Another chapter, as promised!

Everyone in this one is dumb, they're all dumb stupid idiots and I hate them. But I also love them which is a problem. My heart can't make up it's mind and that's probably how Loki feels about everyone and everything. Lol. Especially Steve right now.

Disclaimer: Does not own Marvel Universe

Warning: Just language really

Comments/critiques are welcomed!

Loki kicks his door closed behind him and turns his stereo on. He only had a few minutes to spare before he needed to meet Steve for their next date. They were trying to get as many in before Christmas since both of their families went away for the holidays. He didn't exactly want to go away with his family but Loki didn't have much of a say in that. If he told Frigga he didn't want to go she'd get all mopey and weepy and Loki could barely handle her in a good mood right now.

Between staying at Darcy's and going out with Steve he was exhausted. Whenever he stayed at Darcy's the likelihood of them sleeping was very unlikely at all. She talked and thought about too much, it was a wonder she ever slept at all. However Darcy thought he was staying at her place for the whole week leading up to when she shipped out for New Mexico, but while she was at work he snuck back home to change, shower, and then meet Steve. Before Darcy's shift was over Steve dropped him off somewhere inconspicuous so that the cycle could start again.

He grabs a pair of jeans from his drawer and pulls them on—double checking to make sure they're his, first. Most of Loki's clothes were so baggy because they were actually Thor's. Loki digs around his dresser and closet for a clean, form-fitting shirt that he could wear under one of his sweaters. It was December in New York but Loki hated feeling trapped under layers of clothes. Besides he overheated way too fast. A couple of "mood-elevators" and a black long-sleeved shirt later and Loki was ready to run out of the house before anyone could catch him. Loki pauses for a moment to check himself in the mirror. There were a few prominent marks on his neck…he and Steve were going to have to talk about that. One was still especially red and purple, just to the left of his throat. He didn't have any concealer on him though he'd left it at Darcy's.

Actually he was surprised she hadn't noticed any of them.

Loki grabs his coat and scarf from the bed. He shuts off his music and goes for the door, Frigga standing outside his room with her fist raised to knock on the door. Loki frowns.

"Oh," Frigga clears her throat. "I was sure it was you making that racket and not Thor I just—didn't know which of you was home." She smiles sweetly at him. "I just came up to—to-" Her eyes fall on the mark on Loki's neck, face faltering instantly. Loki covers it with his hand. His nose and cheeks were threatening to burn red.

"I was just stopping by for a change of clothes-" he attempts to go around her, Frigga placing a hand gently on his shoulder.

She forces out a smile. "Loki, sweetie, you're sixteen now, there's nothing to, uhh—it's normal for you to be umm—hmmm…would you like something to cover it?"

He nods.

"Come on then." Loki follows her down the hall to her room. He sits on the corner of her bed while she digs through her vanity, most likely attempting to find a pale enough shade of concealer to use on him. Frigga sits down beside him with a handful of supplies and a couple of sponge wedges. She dabs a bit of the liquid on his neck and starts to work on a base while he keeps his hair out of her way. "This isn't-" she clears her throat, "-this isn't from…Darcy, is it?"

"No, Frigga."

"Oh, thank God…not that I'd disapprove if you were dating Darcy, I just—it would be about as awkward as your brother dating Sif again. You know I enjoy her company. But they've been just friends for so long that I was a little uncomfortable."

Loki smiles to himself.

Frigga dabs the make-up over the mark on his neck, chewing her lip. "You—ermmm…you're—being safe?" He furrows his brow. She picks up the powder and brushes on a coat of that to even out the tone. "I just—you're not—I mean, are you-? You're using-?" she sighs. "You're…practicing safe sex?"

"I'm-" Loki flushes, standing abruptly and pulling on his coat. "I have to go…"

"No, no, I-" Frigga sets down her supplies and stands. "I just want to make sure you're being safe, Loki…you don't tell us anything, I wouldn't have even known you were seeing someone if I hadn't-" she shakes her head. "The point is…it's your choice in what you do. Obviously I can't tell you not to do something since—well—Thor's a good example why…but you can't get pregnant so there's not much point in trying to give that lecture." Loki quirks a brow, Frigga giving him a look. "Loki, darling, it's not a secret that you don't have much of an interest in girls. But it doesn't mean something—things—can't still happen…"

He sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Please tell me you gave Thor a better lecture than this…"

She collects her make-up and places it back in her vanity. "Well your father would've if he were ever away from the damn office…" She sighs, wrapping her arms around herself defensively. "Him I can threaten about getting someone pregnant but your brother tends not to think about consequences before they'd already become a reality."

"Want me to threaten to castrate him if he gets a girl pregnant?"

Frigga can't help but let out a laugh. "Sadly that might actually work." She steps closer to him and cups his chin in her hands, looking him over. "So you're…seeing someone?" Her hand absentmindedly brushes over his hair. Loki gently pushes her hands away from him as he draws back. She bites her lip.

"I'm late to meet Darcy…I'll—probably be home later this week to grab some more things."

Loki turns from her to leave. Moments later the front door closes behind him. Frigga sighs, sitting back down on her bed. She stares down at her lap. She'd forgotten what she'd wanted to talk to him about.

