowledge that Loki was right. She would not allow him the same intimacy that she allowed Loki. "I going to check in at the SHIELD."

"Very well." Loki waved his hand in a dismissal and Clint bit down on his retort. It would not help Hannah one bit. He turned from the room and left.

Hannah lay in the warm water and closed her eyes. She felt so much better. She didn't know if it was the bath, or the orgasm, or surprising Loki for once. It didn't really matter.

She knew her response to Loki wasn't the best. She was hurt, angry and scared, and he had rescued her.

Still, he wasn't a knight in shining armour. He was the God of Mischief. It didn't change the way he made her feel, but she knew she had to at least try to keep her mind wrapped around that fact. He was the bad guy. A demi-God who thought he owned her.

She stretched a little luxuriously, thinking of what that ownership. The sensual smile on her face slowly faded as she tried to picture being with him for any length of time. She couldn't. There was no longevity for them. It was just a fact. He stood for chaos and pain and death. She could never console herself to that, no matter how she felt when she was with him.

She sat up and washed her hair under the faucet. As she massaged her scalp, she began to relax again. Whatever happened tomorrow, she had right now with him. If all else failed, Clint would help her get away from Loki. Hopefully that wouldn't be necessary.

She drained the soapy water out of the tub and very carefully tried to stand. Her legs were weak, but they supported her. She was concentrating so hard on staying upright, that she didn't notice his return. Strong arms went around her suddenly, making her start. She grabbed at Loki's shoulders and looked up into irritated green eyes.

"You should have waited for me." His voice was as irritated as his look.

She hid a smile as he leaned over, still supporting her, and picked up a towel. As he began to dry her, she remembered the last time he'd done this. She'd resisted it then, hated it. Now she sighed and rested her head on his shoulder as he dried her back, ignoring the fact that she was making a wet spot on his shirt and inhaling his scent.

"Do you need to go back to sleep?" he asked.

"No," she murmured. "I just like how you smell."

He didn't respond. He drew away and rubbed at her hair with the towel, making her laugh. The boyish expression and the twinkle in his eyes were just too much and she leaned in and kissed him, wrapping her arms around his neck.

His arms went around both her and the towel, holding her close as he kissed her back. When he broke the kiss, she tapped her fingers on his chest, above his heart. He stiffened, then made a low sound in his throat that might have been a growl. His mouth came down on hers, fiercely, demanding and she could feel his response, hard against her stomach.

She gave herself to the kiss, not understanding what it was about that action that had triggered his sudden, fierce desire. Her heart was pounding as his mouth moved to travel down her neck, her shoulders. He seemed to be marking her with his lips, it was an urgent, driving need in him.

She responded by releasing all of her own pent-up need, the need that had built up over the past six weeks to feel him, to touch him. She unbuttoned the top buttons of his shirt and began to explore him with her own mouth, the strong column of his neck, his shoulder. He shuddered as her lips moved over him, his arms tightening even more until she cried out softly.

He stopped, taking a deep breath. His arms loosened, but didn't let her go and they just stood for several moments. After another deep breath, he threw the towel toward the hamper and swung her up in his arms, carrying her back to the bed.

As he set her down, she saw a tray with two plates on the night stand. She smiled and bit her lip, then acted mischievous to hide the lump in her throat. "Butter croissants? For me? You remembered."

His look was more intense then she would ever have expected from him. "I remember everything, Hannah."

Her breath caught, but she decided to continue with the light tone. "Really?" she said. "Prove it."

His eyes darkened and he moved toward her, slowly. Her eyes widened as he pressed her back on the bed with his weight and his hands moved unerringly to the most sensitive spots on her body, drawing little gasps and moans from her. His lips and tongue joined his hands and his weight shifted as he moved down her body, drawing her to the edge of the bed.

He parted her thighs and she lifted her head to look down. He took his time, making her gasp and writhe under his mouth. His fingers joined his lips and tongue and she exploded with pleasure again.

When she came back to herself, he was lying beside her, leaning on one elbow while he took a bite of a strawberry. His eyes twinkled at her and he looked insufferably pleased with himself as he speared another piece and held it out. She laughed and lifted herself up, placing her lips around the fork and slowly pulling backwards. His eyes darkened with desire and she knew he wanted her.

