"I have another question." It was much later and Darcy was sitting on the edge of Loki's desk as he got ready for bed on the other side of the bathroom door.

"And?" He sounded amused. "You have not reigned in curiosity before this."

"What happens when we get back to Earth?" When he didn't answer immediately, she went on. "I mean, it'll be obvious if we don't speak or…"

The door swung open and Loki took it's place against the frame. "We will play this out. After a time we part on fair terms, convenient reasons for which will no doubt reveal themselves."

"And how long did you have in mind?" Darcy didn't mind the thought perhaps as much as she should, but that was now. If someone she could actually have a romance with came along? Well, she wasn't signing on for years of this.

Loki considered. "I am in your debt for five tasks you have yet to name. When such tasks are completed, we will call this charade to its end."

It was disconcerting that he laid it all on her when he knew the game better. But this was better than a set amount of time. She hadn't intended to rush her choices, because it figured that the opportunity to call in favors wouldn't come more than once. And you don't waste debts from actual gods without thinking it through. But at the same time, the bargain gave her an easy way out. Instantly, if she needed it. She nodded. "Fair enough."

Loki moved to his walled of half of the bed.

"So. Now that that's settled. Jane invited us for a double date."

Loki's steps halted. "A what?"

"You know. Dinner and a movie. Jane and Thor being sappy and romantic. You and I pretending to be sappy and romantic. Fury giving disapproving stares when he finds out we all ditched the security they always have tailing you." She scooted a little further back, though it wasn't much help in escaping Loki's glare. "You can't blame me, this whole relationship was your idea."

"And you accepted."

"I only said I would talk to you. Now I have and you are free to go tell her no and not smite me or anything."

"Smiting you would be counter productive to my goals." He rubbed his forehead. "No. It… will be a useful show of reform."

"Wait, you're saying yes?"

"I am saying it is something I will consider." He shook his head and continued to the bed. After a moment, Darcy followed, flopping onto her side.

"Good night, Prince Charming."

After a momentary confused silence the candles flickered out. "Sleep well, my pet."