A/N: Sorry I haven't been as diligent with the updates of late, it's midterms and I've been studying. Anyway, happy reading :-)

"Er, sir, no offense but do you really think it would a good idea for me to go in there looking like this?" If Loki had gone on some kind of rampage, I imagined my disheveled appearance wouldn't improve the situation. Despite my best efforts, he remained insistent upon protecting me. I wasn't entirely sure what from. It wasn't as if I could die.

Fury turned to inspect me once more. He narrowed his eyes in suspicion. "Why would that matter?"

I wasn't foolish enough to think S.H.I.E.L.D. hadn't kept tabs on us the past few years. Still, the less they knew the better. "You know of his feelings towards me. I imagine if he saw me in my current state it might make things...difficult."

"Like it's not reciprocated." He snorted. I found myself worrying my lip in anticipation of his response. "As it is, given he killed two of my agents and injured the other five-not to mention he bloodied his own brother up pretty good, you might have a point."

So he had killed. Again. I felt a sinking in the pit of my stomach at the thought. "Why did he do that?"

"Thor wanted him to come with us, help us take down the frost giants on Earth, he didn't want to. Kept saying something about not wanting someone to return to his absence." He shot me a pointed look and I suddenly found my feet incredibly interesting. "Though what would make him do that, I don't know."

"I take it he lost."

"He's in holding. Barton wanted to put an arrow through his eye socket but I stopped him." My face unwillingly flinched at the words. "You're welcome."

"I thought Loki was your-" Eithne began in a whisper.

"Yep. Yep, but they don't need to know that." I replied hurriedly, nervously waiting the colonel's reply.

"Why don't you and?"

"Eithne." I replied quickly, glancing at my companion.

"Eithne follow Richards and get yourselves cleaned up. We'll go from there." I felt a swell of happiness that Richards had survived. Ever since she had chosen my favorite shirt a few years back I had developed a fondness for her.

"Doctor Grant, nice to you again."

"You too, Richards. New haircut?" Her blonde locks had been shorn into a chin length bob.

"Yeah, actually."

"Looks nice."

"Thanks."

After having explained how a shower worked to Eithne, I took one for myself. I tried to imagine my stress washing down the drain to no avail. Eventually, Richards had led us past several Asgardians and S.H.I.E.L.D agents and down several levels of the ship to a grim, dark sector. Fury was waiting outside a solid steel door. He said nothing as he placed his thumb on the lock. A moment later a loud "thunk!" resounded from the door and it creaked open. "All yours." Fury stated blandly, stepping away from the door. He passed me a small key and I pocketed it.

I took a deep breath and ducked through the opening. Upon entering, I saw Loki. He sat in a metal chair, his skin a ghostly pallor. Dark circles shadowed his eyes and there was a general coldness to his demeanor. I noted he was once again chained to the floor. He completely ignored my presence and I understood he had likely had several visitors. I tried humor, finding River Song in my mind again. "You. Me. Handcuffs. Must it always end this way?"

His eyes drifted to my face at the sound of my voice. Relief was quickly followed by anger. I supposed I deserved that. He said nothing as the door closed behind me. I tentatively strode towards him and I watched his muscles tense. "So, I hear you've been up to no good again."

"Is that how they put it?" The bitter amusement had returned and I sighed.

"Well, technically Fury said 'stupid-ass shit'. But basically."

"And so he sends you to reason with me."

I didn't know how long we remained in silence, examining the other, reading the other's thoughts and emotions. Finally, I spoke. "You can't keep doing this."

"I'm sorry, what exactly is it that I've done?"

"Killing innocent people because you're upset."

"I would hardly call them innocent." The ice in his tone was apparent. I continued on.

"Loki-"

"Tell me, Olivia. How would you feel, what would you think upon returning from speaking with your miserable oaf of a brother to discover the woman you love has left on a suicidal quest?"

I swallowed hard. "Good for her?"

He glowered at me and I felt my skin pale. "I should have known you would find my old listening spot. You heard all that the Völva spoke, did you not?"

That must have been the woman I heard. "Maybe."

"And you sought out the scythes?"

"Yes."

His jaw clenched before speaking. "Did you find them?"

"Yes."

Sorrow washed over his features and I struggled to understand the reason. "I see."

"Look, if I get you out of here, you have to promise you won't kill anyone else. Not another human, at least. I'm sure they would be more than happy if you slew a few frost giants for them." A sad trace of a smiled flashed on his lips before fading again.

"Who said I wanted out?"

I sighed wearily and crossed my arms. "Are you going to stop pouting and grow up or should I leave now? Because if you're going to be this childish I'm going to leave and I can promise you I won't come back to visit you."

Loki didn't so much chuckle as he did breathe in amusement. "Very well. I hereby promise to not strike down the mortal swine."

"Swine? Did you really just say swine?"

"They are weak and disgusting, I find it an apropos term."

"Well, if memory serves correct, those mortal swine kicked your ass last time. I'd watch who you called swine." I pulled the key from my pocket and set about undoing the lock on his handcuffs. "Besides, if we're so disgusting to you, then I'm a bit confused by our relationship."

The chains fell to the floor with a clang and he rose to his feet. "You are not mortal." Sorrow clung to his words and I was left to ponder the reasons once more. He twirled a curl of my hair around his finger slowly, seeming to savor the moment.

"I was. Once." He behaved as if every moment he had with me was precious. As if I would vanish before him at any given time.

"You were never like them." A grim smile spread across his features and he let his hand fall. "I suppose this is where we leave?"

"Seems as good a time as any." I replied evenly, pecking his cheek. "You look terrible, by the way."

"Ha!" I pounded on the door and it swung open. Upon exiting, Fury waited on the other side.

"You pull anything again and I'll let Barton shoot your damn eye."

Loki smirked with familiar arrogance and I fought the urge to smack him upside the head. "Fair enough."

Fury growled in response and turned sharply on his heel. Eithne stood off to the side, looking awkward and uncertain. Loki glanced at her and back to me, his curiosity piqued. "Eithne, this is Loki. Loki this is Eithne." She nodded once in acknowledgment and I continued. "She's a friend."

"You don't have friends." He replied with bemusement.

"Well, I do now. She saved me from wandering the Scottish countryside aimlessly and took me to the scythes. She's my friend."

"Scotland? What were you doing in Scotland?"

"Olivia was captured by the Romans. My people saved her from being taken to the slave auction and left her on the opposite side of the wall. I found her standing on a hill looking lost."

Crap. I really wished she hadn't brought the slavers up. I instantly regretted telling her the full story. "Slave auction?" He repeated, the slightest trace of hatred in his tone. "Well, you have my thanks for caring for her." I didn't miss the intense look he shot me. I was going to have some serious explaining to do later.

"Right. Well, now that we're all, er, acquainted, we should probably follow Eyepatch before he goes ballistic." I nervously dashed forward in an attempt to put as much distance between myself and Loki as possible. His behavior towards me remained alarming. As I followed Fury frantically down the corridor, I realized I might not want to know why.