Her smile faded. She wanted to give him as much pleasure as he'd just given her. "Loki," she said breathlessly.

He shook his head. "Not yet."

"Loki," her tone was disbelieving.

"Not until you're better," he said firmly.

The mischief came back.

"How about I be a good girl and take a nap after breakfast?"

He looked at her suspiciously.

"Then, when I wake up, all rested..." She trailed off with a wicked grin.

He smiled slowly in reply. "We'll see," was all he said, but she was pretty sure she could convince him. Later.

"She's asleep," Loki informed Clint as he walked into the living room.

Clint looked up at him.

"Enjoying playing nurse to the mortal?" Clint asked with a malicious glint in his eye.

Loki's eyes narrowed. "For your sake I will pretend I did not hear you say those words."

"I want to talk to her when she wakes up."

Loki studied him for a long moment, weighing his decision. It irritated Clint to the point of pain that Loki could deny him access to her. Loki nodded. "When she wakes."

Clint studied Loki, trying to fathom his feelings of ownership. If SHIELD had not kidnapped Hannah he seriously doubted that Loki would be taking any interest in her whatsoever. He'd released her, abandoned her essentially. Clint knew what that felt like.

Silence filled the room for a long time until Clint finally spoke. "We should talk about what will happen when Hannah recovers."

Loki's eyes narrowed. "Yes, perhaps we should."

The conversation itself didn't take very long. They were both in agreement that Hannah could not, in anyway, return to her old life. Clint held the trump card when it came to information regarding Hannah's life and he enjoyed parading that fact in front of the man who claimed to own her. She was an orphan, with few friends and even fewer distant family members. That was the draw for him, she was so like him and yet so different. She had managed to remain a whole, good person while he'd taken a darker path.

Clint brought up the subject of work and Loki dismissed that, saying that he could provide her with a comfortable existence. Clint shot that down in seconds, Hannah wouldn't accept being dependant on anyone, especially someone so unreliable. Loki could be gone at any moment, the sooner the better in Clint's mind.

Living arrangements were discussed and to Clint's surprise Loki didn't question his assertion that he could hide her. He had the contacts and the power to ensure her security and a new identity. Clint's initial surprise did not last long as the realisation crept in that Loki may not plan for Hannah to live anywhere away from him, that he was simply humouring Clint's planning for the sake of avoiding a confrontation while Hannah was still so vulnerable.

Clint realised that it was imperative that he spoke with Hannah before she made any decisions. He needed to know she understood what was happening before she chose her path.

After an hours worth of snide banter and little further progress Loki's eyes became distant. "She's waking up."

Loki vanished before Clint could speak. He sat back in his chair with a huff. No matter what Thor said he wouldn't get used to that and he didn't want to. What he wanted to do was shoot the bastard in the eye with an explosive arrow and have it over with. He wasn't used to restraining himself around the bad guys.

"Hannah says she wants to talk to you." Loki's voice cut into the silence.

Clint looked up to see a look of disgust on Loki's face. He didn't like the fact that Hannah wanted to talk to Clint. Clint smirked and climbed up heading for the stairs.

Loki's hand shot out and gripped his arm, halting his progress. "Watch your words and actions, archer."

Clint shook of his hand with a scowl and headed for the stairs once more. His arms tingled with cold where Loki had gripped him.

Clint didn't know how to approach the situation. He had little experience when it came to anything outside of a one night stand and Hannah was not one night stand material. In the end he chose the direct, obvious approach. He kicked off his boots and climbed into bed with her, sitting in close proximity but not actually touching her.

"Are you all right?" he asked.

She nodded with a tiny smile. "I'm fine. Thank you for… well, everything."

"It's my job, saving the damsel in distress. One of the perks of the job actually." Clint moved closer, his thigh and shoulder brushing hers. "Are you sure you're all right?"

Hannah gave him a surprised look. "Loki wouldn't hurt me. Not intentionally, anyway."

"Did he hurt you unintentionally?"

Hannah shook her head. "Not physically."

That was a half answer that he could follow. Loki didn't hurt her physically but the knowledge of who he was and what he had done did.

Hannah sighed again, "I can't console myself to who he is, no matter how hard I try."

