Can't explain it but I just had to write Rome and Loki as pen pals.
In her defense, the letter and gifts had started out as a joke. She had been having a sleepover with Tony. They had built a mini pillow fort and were watching Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets when he brought it up. She had been munching on some popcorn, Tony slurping a milkshake obnoxiously right beside her. In the middle of the forest scene, Tony had turned to her and said, "I bet Reindeer Games would love those books."
Rome had frowned and turned to look at him. They had been lying on their stomachs with their arms resting on the pillows in front of them. In all honesty, they looked like a pair of five-year-old kids. "What?" She asked in confusion.
Tony had taken the curly straw away from his lips, "Loki, I bet he would like the Harry Potter series."
"What made you think of that?" Rome asked curiously.
Tony turned back to the T.V. and shrugged, "I don't know." He replied, "Just popped into my mind."
Rome hummed and went back to watching the movie.
She hadn't really thought more about until three weeks later when Thor had come to visit. He said that he had come to Earth because Jane needed his help. She honestly thought that might have been a code word for 'Jane called me for a late-night booty call'. She had no idea though. Rome was kind of confused by that whole relationship and how it worked.
His visit had made her think back to Tony's comment though. Smiling to herself she thought it would be a funny joke. Send the Harry Potter book to Loki and tell him that this is what we think wizards are like. She could see his offended look on his face already. Happy with the thought, she rushed down to the nearest Barns & Noble and bought the first book. Shrugging she placed it into the crook of her arm. It was like he was actually going to like these.
Which lead her the first letter. She thought it would be weird if she just shoved the book into Thor's hands. Then tell him to give it to his brother and no other explanation. So, she had sat down at her desk with a piece of paper and her favorite pen. Not surprisingly she found it difficult to write. What would she even say to him? Shaking her head, she forced herself to write.
Dear Loki,
Was thinking about how much it must suck to be in a prison cell constantly. So, I bought you this book. I hope you enjoy it, it's about the tails of a young boy who learns that he's a wizard. I think you might be able to get something out of it. I know that I have. This brought me so much joy as a child. It brought me hope in the darkest of times. Hope this can help ease the pain.
Best Wishes,
Rome Matthews
Rome scoffed and crinkled up the paper throwing it to the side. That was way too needy and personal. Loki didn't need to know that she was thinking about him. Lord, knows that would probably just boost his ego and make him think that she was always thinking about him. Which she was not.
Sighing, she grabbed another piece of paper and began.
Loki,
Heard you were bored, so here's a book.
-Rome
Shaking her head in disappointment Rome glared at the paper. Okay, maybe that was a little too apathetic. She needed something that let him know she wasn't constantly thinking about him. Rather, Thor had brought him up in conversation and she felt some pity for him. Grabbing another piece of paper, she started again.
Loki,
Thor mentioned how bored you were and I thought you might enjoy this. I hope you get much enjoyment out of it just as I have. I can't imagine the entertainment in Asgardian prison is any good.
Best of luck,
Rome
Smiling to herself, Rome folded the letter and placed it in an envelope. She was proud of the letter. It felt right. She thought it was the perfect amount of friendly and concerned along with only mild curiosity. Slipping the letter into the book between the cover and the first page, Tony could never find out. Rome smiled and left her office. She had a God of Thunder to find after all.
She hadn't expected a letter back. But, two weeks later, Thor came back with a grin on his face and letter in his hand. Rome had been sitting on the couch doing work in her pajamas when Thor bowed to her and handed her the letter. "Lady Rome." He said teasingly.
Rome had frowned and took the letter gingerly from his hands. With great caution, she opened the beautifully sealed envelope. To her great surprise she pulled out a letter and her eyes widened. The bastard had written back. Her jaw hitting the floor, she opened the letter and read its contents.
Rome,
Is this how Midgardians see us magic wielders and sorcerers? If so, then you have much to learn. Also, if you could, do please send the rest of the books to me. Although I am quite offended by how the book depicts wizards, you were right. I did enjoy the book and found some joy. Thank you for bringing me some much-needed entertainment. You are right in assuming Asgardian prison is boring and dull.
Regards,
Prince Loki Odinson Laufeyson of Asgard
Except he had crossed out Odinson.
