I scowl. What the fudge? Who just flicked me?

I open my eyes to see Loki's death glare inches away from my face. I freeze, not even daring to breathe. "Why are you in my bed?" he demands icily.

Why am I in his— oh.

I swallow and try to scoot away. Nope, he's got me trapped. Okay, then. I swallow again and hold his gaze. "Jarvis woke me because you were having a night terror. I couldn't wake you, but being there seemed to help and also you were freezing cold."

"I'm a frost giant," he says through gritted teeth.

"You were shivering uncontrollably. Trust me, this was my last solution."

He finally pulls away and averts his eyes. "You could have left. My dreams are none of your business."

I sit up and shake my head. "Even if you weren't my friend, I wouldn't have left you alone like that. Dreams and night terrors are vastly different." I scoot off the bed and head for the door. "I'll meet you at breakfast. I won't . . . ." I turn back. "I won't tell anyone if you don't want them to know." He nods.

Thankfully, I am in my room by the time it hits me that I was spooning with Loki last night. That I don't usually move much in my sleep. That he likely woke up with us like that.

I collapse onto the bed and grab a pillow. I curl up and yell into it. And again.

"Jarvis?" I groan.

"Yes?"

"I should not make decisions in the middle of the night." I yell into the pillow another time for good measure. Rule of threes and whatnot.

"Do you regret your decision?"

I pause to think about that. "No, I don't." It would have been unforgivable to leave him alone, and I couldn't let anyone else know. "It was the best I could do, and I stand by my actions. Thank you, Jarvis."

"Anytime." Does he sound pleased with himself?

I uncurl and get dressed, determined to not be embarrassed for helping a friend.

It's really early, so I only plan on eating a small bowl of cereal. As I enter the kitchen, I notice Clint sitting near the window.

"Good morning!" I call out. I look outside to find the rising sun making the city windows glitter. I move to sit by Clint to enjoy the sight. "Do you always watch the sunrise?" I ask as I approach. He doesn't respond, just keeps looking out the window. I notice his eyes are closed. Morning meditation?

I sit a polite distance away. As I do, he jumps a bit, eyes shooting open. How did I surprise a spy? Wait a second.

Are you Deaf? I ask in American Sign Language.

You know ASL?

A bit. I had 101 in college last year. Wanted 102 this year, but . . . , I shrug.

He sits back down, but this time we are facing each other so we can sign. You can't tell anyone. I nod and stick out my pinky finger. He smiles and we pinky promise.

Does Natasha know?

He nods. Why are you awake?

Bad D-R-E-A-M.

He looks confused. Why are you smiling?

You are signing slowly. Thank you. He shakes his head and chuckles quietly. Why are you awake?

He frowns. I can't sleep. Not with you and Loki here.

I get that he's been through a lot with Loki, but, Me? I ask

Just because you sign a little doesn't mean I suddenly _ you.

What does _ mean?

T-R-U-S-T, he fingerspells for me. Oh. I nod and fight the urge to avert my gaze. He elaborates. You trust Loki with your all but won't tell us anything you know except _ he's innocent!

_?

P-R-O-O-F.

He's extremely upset. I'm buddy-buddy with a man that kidnapped and mind-controlled him and refuse to be of any help to anyone but said man. Granted, said man was also mind-controlled, but I can't expect Clint to just get over things. Especially when he doesn't know that I plan on spilling everything.

I'm really sorry, but I can't, I respond slowly.

Why not? We are the best people to know what you know! The delay in my comprehension saying can't be helping Clint's frustration.

. . . You are the O-N-L-Y people that can know what I know, I respond soberly.

Then . . . . He is starting to understand. But is still upset.

I can't help myself. He has to know. I can't stand him looking at me like this, not with all he's been through. Do you know what I'm most excited for on this vacation?

He frowns at the sudden change in conversation, but plays along. No, what? he asks cautiously.

Small S-L-O-T canyons. They make me feel S-A-F-E, I respond. I give a small smile, though my eyes are a little teary. I just hope he understands, because that is the best I can give him, and not just due to my ineptitude with the language.

Clint shakes his head before pulling me into a tight hug. After pulling back, he gives my scalp a light noogie. Silly little S-P-Y. He turns serious again. But why do you trust Loki? He is _ _.

What?

The G-O-D of M-I-S-C-H-I-E-F.

I respond slowly, struggling to express my thoughts. I know some of his past. I've seen his C-H-A-R-A-C-T-E-R, like I have with you and the T-E-A-M. He is not bad, just weird on A-S-G-A-R-D. Think silly-but-serious younger weird brother, but with being M-A-G-I-C prince of A-S-G-A-R-D.

And adopted. He didn't know, did he?

I shake my head. I don't think you will trust him right away. And I understand. You have no reason to. But please wait before hating him, like you are doing with me.

He mulls it over for a moment before giving a small nod. We then watch the city sunrise, enjoying the silence of the early morning.

