Thank you all so much for the reviews and everything! Special thanks to my lovely guest reviewer; I always look forward to hearing from you. Everyone else too of course! You all make my day when I see people like this. I got some really great ideas for the upcoming chapters and I'm very excited about what's to come. There is a lot of Steve in this chapter and I really hope I got his character right but I'm not too sure on it. So please let me know? This is by far the longest chapter yet and while I will try to keep it at this length (if you prefer this over the shorter ones?), I can't promise it. I'm terrible at lengthy chapters. There's a book mentioned in here and I'll have more on that at the bottom. Enjoy!


Over the course of the next week, Loki spent an hour a day with Natasha. They didn't speak at all most of the time, Loki not wishing to speak when he would receive no answer. He had nothing to tell her either; nothing he wished to tell her at least. Instead, he went through her personal belongings, snatching a book to read or skip through sometimes. He took a few, surprisingly interesting ones, with him after each visit. He'd be back in Asgard soon and he could use the distraction. After all, he had already read most of Asgard's books and they grew boring quickly. Loki would be back in his cell in a few hours and while he wasn't particularly looking forward to that, at least it would serve as a nice hiding spot from his family. He had no doubt that Thor was going to tell them how he helped his mortal friends and surely, that would be reason enough to start a conversation with him. For his mother at the very least. Since it was impossible to hide in a cell for long, however, he hoped the books could keep visitors away. Not that he got a lot of those. Thor, mostly, and his mother and sometimes Fandral could just be heard keeping Sif away.


Back on Asgard now, Thor walked Loki back to his cell and once inside, he ignored his brother. Thor left again when he realized he wouldn't be graced with any more attention. He had to speak to his parents.

He made it all the way up to the last hallway before the Throne Room when Frigga approached him.

"Thor. How was your stay on Midgard?"

She came closer with a warm smile and he returned it broadly before he was pulled into a motherly hug. They parted again and walked the rest of the way together.

"It went well. Do you remember when I told you about the misfortune of one of my comrades?"

"The mortal as fierce as the Lady Sif." She smiled, a hint of amusement audible, "Of course I remember, dear. How is she?"

"She still does not speak… But my friends have allowed Loki to see her. They believe he is helping her recover. He wishes to know what has happened to her as much as the others do. I am not certain on the details but Agent Barton says he is indeed helping her."

"That is good news. Perhaps not all is lost then. I do hope she will fare better soon."

"I am certain she will. She is a warrior at heart." He nodded.

They finally reached the Throne Room and while Thor greeted his father, Frigga went to stand by his side.

"How has Loki behaved himself?"

"Very good, father. He is doing good, helping my friend."

Odin frowned, surprised by that. It was no secret what Loki thought of the mortals, especially Thor's friends. To hear he was helping one of them now hadn't been something he had thought Thor would say.

"I would like to hear more about this at dinner tonight."

Thor nodded, leaving it at that, and retired to his chambers. Frigga turned to Odin with a smile on her face.

"What do you think?"

"I will listen to what Thor has to say and then decide. Loki has been making progress. I am glad to see it."

She nodded in agreement. She was happy to see that Loki wasn't quite as bitter anymore. She made a mental note to go see him later that day.


By the time dinner came along, Loki had read through almost half of The Robbers. He had taken a few other books that looked about the same size but this one had caught his immediate attention. How could it not? The similarities between Thor and himself were almost hilarious. Almost. He put the book aside with a sigh and lay down on his bed. Staring up at the ceiling, he thought back to his talks with Natasha, though one could hardly call it that. He was well aware that he was starting to grow attached to the woman and he would have to deal with that soon. He could not grow attached to her.

Thor was a little late for dinner, meeting his parents in the dining hall. He was eager to tell them all about Loki's agreement with the Avengers. Maybe it would help convince Odin to let Loki out of his cell. He sat down with a quick apology for being late.

"So tell me, how is your friend?"

"She is the same. I told mother this earlier. She does not speak, nor react to anything around her. Agent Barton tells me she has shown some sort of reaction after Loki's first visit, however. I do not know how he can tell but it must be true. It is a small hope that she will get better."

"I see… and how is it that Loki helps her?"

"He went to see her. After the first short visit Agent Barton suggested Loki come see her once a day. They have spent an hour a day together during the past week, though as far as I know, they have both spent it in silence. I am told that she is doing a little better now. I like to think Loki is the cause."

"Do you think he is rehabilitating?"

"Yes. He might be ready for more freedom here soon."

"I shall decide that. Now, let us eat."

Thor fell silent, exchanging a look with his mother. They ate together, chatting about what had happened in Asgard during Thor's absence. He pondered about what Odin might be thinking of but he had no doubt his father would make the right decision. He really hoped Loki could be trusted with more freedom.