"Hey, babe." Steve struggles to pull on his jeans while balancing his phone against his ear. "Oh, you're—you're almost here? Yeah, I—okay, I'll be right out." He tosses his phone onto his dresser.

Pants. Shirt. Coat—did he need a coat? Yes. It was snowing. Or at least it had been. Steve got so distracted by the prospect of seeing Loki he had to make a mental checklist before walking out the door. Shoes…he'd need shoes. Being with Loki made him feel like he was walking on air. His stomach felt like there were butterflies constantly fluttering and when he was with him he couldn't stop smiling. Steve wasn't really sure if Loki felt the same but—well—it was hard to tell if what Loki was expressing was what he was really feeling. Steve hadn't quite gotten the hang of that yet.

He runs his hands under the sink and slicks them through his hair, shaking it out before combing it in place. Loki did tend to get a little—snippy. There would be unrelated things Steve would say or do that would set off little ticks. It was almost as if Loki was trying to pick a fight but the moment Steve apologized or showed signs of regret Loki contradicted it as if nothing had bothered him at all.

His phone goes off. Steve furrows his brow, grabbing for it.

NAT: hey handsome 2:36 pm
NAT: i'm having a bad day :( 2:36 pm
NAT: come over? 2:37 pm

He sighs. Natasha didn't usually ask for company unless she really needed it. Then again—Steve bites his lip. Loki might get upset if Steve asked to cancel their plans so suddenly. Maybe he wasn't at his house yet though. But if he was he probably walked…and Steve would feel bad cancelling if he didn't at least drive Loki home…but then they'd have an awkward car ride with Loki sulking at him and Steve drowning in anxiety…

"STEVEN!"

Steve cringes at his mother's voice. He pulls on an undershirt and walks into the hall, looking around for her. "Y-yes, mama?" She wasn't in her room…but the TV was still on. Steve frowns at the empty beer and wine bottles surrounding the bed.

"STEVEN! There's a boy sitting on the steps!"

He peers over the banister to the lower floor where she was standing on her toes, peering out the peephole in their front door. Steve sighs. "I—I know, mama…he's—that's my friend, Loki. We're going to the library-"

"Tell him to leave!" she snaps, shooting a look up at him. "I don't want the neighbors thinking you're on drugs."

"Mama-"

"He's a junky, Steven! You can see it on his smug little face…I don't want you around him." Steve sighs, mumbling to himself and grabbing a shirt and his coat from his room. He pulls them on while making his way down the stairs. His mother scowls, crossing her arms. "Don't you make that face at me…tell him to leave! I need you to go to the store anyways…"

"Can't you go to the store, mama? It'll be good for you to get out of the house-"

Steve tenses when she smacks him.

"I don't need you back talking me! You're going to the store!" she struggles to open the door, holding her robe closed as she steps out onto the stoop. Loki was sitting on the steps with his legs pulled up against him. He turns his head slightly when he hears the door open. "Shoo! Go home! He has chores to do!"

"Mama-"

Loki stares at her and quirks a brow, looking to Steve.

"Go on!" she waves her hand at him to go, Loki standing and brushing the snow off himself. "Get out of here! Filthy little bastard…"

"Okay-" Steve wraps his arm around her and pulls her back inside, turning on his heels to step outside. "Go back to bed, mama, I'll be back later." He starts to pull the door closed behind him but she catches the door with her heel.

"DON'T YOU GIVE ME THAT ATTITUDE!" she yells, Steve flushing and shushing her to lower her voice. "I want you home in an hour, Steven! And you!" She points at Loki. "I see you loitering on my stoop again and I'm calling the cops!"

Steve pulls the door shut and grumbles, resting his head against the wood.

"She's a very pleasant person."

He turns to look at Loki who had his arms folded behind him stiffly and was looking anywhere but where Steve was standing. "I'm really sorry about her…she doesn't mean-"

Loki gives him a look. "You and I both know you don't sincerely believe what you're going to say." Steve bites his lip. "Now come on," Loki takes his hand, pulling him down the steps. "My feet are starting to go numb from standing in all this frozen slush."

"Wait, babe, I-" His phone goes off. He sighs, digging it out of his pocket. "Sorry, one sec…"

NAT: text me when you're on your way :P 2:46 pm

Steve runs a hand through his hair, Loki drawing back and cocking his head. "What is it?" He glances at the door and hums. "Oh. If you'd rather go to the store for our date I don't mind. Just don't make faces at me if I decide to steal things." He grins, playfully, Steve smiling back at him and kissing his nose.

"It's not that…I-" Steve sighs, rubbing Loki's arms. "I'm going to have to cancel…just for today…" Loki's face falls ever so slightly, the obvious disappointment being quickly masked by indifference. Out of everything that was either adorable or frustrating that was the only thing he truly disliked. He knew Loki was going to be disappointed before he even said anything so why did he have to hide it? "I'm sorry, Loki, I-I-I r-really am, I-I just-"

"You have more important things to attend to." Loki flips his hand nonchalantly with a brief smile. "No matter."