After awhile, the gurgling of coffee being made wakes me from my meditation. I gently tap Clint, covertly sign coffee, and turn around to see who else is up.

"I didn't expect you to be up so early after yesterday, Paige," Natasha says nonchalantly, facing away. Me neither; I could've used more sleep.

Clint gets up and stretches, signing coffee over-enthusiastically. I fail to stifle my giggle, causing Natasha to turn around. Clint smiles as he heads toward the kitchen, pulling two small devices out of his pocket and carefully tucking them into his ears. Natasha raises her brows, surprised and questioning, and swiftly looks me over.

I quickly put my hands up defensively. "No one expected me to be up early."

She narrows her eyes before sighing and grabbing two mugs. "Did you know beforehand?"

I shift a little uneasily. "I only knew it was a possibility."

Clint puts a hand on her shoulder. "It's alright. The kid's cool; she even signs a bit."

"Really?"

"I'm awful," I say, blushing slightly.

Clint laughs. "No exaggeration there. Watching that definitely made up for some things."

I frown. So that's why he put up with it. "Yeah, well, thanks for fingerspelling."

He takes a sip of his coffee. "We'll work on it." My eyes go wide. "Don't look too excited; consider it a public service." I pout. "Hey, now. I'm just teasing. You aren't that bad for just having 101 under your belt. It took me time, too." He leans against the counter. "You don't drink coffee, right? Isn't that a mormon thing?"

"I don't, and it is. Honestly, I don't even like the smell, and I can't taste bitter anyway."

"What do you mean, you 'can't taste bitter'?" Pepper asks, walking in.

"It's a genetic thing. Two main alleles control the ability to taste bitter — well, most bitter compounds. We did a test in high school by tasting papers dipped in something. Some kids gagged on the taste, some could taste it a bit, and I was one of the kids who just tasted paper." I shrug. "Turns out some things are bitter and I didn't even know, like broccoli; it's just sweet to me. So coffee would probably taste like mud unless I added tons of stuff."

Pepper grabs a mug and fills it. "You know the caffeine is most of the point, right?"

"Yeah, but I'd still rather not."

"Fair enough." Pepper brings her coffee over to the table and motions for me to join her. She takes a few sips, perking up, before sliding a notepad and pen across the table. "We're going shopping today." Flipping through, I find pages of shopping lists. A list maker, I like her even more. "Look to see if I missed anything and think of stores you'd like to go to." I nod and find the list labeled 'Paige's Wardrobe', quickly becoming overwhelmed by what looks like a long and busy day doing my least favorite chore.

After a moment of skimming through the list, which thankfully is organized by priority, I speak up. "It, uh . . . ." I clear my throat. "I think you got everything."

"Overwhelmed? I know it looks like a lot, but we're going to have fun. You get to create a whole new look for yourself!" I swallow down my trepidation and force a shy smile. Pepper grins back excitedly. "We'd fit in some spa time, too, if you weren't about to go camping. We'll just have to make a day of it after you come back." She winks. I think she needs this.

Natasha speaks up. "I'm in. Could use a good pedicure." Yeah, she wouldn't have time for these things either.

I smile wide. "Looks like we have a girls' day planned!"

"Natasha, will you be joining us today, too?" Pepper asks.

"It would be nice to get out, if you don't mind."

"Of course!"

"Pepper?" I ask.

"Yes, dear?"

"Who's taking Loki shopping?" He's roughly in the same situation I am.

"I'm assuming we are. I buy much of Tony's clothes, and I don't think the other men would want to come along. Don't worry, we'll split up for underwear and such." I'm not worried, but relieved. I'm not sure I feel comfortable leaving Loki alone with other people yet. Natasha must feel the same way, though for different reasons. That's definitely a reason for her coming. I glance at her questioningly. She shrugs. "So, where are we going?"

I look around. Natasha seems to be waiting for me to answer Pepper's question, and Clint has left. Is she asking me? "Um, well, I've never shopped in New York, but Kohl's is nice and usually okay for bras. I went to Parisian once in fifth grade; I remember liking it. I do really well at Old Navy."

" . . . Old Navy. And Kohl's for bras?" Pepper looks a little in shock.

I sink in my seat a little. "Old Navy had comfy stuff that fits my curves, and Kohl's used to have a brand that worked with my narrow shoulders and ribs — though now that it's discontinued, I guess I have to look somewhere else for bras." I suppress a shudder and think for a moment on what other stores I like. "Um, I like Bealls, but that's down South. Ross and Dress Barn are good."

The two women look at each other and shake their heads. "We'll keep those in mind if our stores fail," Natasha say diplomatically.

Pepper looks at me almost pityingly before getting up. "I'll start breakfast."

I sit there awkwardly for a moment. "I'll, uh, see if Loki's up and tell him about our plan," I mumble before scurrying off.