Back on Earth, Steve was on his way to check up on Natasha. He was alone in the tower with her. Tony had managed to convince the others to go out for some drinks. Clint had protested the most, not willing to leave Natasha by herself. Bruce too hadn't been too fond of the idea of drinking. He didn't want to destroy half the city again by accident. Steve didn't like the idea in the first place and had offered to stay behind to look after Natasha in Clint's place. That had settled most of the argument. Clint gave in knowing she was in good hands and Bruce had given up trying to convince Tony that it would be a bad idea to get him drunk. He decided to be the designated driver instead. That way he could stay sober and look after the two men and still go out to have some fun. And it also satisfied Tony. With Pepper being in Washington at the moment, he was starting to be a royal pain in the ass.

Steve got to Natasha's level and knocked on her door a couple of times.

"Natasha? Are you awake?"

He opened the door to peek inside and to see if he was disturbing her. He spotted her on the bed, reading. He came in then, smiling at her warmly when she looked up at him. Every time he saw her, which frankly wasn't all that often, she was reading. He liked it. He took it as a good sign; that she was still in there somewhere.

"I'm not disturbing you, am I?"

He walked over to the bed and sat down next to her.

"Tony dragged the others out for some drinks. He insisted. It took some arguing but Clint and Bruce gave in after a while. I don't like it too much so I stayed here to keep you company. I think it helped Clint worry a little less about leaving you."

He smiled at her again before rubbing the back of his head awkwardly. He hadn't spent a lot of time with her alone before, only ever teaming up with her on missions and then she kept it professional. He didn't know a lot about her personally but he hoped after all this, they would get a chance to get to know each other better. She was a giant mystery to him now but he liked her and it changed nothing on his view on her. He considered her a close friend despite hardly knowing anything about her. She had her heart on the right spot and that was all that mattered to him.

"So… I spoke to a friend; he spends his time helping veterans and talking to them… I asked him for some advice, to be honest. Usually, you're quiet but not like this. I'm not really sure how to deal with this you and this is the first time we're alone. I figured he could help me a little. This is different than people having PTSD or anything so I don't really know how much his advice will help. I'm sorry if this sounds stupid or anything, I just want to do this right. You're my friend and I don't like seeing you like this. Either way, I brought a deck of cards with me."

He showed her the deck, silently asking if she wanted to play. Natasha put the book aside and he took that as a yes. Steve dealt and they started playing. She drew a card when it was her turn and played another. Steve did the same.

"So, Loki has been helping? I'm still wary about it, to be honest, but he actually seems alright now. I'm glad he's taking the time to help you. I was against him seeing you but by the looks of it, he's proving my doubts wrong. As long as it benefits you, I'm happy. I miss the old you, no offence to this you. It's just… it's weird. To me."

He stopped talking when he realized he had started rambling. They played in silence for a while and Steve chuckled when Natasha won the first game.

"No wonder Tony doesn't want to play anything with you. You're really good." He mused, "Another one?"

He dealt again and they played another time. It didn't take long for Natasha to win again. Steve just smiled and dealt again. He wasn't a sore loser. They spent the next hour playing together. Steve only managed to win a few games while Natasha won most of them.

"Do you miss him? Loki, I mean?"

He didn't expect an answer and he didn't get one either. He probably wouldn't have gotten one even if Natasha would speak. It was a sensitive and rather personal topic. He just wanted to talk to her and this was the first day Loki hadn't come to see her.

"I just thought maybe you've grown used to seeing him. I know it's only been a week since his daily visits started but it's becoming quite the habit, I think. If someone came to see me every day, I would probably get used to it too. I know I'd appreciate the company. Maybe you're different though."

He offered her a smile and then got up. He packed the cards again but decided to leave them with her, putting them down on her nightstand. Natasha watched him do so without moving from her spot.

"I should go. I still have some things to do and it's gotten quite late. I can come back in a bit though. Do you want me to keep the others away when they come back? Tony and Clint are probably going to be drunk by the time they get back. Tony at least. He misses Pepper. I'll keep him away and make sure Clint is sober enough to see you."

He left once he was sure she was okay, waiting for the others to come back.

Natasha took the set of cards and played by herself. It was something new compared to reading all day.


Loki was surprised when Thor came to see him the next day. Not by the visit itself but by the news he had come with.

"You want me to have dinner with you?"

"Do not be so skeptical, brother. Father asked me to inform you that you will join us for dinner tonight. He knows you are doing better. You do not deserve this anymore."

"Oh but I do, do I not? After all, who would trust a liar like me?"

"Loki!"

"You told them I was seeing Agent Romanoff. Mother came to see me last night and would not stop talking about it. I had really hoped you would know better than to give her false hope like that." He snarled, changing topics.

He had known Thor wouldn't be able to keep his mouth shut about it but he truly wasn't happy. He had wanted to avoid the subject of Natasha but that hope was all gone now. That was probably the reason Odin had decided to be so generous and let him eat with them.

"Of course I did. I am happy you are helping-"

"I am not. Helping. I see her for my own sake, not hers. When will you start realizing that I do not care about her?"