Hannah looked up at him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "What happens when I'm well, Clint?"

"We'll create a new identity for you."

Hannah frowned. "Is that really necessary? That woman said she'd let me go once she had the answers she wanted."

Clints's eyebrows went up. Perhaps they shouldn't have rescued Hannah after all. Still, it was too late now. He said so.

Hannah patted his hand, leaving a tingling trail behind. "Don't worry about it. I wasn't particularly enjoying my stay. I don't mind too much that you interrupted it."

Clint said nothing, unable to bring himself to broach the subject with such a non-existent run up.

"So, I get a new identity?" she asked, breaking the silence.

Clint nodded.

"What will I do?"

Clint shrugged. "What would you like to do?"

Hannah's eyes widened. "That's a big question."

A smile tugged at Clint's mouth. "Think about it. You have time to decide."

Hannah looked away, her eyes unfocused. He could tell she was considering the matter. He took the opportunity to study her carefully.

Her hair was a mess of curls, her nipples were erect and her cheeks were flushed. Loki had obviously spent time with her, in the physical sense. Clint had to bite his tongue to stop himself shouting at her to see sense. The colour had returned to her skin and there was no trembling in her muscles as she held herself erect, barely leaning against the headboard. She was stronger. She would be completely well in a few days and could probably travel tomorrow, or the day after.

"Why do you let him touch you?"

Hannah's eyebrows went up in surprise. She hadn't expected such a direct question and he regretted asking it.

"It's hard to explain, Clint."

"Try." He said, his mouth a thin line.

Hannah sighed yet again, "There's something more to everything he does. I'm not simply allowing him to touch me; I don't think I'm able to stop him. I don't want to stop him most of the time."

"Hannah," Clint whispered, reaching out to touch her hand. "That's the control talking. You don't understand what he's doing."

"No, Clint." She met his eyes and there was fierceness in them. "I know what he's doing. I'm not naive and I'm not stupid. Don't think for a minute that I'm accepting his attentions and taking them at face value. I know he's up to something I just don't know what."

That was the Hannah Clint was used to, she had fire in her again.

Clint reached out for her and pulled her against him. "Don't worry, Hannah. I'm always here, I won't leave unless you tell me to."

Hannah's eyes closed. "I can't run away from this, Clint. But I can't go forwards either."

"I know."

He felt her hands grip him through his vest and sighed at the contact.

"I'm stuck." Hannah whispered, "Caught between the devil and the deep blue sea."

Clint closed his eyes, holding her close and enjoying the feeling. They stayed that way for several moments.

"Perhaps I should leave you two alone."

Clint looked up at Loki. His voice had been soft and deadly. His eyes were fastened on them, huddled together on the bed.

"Loki, get off your high horse before I shove you off it." Hannah said, glaring at him.

Loki's eyes moved to her and narrowed.

"Clint is just trying to make sure I'm all right," Hannah said.

"Does he have to touch you to establish that?"

Hannah glared at him harder. "I don't know. Ask him. You don't see me objecting, do you? Why are you so bothered about him touching me?"

Loki's eyes narrowed again. "Can you give us a few minutes, archer? I wish to speak with Hannah alone."

Clint look down at her, he wouldn't leave her if she was afraid.

She looked back at him and nodded her head a little. He felt the bottom fall out of his stomach. She was choosing Loki over him, she would always choose Loki over him and there was little he could do.

He disentangled himself from her and climbed out of the bed. As he passed Loki he paused, speaking without looking at him. "You hurt her and I'll kill you myself, I don't give a fuck about this quasi truce Thor has with you."

Loki didn't respond and he left, closing the door behind with a very final sounding click.

Hannah was glad to see Clint, even if it was only for a few moments. He had most likely wished to see if she needed to be rescued from Loki. She didn't. Not yet, anyway.

It felt as though there was something being left unsaid in all this and she couldn't put her finger on what it was. She wondered if Loki had sensed that Clint was about to reveal something and interrupted them on purpose, she wouldn't put it past him.

After Clint left, Loki took a seat on the edge of the bed looking at her. "Has speaking with him upset you somehow?"

Hannah swiped a stray tear from her cheek sheepishly. "He didn't upset me."

"Then what has distressed you?"