Her mouth, if even possible, had fallen open even more. She looked up at Thor in shock. She saw that a wide smile had spread across his face. Rome then gulped, "Is this real?" She asked softly waving the letter in front of his face.
Thor chuckled and nodded his head, "I believe it is, Lady Rome. I was there when he was writing it." He then shook his head and lifted an eyebrow, "It seems that my brother has taken a liking to you and your books."
Rome then felt butterflies in her stomach as she stared down at the letter, "I guess I have to go Barns & Noble now." She then gulped and put a hand over her heart. Well, she hadn't expected this. What had started off as a prank/dare. Was now turning into an actual real thing. The one thought that baffled her most?
Loki was now her pen pal.
Dear Loki,
Here's the second book. I'm glad that you're liking the series. Although, I wouldn't say that this is how most people view sorcerers. This is a series meant for children. Sorry for the lack of entertainment. If I had known that you were going to get so bored. I would have tried arguing with your father for some sort of entertainment.
All the best,
Rome
Dear Rome,
If I had known that you were actually as good as you were. Then I would have asked so much more of you. When I had first met you, I thought you nothing more than just a simple mortal. It seems that you have somehow proven me wrong. I wouldn't mind if you kept doing so. If you could, please send the next book.
Best,
Prince Loki Odinson Laufeyson of Asgard.
This time he had crossed out both Odinson and Laufeyson on the letter.
Loki,
Thanks. I've always loved proving people wrong. I consider it a great talent of mine. As for first impressions. I thought that you had a been a very sleep deprived college student. If it hadn't been for the clothes or the hair, I wouldn't have been able to tell the difference.
Also, here's the next book. This one is my favorite out of the whole series.
Best Wishes,
Rome
It had gone on for weeks. There letters back in forth. It got to the point where she almost saw Thor on a bi-weekly basis. The letters had become something that she actually looked forward too. It was more than a prank or a joke. She really did enjoy writing to Loki and talking to him and it seemed that he shared the same feelings. Soon, after he had finished the Harry Potter series, it seemed that letters still came and they still talked.
Thor had gotten so tired from exchanging the letters that they had set up a mailing system. Rome didn't know how it worked, didn't want to know how it worked. All she knew is that every time she wanted to send a letter to Loki. All she had to do was plop it in a special box and then it would magically disappear. She guessed it was a two-way thing, because days later a letter would arrive in the box.
It wasn't until the thirtieth letter did somebody else realize that she was talking to him. And of course that somebody had to be Tony.
Rome had been reading the latest letter in her hand when Tony started questioning her about it. "So," He had said, "Who's this letter from, your secret admirer?" He had said it jokingly but still; the comment made her blush. That action made Tony perk up as he leaned forward trying to get a better look at the letter. Rome had quickly snatched it away from his gaze.
"Isn't there somebody else you can bother? Where's Bruce, he usually your go to person."
Tony shrugged and made his way around the counter, "Your boyfriend is avoiding me. Plus, I feel like I've been neglecting on us time." He said gesturing between them with his index finger.
Rome rolled her eyes. Ever since he had found out that her and Bruce went to go get coffee and spy on Steve. He had not let it go and had since been calling Bruce her boyfriend. She, of course, didn't care because she knew that Tony wasn't being serious about it. But, Bruce, oh poor Bruce. The man practically turned into a tomato anytime Tony brought it up or called him that. It led to him actively avoiding hanging out with them at the same time.
"You should really stop calling him that, you know it makes him uncomfortable." Rome said as she leaned against the counter.
Tony gave a half-offended scoff and jumped up onto the counter, successfully sitting on it. "Come on, Romulus, I'm just teasing him. Plus, making him uncomfortable is half the fun of it."
She gave him a small glare, "You do realize that the Hulk destroyed half of Harlem, right? And during the Battle of New York, he knocked down both Thor and Loki."
Tony waved her off, "Yeah, well, I like to think that he likes me too much to kill me."
"You hold a lot of faith in him." She muttered to herself.
Tony rolled his eyes and peered over her shoulder to look at the letter. She was too late it and seconds later the paper was being snatched from her hands. She turned towards him in anger and tried reaching for the letter. But, Tony had already jumped down from the counter and was running forward the reading the contents of the letter out loud.