Thor shook his head, not the least bit surprised or offended by Loki's outburst. It made him smile. Loki grew irritated by the broad chuckle filling the room and narrowed his eyes. Clearly, he was missing something obviously funny.

"I will get you for dinner tonight."

Thor left after that and Loki stared at him until he was out of sight.

"What is Odin planning..?" He asked himself.


He spent the next hours finishing his book, putting it aside with a huff when he was through. He couldn't tell why it had been this one that had caught his utter interest. The similarities between him and his brother and the book had only gotten worse the further he had read it. He hadn't been able to bring himself to abandon reading it though. Maybe he had hoped to find solace in the ending. He hadn't.

The golden son, loved by everyone and showered in love by his father against the villainous younger brother that nobody liked. Followed by a ploy from the youngest to get his older brother banished so he could take his place and get the love he deserved. Loki found it somewhat amusing. He could just picture Thor running off with a band of misfits to fight against the system after the family betrayal. Loki laughed at the mental picture before remembering his defeat by the Avengers. Suddenly, the thought wasn't quite as funny anymore. The ending was far more dramatic than Thor and Loki had experienced themselves and it hadn't brought him the happiness he thought it would. However, he did have to admit it was quite the impressive play. For a piece written by a mortal over 200 years ago, it was really good. He would need to get more of these the next time he visited Earth.

Evening came and Thor wasn't far behind, opening the doors to Loki's cell with a greeting and letting him get out.

"Father is waiting for us."

"I'm sure he is…" Loki mumbled.

All the thinking on what Odin could have up his sleeve had gotten him nowhere. He wasn't sure what to make of the sudden turn of events. Did Odin suddenly care and show an interest in him or was this just a pity meal with the family? He didn't trust Odin.

They went to the dining hall and Loki smiled when he saw his mother. She returned the smile, glad to see him. Odin's single eye rested on his youngest son and Loki growled in the back of his throat, not saying a word as he sat down. Thor sat next to him, happy to dine with his brother and oblivious to his discomfort.

"Loki, Thor told us you have been visiting one of his mortal friends, helping her. Is this true?" Odin asked, his voice booming through the hall.

"I have been visiting her…"

He would deny helping her for as long as he could. He was not helping.

"He says he does it for his own sake but he is helping her. I know he is." Thor said.

He was silenced by his father's glare, muttering a quick apology. Loki found some humor in the situation but his smile didn't stay long.

"Go on, Loki."

"I do not care if I help her or not. I see her to satisfy my curiosity. I already told mother this last night. The mortals decided that my presence would be of assistance to her recovery."

"And has it been?"

"I do not know. The archer would not tell me even if I asked."

"Have you attempted to hurt her or avenge your defeat by them?"

"No…"

"Do you care for her?"

"Of course not."

Loki had just about enough of being interrogated like this. He would much rather eat by himself than be under such close scrutiny.

"Why are you so interested in her condition?"

"Because some lowly mortal broke her when I could not. I need to understand how."

"So you could do the same to her?"

Thor was about to interrupt again when Odin raised his hand to silence him. Frigga all but stared at Loki, almost afraid of his answer. He looked annoyed, half glaring at the food on his plate before looking up at Odin again.

"She is no fun to me when she is broken. Cracked, perhaps but not broken like she is now. I have no wish to use anything I learn against her."

"Why her, Loki?"

"Because she is interesting. Unlike the rest of Thor's little friends." He stated, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, "I would like to eat in peace now, if you don't mind."

Odin waved his hand dismissively and they all resumed eating. Frigga knew he was satisfied with Loki's answers and she too was happy to detect no ill will towards the mortal woman. She gave Loki a motherly smile when he looked up at her and he returned it. She was the one bright spot in his life.

Once dinner was done, Odin rose to his feet.

"Loki, I will consider moving you from your cell in the next days. Perhaps after your next visit on Midgard you can be trusted enough to go back to your chambers."

Loki looked at him with wide eyes, not quite believing his words. This came as a big surprise to him. He missed the next words the Allfather said and only realized he had talked to Thor when his brother hurled him up and tugged him outside.

"What?"

"You must go back for now, Loki. I'm certain father will move you soon. He has seen your good will." Thor smiled happily.

"Yes… Certainly…" Loki mumbled.


Okay, so, The Robbers is a play by Schiller that was published in 1781. It's about two brothers, one that is loved by everyone and the younger one that is more cunning and evil. Following the ploy of the younger one, the older brother gets banished and joins a group of robbers. He becomes their leader and they fight against the feudal system and its ways. It's a rather complex story, on plot as well as character development and when I read it again a while back, it truly reminded me of Thor and Loki. It's perfect. So I had to put this in. This was also my absolute favorite play to read in school. If you ever get a chance to read this, I highly recommend it. Yay for German Literature that came out during that time. Not so much anymore.

Anyways, as always, please take the time to leave me review. I would highly appreciate it and I would love you forever.