"What are you doing Loki? What is this all leading to?"

Loki smiled, a dark sensual expression and reached for her. "Allow me to explain…"

He kissed her, his hands ghosting around her naked spine and to the fastening on the back of her smock. Her whole body ignited with fire as he pulled away the garment, tossing it onto the floor. Loki kissed her once more then stood.

A slow, sensual smile came across her face and she watched appreciatively as he removed his shirt, baring his strong chest and arms. The trousers came off and her eyes devoured his muscular legs and perfect buttocks. When he removed his briefs, she saw that he was fully aroused and the sight of him made the ache between her thighs intensify.

He smiled and a wave of desire swept through her. She watched as he walked slowly around the bed and slid under the sheets, then pulled her against him. Looking deep into her eyes as he leaned in, he nuzzled her face again. She closed her eyes and felt his hands on her back, his chest pressing against her breasts. His knee moved to slide between her legs, but the sheets got in the way.

Impatiently, she pushed them back, out of the way; she didn't want anything between them. He helped her shove the covers to the foot of the bed, then pulled her back down, rolling to pin her beneath him.

He looked down at her again, his eyes slowly roaming her face, studying her. His hands didn't move, as he seemed to memorize every curve and angle of her mouth, her cheek, her jaw, her eyes. He leaned in and his breathing deepened as he brushed his nose over her cheek once. Her lips parted as he traveled over her face that way, his flesh just barely touching hers. His cheek finally came to rest against hers and she could feel his heart pounding in his chest. Slowly his fingers moved down her spine and tapped out the rhythm from before.

She took a ragged breath and tightened her arms around him. He breathed her name in her ear and she shivered. It wasn't just a word he spoke, it was her, the essence of who she was to him. Her hand moved in response and, almost instinctively, she taped the rhythm on his shoulder. His arms tightened and his mouth moved, seeking hers.

He kissed her deeply, but for the first time, there was almost a hesitation in him. Hannah was surprised, she'd never known him to be hesitant about anything. He'd always taken what he wanted. She realized suddenly that he wasn't taking now, he was seeking her response, a response freely given. He wasn't trying to rouse her with his skill or passion, he wanted her to give herself to him on her own terms.

She had no desire to set terms, though, so she kissed him back, learning the movements of his lips, the way his tongue touched hers. She slid her tongue into his mouth, exploring his teeth, the curve of his lips. The tiny noise of pleasure he made took her breath away and a sound escaped her in reply.

The sound seemed to move him. His hands came up to frame her face and he kissed her, possessing her again, accepting all that she was offering. The need she'd seen the barest flicker of before came out in that kiss and she wrapped herself around him, trying to answer it with her body. Her hands slid up his back, cupping his shoulders and her leg went around his, urging his knee between her thighs.

He broke the kiss and said her name again before covering her neck with kisses. The controlled, skillful master of pleasure was gone and all that was left was a man who wanted her desperately. Her own desperation returned, not just her need to touch him, but her desperate desire to have him, the man, not a living automaton. This was what she'd always wanted from him – to have him give something of himself in return for all of her.

"Loki," she breathed, hearing all her own aching need in his name.

He groaned and shifted until his body was between her thighs, spreading her wide. He pressed inside her, slowly, but without finesse, and she could feel him trembling.

"Loki," she said again, tightening her muscles around his shaft.

He gasped and began to move, slowly at first, then with more speed and power, thrusting in and out of her. She moaned, almost sobbing as she approached the climax.

"Hannah." His voice shook. "Open your eyes."

She opened her eyes and looked up at him and saw all that he was, open in his eyes. He thrust deeper and she struggled against the pleasure to keep her eyes open and accept the gift he was giving her. She fought the climax, wanting the moment to last, but the strength of the orgasm carried her over the edge. She threw back her head and called out his name, hearing him call hers as they both shook with release.

As the final shudders of his climax passed, Loki looked down into Hannah's eyes. For several moments, he was still there, then the walls abruptly returned. A tiny sob escaped her and she closed her eyes against the pain of seeing him shut her out again.

He shifted above her, withdrawing and moving the bulk of his weight to the side. She turned her back to him and pushed his arm away when he tried to pull her close. He lay behind her, not speaking, not touching her as she cried softly. After a few minutes, his arm came around her again and this time, she let him pull her back against him.