I gently rap my fingers on Loki's door. "Hey, are you up?" I hesitate before continuing, remembering the events earlier in the morning. "Pepper is making—"

I'm interrupted as the door opens a crack. "You know very well I'm awake," Loki grumbles.

I look down at my feet. "I didn't know if you had gone back to sleep."

The door opens a little wider. "What is it?"

"Pepper is making breakfast. No one's really up, so you might be able to make a request or something, or I could—"

"No." The door closes abruptly.

"Loki? Loki, wait!" I give him a moment to respond, but he doesn't. "Pepper and Natasha are taking us clothes shopping today."

He opens the door slightly. "I'll go tomorrow."

"What? Don't leave me!"

"Don't leave you? Do you not wish to get new clothes?"

"I, uh, well, don't you?"

He sighs dramatically. "You're testing patience I don't have."

"Sorry! I just, I-I really don't like shopping, especially clothes shopping, and if you're not there, they'll treat it as girl time, and I don't do girl time, so please, please, come with us today!"

"Don't go then."

You think I didn't consider that? "They really want to, and it has to get done, and I want them to be happy, and they need to like me," I explain in a rush. "I have to go. But I don't want to disappoint them or annoy them or have anxiety problems, and not much gives me anxiety like girl time. Please, Loki! I'll owe you big time."

He finally opens the door fully. I look up to see him studying my arm. I didn't realize I had been scratching it. I bring my hand away, embarrassed, and start to back away. "I'm sorry, this is ridiculous. I shouldn't have bothered you."

"I will collect on this debt."

I look up in surprise. "So, you'll do it? You'll come today?"

"And you'll owe me a favor."

I nod. "Of course. Thank you. I know it seems dumb, but this . . . . Thank you." I spin around and rush into my room. I shakily close the door, turning and just sliding down against it until I reach the floor. I sit there, trying to steady my breathing and not cry.

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

"No. . . . Jarvis, do you think I'm pathetic?"

"You went to Asgard, via Tesseract, to convince their king to change his sentencing on Loki. That does not fit my understanding of pathetic."

"But I bargained a favor to Loki just so I wouldn't be clothes shopping alone with Natasha and Pepper."

He takes a moment to respond. "Your battles being different does not make them lesser," the AI says sagely.

I take a deep breath. "Thanks, Jarvis."

I take a few more steadying breaths before standing up and running a brush through my hair. I've already gotten the tangles out, but the repetitive motions help.

I can do this. In fact, this is a good thing. I'm excited. No more oversized SHIELD extras. New clothes, ones that will fit. Shoes that actually fit and I won't trip in (as often); that's great! And I get to style a whole wardrobe at once, redesign my look. This is exciting, a big first step into my new life. I wonder what Loki's Midgard wardrobe will look like? What style will I go with? Today is about being ourselves and taking the future into our own hands. Without a budget.

After a few minutes of crafting my false excitement, my hair definitively knot-free, I put on a smile and exit the room.

"And to think that moments ago, you were begging for my help." I'm confronted by Loki, leaning against his doorframe. He raises a brow. "That smile even seems quite genuine, if a bit nervous." Which 'quite' does he ever mean?

"Yes, well, I'm not very good at lying to others, but I can at least fool myself for a short time. I'm determined to be excited today, so as long as I watch myself, things should go smoothly." That means no sensitive topics and keeping blood sugar up. Any weakness, and my facade could crack.

"So what do you need me for?" He smirks. "Seems like you can handle this outing just fine, even with the threat of girl time," he teases.

My heart picks up its pace, and I shake a finger only half-jokingly. "Don't say those words like that. It is a threat. I may be able to handle clothes shopping, but that — well, I don't have enough time to prepare, and even if I did, it would be a mess." It always is.

"You know, this whole time I was under the impression that you were a female." Really? You are going to bug me about gender roles?

I shake my head. "You don't get it. I'm talking about fashion and makeup, weird spa stuff and complicated skin and hair products." I can't help but scrunch my face up in disgust. "Worst of all is the gossiping and interrogations about crushes and dating."

"You don't enjoy those things?"

"I just don't get it, any of it. When girls get like that, it's like I'm from a different planet or something. I have little-to-nothing to work with to even pretend like I understand — or care for that matter."

"I suppose I understand," he replies solemnly.

From a different planet or something. "Oh, I . . . I didn't mean . . . . Sorry."

He stands up straight. "Well, shall we head to breakfast? Let us see how long we can pretend to be normal." A real smile breaks across my face. "Don't forget you bargained a favor for this," he adds mischievously.

"It's more than worth it in my eyes," I reply, smile unwavering.

Your battles being different does not make them lesser. If making an open-ended deal with Loki is what it takes to ensure a good start to our new lives, then I'll gladly deal with the consequences. Let no one chastise me for not taking risks again, because I haven't played anything safe since arriving in this dimension.