"Agent Carter; you are needed in the containment area," an agent informed me while I stood in a black, cocktail-length nightgown, rubbing sleep from my eyes.
"Loki?" I questioned wearily. The agent nodded.
"Yes, Ma'am. He appears to be dreaming, and it is making him agitated. Apparently, all matters relating to the Trickster are to be directed to you." I blinked, processing this information. I had thought that after I'd handed Loki over, The Ides would try to block me, considering their concern over my emotional attachments. I nodded.
"Very well. You may go now," I dismissed. The agent bowed respectfully and walked away purposefully.

I entered the containment area and looked over to the guard station. "Cell number?" I asked. It was well-known that I was the agent attached to Loki and the Avengers, so there was no need to elaborate further.
"Twenty-five. Last cell on your right." I nodded my acknowledgement and walked down the aisle. There were multiple prisoners; persons of interest in many different operations. I walked to Loki's unit and let the retinal scanner assess my eyes to unlock the door. Loki was asleep; twisting and panting; swiping at his mouth and gripping his abdomen.

"Loki," I said lowly, approaching cautiously. If I startled him now; it was likely he'd harm me without even realising until it was done. "Loki!" I called louder. Loki didn't react; whimpering in his sleep. I sighed; stepping up to the hard bed. I was probably going to regret this, but, "Loki!" I called again, squeezing his shoulder gently. Loki's eyes flew open and he sat up, grabbing onto my flowing hair and forcing me to the ground. He slipped off the bed to land over me, one knee digging into my thigh while the hand that wasn't caught in my hair was balled into a fist; drawn back ready to crack my skull. I gasped for air, having been winded by the fall as my vision swam, a sharp ache on the back of my head from the impact against the floor.

Loki blinked his bright green eyes, clearing his vision and staring down at me. "C-Carter?" he whispered. Footsteps pounded down the aisle and two guards appeared outside the cell. Loki raised his head to look at them while I looked up at them from the floor, where I was still pinned under him.
"Agent Carter…"
"I'm okay; this happens… more often than you'd think it would," I assured them calmly. "I was nearly punched out by Captain America once," I added as an example.

"You're sure?" the second guard asked.
"Yes," I responded easily as Loki stood, backing away from me and the guards, pinning his hand against his middle. I propped myself up on my elbows, breathing deeply as my head throbbed and I looked at Loki. "You may return to your posts," I instructed the guards over my shoulder. More footsteps and they left, leaving me alone with Loki again. "Hello, Loki," I greeted. Loki shook his head.
"Carter, I… I'm sorry," Loki murmured. He walked forward again and carefully picked me up off the ground like a china doll, sitting me on the edge of his bed before beginning to pace the length of the cell, both arms wrapped around his belly, fists bunched in his tunic. I watched him, feeling the lump forming on the back of my head.

"Bad dreams?" I asked quietly. Loki shook his head, not looking at me.
"Memories," he corrected softly, running a hand through his hair.
"The Chitauri?" I wondered. Loki sighed, pausing to look at me. He nodded slowly. "Do you want to talk about it?" I offered. Loki shook his head again.
"No. You already know what happened, remember?" I nodded. Loki walked over and sat on the bed next to me, sighing and leaning forward so his elbows rested on his thighs and he cupped his head in his hands.

"Why are you here?" Loki asked after a moment, not looking up.
"I was ordered to come. The guards were concerned that you may become destructive."
"And you were supposed to stop me?" Loki wondered, smiling slightly as he turned his face towards me. I shrugged.
"I have not a clue what they wished me to do nor how they thought I'd accomplish it if you did turn violent. I'm just lucky you woke up before you killed me." Loki's smile fell and he sat up straight, examining me closely while he absentmindedly held a hand against his abdomen.

"I am sorry, Carter. I didn't know what I was doing."
"Mm. So I gathered," I acknowledged, rubbing at the back of my head. Loki reached towards me and I shied away involuntarily. Loki's lips parted as he breathed deeply before he slowly and deliberately shifted closer so our thighs were touching. He reached for me again and slipped his hand into my hair, pushing my own hand away from the swelling. I eyed Loki off warily while he closed his eyes, exhaling shakily. His fingers and hand went colder than usual and I knew the skin would be Jotun blue. I sighed, leaning into his touch as it soothed the ache in my head. "Hmm… That feels better," I breathed. "Much better than an icepack," I added.

Loki cupped my head and pulled gently. I let him guide me until I was leaning against his side with him cradling my head against his chest. Hesitantly, he lifted his free hand and took my far hand in his pulling me closer and curling his hand around my upper arm to hold me to him supportively. I lifted my feet off the ground and rested them on the bed comfortably. "You said you don't trust me," Loki murmured. His breath was cool against my face as he bowed his head over mine, holding me protectively. I tilted my head back to look up at him, only to find his face centimeters away from mine. I blinked, startled by the close proximity.
"Um," I stated blankly. Loki smiled a little.

"I don't blame you," he continued, shifting so my head was against his chest again and he could rest his head on top. I could feel his lips moving in my hair as he spoke. "But I think I want you to trust me, like I trust you. Not unconditionally, but just enough… Miss Carter; you have to know that I would never harm you on purpose. You're the only person I can rely on."
"Um…" Damn, I was too tired to process this sort of emotion. Loki shook his head, mussing up my hair with the motion.
"You needn't say anything," he mumbled, stroking my arm slowly. "I just wanted you to know."

"Are… are you trying to seduce me?" I squeaked, vaguely alarmed. Loki chuckled softly.
"In my current condition?" he responded. "The activity could very well kill me." I heard him swallow, shaking his head. "No, Carter. No seduction, no manipulation. I mean it… Honestly and truly," he added with a laugh. I stayed silent for a moment with him stroking my arm and nursing my head before I smiled, shutting my eyes, reaching my hand across to rest against his belly, rubbing soothingly.
"I believe you." Loki smiled against my scalp. I giggled, snuggling closer into his side. "You do like me," I said. Loki froze for a moment until he nodded, sighing into my hair.
"Yes, Miss Carter. For some unfathomable reason, I do," he agreed.