"You never mentioned that your 'companion' was a prince of Asgard." Val said as we made our way down the hallway.

"It never came up." I responded, "To be honest, I didn't think I'd ever see him again."

"Well, he's turned up." Val said, setting me down on a chair. "What are you going to do about it? He's the Grandmaster's, so it's doubtful that he'll be able to walk free ever again. He probably has an obedience disc on."

"Obedience disc?"

"A little disc that attaches to the skin. It's like a shock collar for a dog." Val responded, showing me a small handheld controller. "When you press a button, it gives them a little mini electrocution until you press the 'Off' button."

"That sounds horrible." I said, thinking of the electrocution I had just been given.

"It's always tolerable." She said.. "No one ever dies, but it's definitely uncomfortable."

She placed the remote back into her pocket, stepping back from the bench.

"I sure hope that the Grandmaster is pleased with how that fight turned out. It was definitely not what he had planned to have you two make out the second you saw each other." Val groaned, her fingers pressing her nose. "It makes things incredibly difficult between me and the Grandmaster. I need to get working on finding another fighter for him." Val said, sighing. "If I don't give him a good one, and soon, he might end up taking you, regardless of our arrangement."

"Not if I have anything to say about it." Loki said, appirating behind Val. She whipped around, a dagger going clean through the projection of his body.

"You really shouldn't do that." Val huffed, replacing her dagger. "Your stunt may have put you both in danger, and I can't keep her safe from everything the Grandmaster might do."

"Then it's good you won't have to." Loki said irritated. "Though you do have my innumerable thanks for keeping her safe thus far."

"Whatever." Val responded, turning around and walking away. "I'm going to find another fighter before my ass ends up in that ring."

"Are you alright?" Loki asked, kneeling in front of me as I sat.

"I think so." I said, wincing as I sat up straighter, "I'm definitely sore and tired though."

He nodded. "I only wish I could do more." he said. "The Grandmaster seemed to like the idea of me being able to make copies, and heal. He's giving me my 'freedom', on the stipulation that I remain and be nearby to help him in any time of need."

"That sounds an awful lot like slavery." I said, wincing as I stood up.

"If it's what I must do to remain safe, hidden, and keep you safe, it will be worth it in the end." he responded, "I may even be able to get you living quarters nearby."

"Having my own place does sound nice." I breathed, sore muscles screaming in protest as I hobbled down the hall, "Val's floor was getting a little uncomfortable."

"Then I'll see about that as soon as I can." He said, stepping out from a doorway in front of me. The illusion faded away, and Loki scooped me up into his arms, despite my feeble protests.

"What if you're seen?" I groaned, my midriff still filled with stabbing pain.

"You underestimate my negotiating abilities." he chuckled. I leaned against his shoulder, hearing his laugh rumbling in his chest. "The Grandmaster might be crazy, but he seems to be amiable if spoken to properly."

I relaxed silently, feeling safe in his arms as he brought me elsewhere in the building. I was nearly lulled to sleep by the gentle sway of his steps before he stopped outside of a doorway.

"If you want, you can come with me to speak to the Grandmaster, but I think it might be best for you to lay down and rest." He said softly, the door to his room opening.

I hummed and nodded my agreement, too tired for much else. He took me into the room, setting me down on what felt like the most comfortable bed in the world. I snuggled into the pillows, Loki pulling a sheet over me as I slowly lost consciousness. I was vaguely aware of his lips on my forehead before I slipped away into sleep.

I awoke to dim light pouring in a curtained window, my head laid on something firm and cool. My eyes adjusted to the light, and I saw that I was still in Loki's bed, cozy under the covers. I sat up slightly, my middle screaming in protest, causing me to settle back down. My head had been laying on Loki's chest as he slept on top of the covers, his face soft and relaxed in peaceful sleep. He had an arm wrapped loosely around me, his other hand resting on his chest near my own hand.

Heat crept into my cheeks, my pulse quickening at the close contact. I was alerted to Loki's awakening by his arm tightening around me, his thumb gently stroking my arm.

"Good morning, my little Valkyrie." He said, his voice deep and gravely from sleep. "Did you sleep well?"

"Very well." I said, snuggling into his chest more, my heart still racing in my chest. "When did you get back?"

"Less than half an hour after I left." he responded, pressing a kiss to my forehead, "You were out cold when I arrived. That didn't seem to stop you from turning to hold me in your sleep, however." he smiled, squeezing me gently.

"What did the Grandmaster say?" I asked, hopeful.

"While there were no rooms available to you nearby," he said, "You're more than welcome to stay with me if you so desire. He seemed very insistent that I stay, and was more than willing to allow whoever I wanted to stay as a result."

"I'm glad that's settled." I said, rolling away from him to lay flat on my back. He shifted his arm down to hold my hand, his thumb gently stroking my hand. After a long pause, I added, "Now what do we do? How do we get back to Asgard?"

"I think it would be best to lay low here for a time." he answered, "I am sure that Thanos has found out that I am not dead, now that I am no longer in hiding on Asgard. If I stay hidden here, it increases my chances of survival in that respect." he said, "Not to mention the fact that the relationship that I have made with the Grandmaster is still very unstable, and angering him would mean both of our deaths."

"How long?" I whispered.

"I don't have that answer, love." he said quietly. "I just know it might be a while."

I nodded, taking a deep breath. "What are we to do in the meantime?"

"I will be in the presence of the Grandmaster much of the time." Loki replied, sighing. "Appeasing him is the best option we have right now. If I can gain his trust, we will have better chances of slipping away with no problems. Rest assured, however," he added, rolling over to face me, propping himself up on his elbow while brushing my cheek with his other hand, "I will spend whatever time I have away from him, with you."

I blushed, looking down and covering his hand with my own. "Thank you, for everything."

"It is the least you deserve. You are brave, wise, cunning, and strong beyond what I had ever dreamed you would be when I first met you. You see me, understand me, push me to be better than what I have become in my time before I met you." He said sincerely, brushing my hair out of my face. "You continue to surprise me with your adaptability and your willingness to do whatever is asked of you to help others. You are selfless, loving, gentle, and truly beautiful. I can't begin to thank you enough for what you've done for me. I love you, (Y/N). There's nothing that I wouldn't do for you, if you only ever ask."