That night, I tossed and turned for hours before giving up. I went down to my dad's room. He was up, toying with his suit.

"Hey honey." He turns to me and his face changes to full concern when he takes in my expression. "What's wrong?"

Tears fall and he rushes to hold my as he strokes my hair. "Honey?" He soothingly tries to shh me. "What's going on?"

"I just got you, I can't lose you."

"Abby?" He pulls me away so that he could look in my eyes. "What are you talking about?"

"I don't want anything to happen to you tomorrow." The pain hits me hard. "I just got my dad, I don't want to lose you."

"Oh honey." He cups my face. "Nothing is going to happen to me."

"You can't promise that." I cry.

His hands fall to my arms. "No, I guess I can't, but like I told you before, I have plenty to fight for now. Pepper, you." He smiles. "I won't go down easy."

He tries to comfort me, but eventually I tell him I'm going to bed. However, on my way back to my room, I catch glimpse of a small light on in the common area. From the hallway I can see Loki's back as he rests on the couch.

"What can I do for you my dear?" He calls, tentatively, I step out of the shadows.

"I have a question for you." I get close to him, and for the first time I see him in normal clothes: a simple green t-shirt and black pants. He is curled up and there is a book rested in his lap.

"What is is darling?"

I sit across from him, folding my legs under me. "I know this is probably a dumb question, and why would you actually answer it, but I need to know if I need to be prepared because I'm physically and emotionally involved. I'm scared for tomorrow, because who knows what's going to happen? For all I know we could all die and maybe..."

Loki laughs and moves a little closer to me. "Abby, dear, breath. What is it?" He brushes away a hair that fell in from of my eyes.

I look him straight in those deep green pools. My head starts to swim and I struggle to stay in control. "Are you going to turn away from us tomorrow?" It comes out in a low, quiet voice. I expect rage or hurt from him, but his expression stays the same.

"I'd be lying if I said it hadn't crossed my mind. After all, I know all your tactics and your plans. It would be easy."

I drop my gaze to the couch, saddened at the thought. I thought he was different, changed perhaps, but I was wrong. Suddenly his hand is under my chin, forcing me to look at him. He's grinning and his eyes are soft in the dim glow of the fire in the corner. "But something changed my mind." His fingers stroke my jaw and my whole body tingles. "Someone" He whispers. He moves closer to me until we are a breath apart. His hand cups my cheek and my lips find his. Explosion, fireworks; that's what it's supposed to feel like, right?

I place a hand on his neck carefully, and the other on his leg. He softly rests his forehead against mine.

"You should go to bed my dear." He pulls away and stands. "Come on." He holds out his hand.

Swallowing, I take it. Silently, we move to my room. He stops outside the door and lightly touches my hip. "Goodnight darling." He leans in and kisses my cheek. I peck his lips before opening the door. The last thing I see is his smile cutting through the darkness.

Morning came, wartime. We conjoined in the SHIELD control room. Loki stood next to me, but at a careful distance while Fury gave us the updated battle plan. When he released us, we were supposed to go to our battle stations. Loki secretly pulled me into an empty hallway.

"Abigail." He said in a quiet voice, his accent rang in my ears: sweet music. "Please be careful." Those intense green marbles looked on my face with such intensity.

I nod. "Of course." I whisper.

He kisses me softly and caresses my face. Without another word, he leaves.