"Rome, it pleases me to here that you are having such a nice week on Midgard. I can't say the same for myself. As you know it gets quite boring up here. I have to say that are letters are the only real joy that I have looking forward to. Although, it would be nice to actually talk to you in person again. Perhaps we can watch those movies you talked so fondly about. Best, Loki."
Tony had read the letter in a faux British Accent but once he read who is was from his face turned white. He looked up at her his eyes wide in both horror and confusion. Finally, after ten pain staking seconds Tony had opened his mouth. "Reindeer Games!" He cried in horror while shaking the letter, "Your secret admirer is Reindeer Games?!"
Rome frowned and walked over to Tony snatching the letter from his grasp, "He's not my secret admirer. He's just lonely and when I went to Asgard for his trial I sort of… befriended him."
"Befriended him? Rome, the guy had you under mind control."
Rome rolled her eyes and walked over to the kitchen area to grab a glass of water, "It wasn't even an hour. Besides, it's not like he actually did anything too me in particular."
"Rome, he killed people."
"I know, Tony. It's just…you didn't see him the way I saw him or got to know him like I did."
Tony held out his arms in front of him widely, "You were there for barely a day. Six hours at the most."
Rome held her nose up in the air, "Yeah, well, a lot happened in those six hours."
"Obviously." Tony scoffed as he sat down on the counter. He then put a hand to his cheek and stared at her, "You're not in love with him, are you?" He asked seriously.
Rome chocked on the water she had been drinking. The water spilling out both of her nose and mouth. She had set the glass down and coughed until there were tears in her eyes. She then looked to Tony with wide eyes.
The man only frown, "You know, that reaction doesn't make me feel any better."
Rome wiped her mouth, "What gave you the idea that I was in love with him?"
He shrugged his shoulders, "I don't know. It just…the way the letter was written, in seems like he has a thing for you."
"Tony, I don't just fall in love with someone in six hours."
Tony then let out a big sigh, "I don't know man, it only took Jane Foster three days to fall for Thor."
She then took a small sip of her water. Another thought popped up and she pointed a finger towards the over grown man child, "And why would Loki be into me of all people? He's a literal god. I'm just a person that works for you. I'm practically nothing compared to him. I mean, it's not like I have an amazing personality and my body is just…meh."
Tony gave her a look that she couldn't quite describe, "Are you kidding me?" He asked and she tilted her head while frowning at his statement. "Rome, you're freaking gorgeous." He said and she blushed, "If I wasn't spoken for and you weren't my friend I would have totally tried to sleep with you by now."
"Yeah, right."
"I mean it. I think you are absolutely gorgeous and anybody could see that. Even Reindeer Games."
Rome was about to fire back but then she thought about their parting hug. She wouldn't be lying if she hadn't thought about it. She had feelings for Loki she just wasn't sure what type of feelings they were. Their parting hug that she had thought lasted too long. Some of the glances that he had given her. The brushing of his hand on her lower back. It was crazy to think about but there was no way they would work out. But still…
Just then, Rome heard a door shut and she watched as Bruce came walking into the room. Dressed in his usual attire he looked up and stopped mid-step once he saw that both Tony and she were in the room. Rome looked towards Tony and saw a Cheshire grin grow onto his face.
"Perfect timing, Brucie." He said getting up to lead Bruce towards the kitchen more, "I was just telling Rome here how beautiful she was. Want to give her any input?"
Rome crossed her arms over her chest and glared at Tony, "Stop it." She scolded him.
Bruce ducked his head and stared at the ground. His cheeks and neck starting to become a bright red, "No. I-I think I'm good."
Tony then wrapped an arm around his shoulder, "Come on, Bruce. Not even one compliment?" Tony taunted him.
Rome shook her head and made her way over to them. Putting a comforting hand on Bruce's shoulder, "You don't have to say anything, Bruce." She then pocketed her letter, "Besides, I have somewhere to be."
Rome began walking off and heard Tony yelling behind her, "Tell Reindeer Games I said hi."
She smirked, "Oh, I'll do more than that!" She hollered back intending for the euphemism to come through. Look, she wasn't going to lie, she knew that Loki was good looking. In both his regular form and his Blue Man group form. She also wasn't going to lie and say that she hadn't had any weird fantasies about Loki. Because, she had, she had a few of those dreams but she was never going to tell Tony that.
That would give him too much ammunition.