He nuzzled her cheek and spoke softly in her ear. "I shouldn't have possessed you so soon, you are not strong enough yet."

"I'm not sure I'll ever be strong enough to deal with you," she said brokenly.

He didn't respond, just nuzzled her cheek and gently caressed her arms, her shoulders, sliding his other arm under her and threading his fingers through hers. "I don't want to hurt you any more, Hannah." His voice was the barest whisper.

"You can't help it," she whispered back. "It's who you are."

He stiffened against her back and started to pull away from her, but she grabbed his arms and held them around her. After a moment, he slowly began to relax and curled himself against her, tucking her into the angles of his body as he had those first nights.

He sighed. "I can't change, Hannah."

"I know." Her voice was still a whisper.

After a few moments, she turned in his arms, pressing herself against him, wrapping herself around him and holding him to her, knowing that this moment wouldn't last any more than the ones before it had.

"What do you want, Hannah?"

"I don't know," she said.

They lay silent for a moment, then she asked the question. She was afraid of what the answer might be, but the need to know was stronger. "What do you want, Loki?"

He sighed again. "To keep you with me. But that wouldn't be safe for you."

"Or for you," she said, closing her eyes. A tear trailed it's way down her cheek as she realized the danger she placed him in. He kept his emotions screwed down tight, choosing hide behind megalomanic desires for world domination. He wouldn't be able to live if he started opening up. Either the pain of his life would destroy him, or someone would catch him in a moment of weakness and that would be his destruction.

He pulled back and looked into her eyes. "Do you really understand, Hannah?"

She nodded and another tear followed the first. "Yes. I don't like it, but I understand."

He pulled her back against him, his hand going to the back of her head, stroking her hair. She inhaled deeply, closing her eyes and setting his scent in her memory again.

After several minutes, she sighed and opened her eyes. "Will you let me go, Loki? When the time comes?"

She felt his jaw clench. "I don't want anything you don't want to give me, Hannah. Not anymore."

This time, she pulled away from him and looked deep in his eyes. "What I want to give you and what I can give you are two different things." She touched his face, willing him to feel the truth of it in her, wanting him to know how much she wanted to give him, how much she would give him if things were different.

He pulled her back down and gently kissed her forehead. "I know that, Hannah," he said. "I know." He was quiet for a while, then he spoke very softly, very intently. "I can't change, Hannah, but you could if you wish to."

She pulled away and gave him a confused look. "What do you mean?"

He didn't meet her eyes. "You could become an Aesir."

At first, she didn't understand, then realisation hit her. Darcy had been talking about apples of Asgard and how Jane would some day eat an apple to become an equal to Thor.

Hannah took a deep breath, exhaling slowly, trying to relax. He had no idea what it was he was offering to her. He simply said it, as though it was not something of great significance. He was offering her immorality as if it were something within his power to gift. It was not though, she knew that much. In order to give her it, he would first have to steal it. She had not earned this gift, she was not brave or brilliant, she was falable and oh so mortal. If she agreed to this it would be a false honour, not hers to receive or his to give, and that was not something she could accept. As much as she wished it was.

She looked down at him, studying him. His eyes were hard, cold and a little wary as he studied her in return.

She sighed and lay back down, putting her head on his shoulder. "No, Loki. I don't want you to feed me any apples."

His arm came around her, a little hesitantly, and he began stroking her hair again. A thought came to her and she smiled to herself.

"Something amuses you?" he asked.

"I was just thinking. Maybe as long as there's one mortal you care about – at least a little bit – you won't kill us all off."

His hand stilled for a moment, then resumed it's gentle stroking, but he didn't reply.

A/N Woops, thanks to Phoenix Rebel for her review because it wasn't until I read it that I noticed this version wasn't the one I'd intended to upload. Very sorry to anyone else who has read it and, like Phoenix Rebel, got rather confused as to why Hannah wasn't up for eating them apples of immortality. Sadly, sometimes, a character has to cling to thier moral compass of right and wrong, especially when in the company of Loki. Believe me, I would have been chowing down on that bad boy but I don't think Hannah's that kind of girl.

Anywho, please review!