"It's not more important, okay? It's—Natasha needs me to come over and normally I wouldn't cancel our plans but she doesn't ask unless she actually needs someone-"

Loki's mouth twitches. "Romanoff?"

"Yeah…she needs me for—well she hasn't given me any details…" He reaches for Loki's hand, only to have him pull away. Steve frowns. "I—could just stop by and see what she wants. If I'm only going to be a few minutes we could still go do something-"

"It's fine, Rogers," Loki smiles bitterly. He tucks his hands inside his coat and walks out the gate. "I'll talk to you later."

Steve sighs and runs to jump the fence, stopping Loki in his tracks. "Wait, okay? At least—at least let me drive you home. Or to Darcy's…wherever."

"No, thank you." Loki steps around him to continue his walk—but Steve grabs his arm.

It was curious, the bitter aura that Loki could emit at any given moment and every time it gave Steve the same involuntary reactions—his mouth would run dry and the words he tried to get out would trip and stutter over his tongue. Steve wanted desperately—more than anything—to understand how Loki could so quickly go from a pleasant mood to the wretched, glowering look he was giving him now simply for touching him or saying a meaningless phrase. There were so many things that could be going on in Loki's fascinating mind and while Steve wanted to know what they were there was an instinctual part of him that told him to back away.

And in these little moments Steve had to wonder if that was why everyone else could barely stand the "creature" they'd labeled as Loki Laufeyson.

Steve releases him, Loki's lip curling just ever so slightly as he pulls away. His eyes sparked a violent shade of green but there was something Steve hadn't noticed before. A dulled, mute look…one Steve had received time and time again and one he hadn't been able to pinpoint until now. It was different from pain. He'd seen a glimpse of Loki's pain before. This look was almost…hurt. Upon receiving it Steve couldn't help but think back about what Clint and Bucky had told them the last time they hung out. He knew they meant no harm in telling him but it didn't mean their words didn't still sting like a knife, hard and heavy in his chest.

Loki stops to light up a cigarette and continues down the walk. Steve frowns when it starts to snow.

Three days Loki had gone without answering his phone. Steve was—of course—persistent but Loki was stubborn and he was going to hold his grudge for as long as he wanted. The grudge just wasn't necessarily directed at Steve…

Romanoff had no right to interfere the way she did and Steve was none the wiser towards her intentions. Loki knew better. It took one manipulative sociopath to know one. He was sure she was a fabulous actress though…spewing off some nonsense about boys or her parents to keep Steve's attention and concerns. Loki still couldn't will himself to answer Steve's calls. If Natasha had in any way hinted about some things Loki may have said—may have…Loki wrinkles his nose. He knew he'd said them. He just—didn't mean them. Well…maybe he did think Steve was stupid for seeing anything worthwhile in himself but Loki found that sort of endearing.

Still…three days without answering his phone. He was pretty sure a few calls had been from Frigga but Loki didn't have the time or concern to speak with her at the moment. She knew he was at Darcy's, why would he answer her calls?

Loki continues bouncing one of the dogs' tennis balls against the wall. He'd ended up at the shelter due to boredom which had only made his boredom worse. Things were slow today and because of all the fresh snow no one was bothering to even come in. Even his co-workers had found themselves with nothing to do other than keep the animals entertained.

"Loki, baby," Tanya looks up from her Nintendo DS. She'd been training Pokémon for the past hour. "You seem upset. You want to try and teach me how to play chess again?"

"How is you whining about not understanding a strategic game going to help?" Ida snaps, catching the ball before Loki has a chance to. "Loki, sweetie…you're too young to sulk as much as you do. You have years ahead of you before you need to start all this internal drama. Why don't you go outside and play in the snow for a while? You can throw slush and Tanya and pretend it's an accident like Donnie and I do." Tanya scowls at them.

"I'm fine, really. Just not in the Christmas spirit or whatever…"

He sighs. Loki didn't want the week to end. It meant not staying at Darcy's for the rest of the break. Eventually she'd have to go to New Mexico and he'd have to go home to pack for London. He was still convinced that he'd have a much nicer holiday at home than with his extended family…but there was Frigga's fragile heart to think of. And the fact that he hadn't bought presents for anyone yet. Christmas just seemed like a media stunt nowadays. Holiday spirits, emphasis on family, good tidings, world peace—all outdated concepts that didn't have much meaning in a world filled with grief and poverty. Loki just didn't find himself enjoying Christmas anymore.

At least working in the shelter during the holidays gave him some kind of hope for humanity. A lot of people adopted animals during that time. Even some of the older animals were adopted as companions for some of the elderly people in nursing homes. Kittens and puppies were still the house favorite though.

Loki's phone goes off. It was a text message this time but it didn't mean he was going to answer it.

FRIGGA: Since you've chosen to ignore my calls I'm going to be outright with you 1:37 pm
FRIGGA: You're to be home by seven. I called Darcy and asked her to drop off your things. We need to have a conversation 1:38 pm

Loki rolls his eyes. He hadn't done anything recently that would cause her to be upset other than the hickey on his neck but she didn't really seem mad about that. Whatever it was Loki figured it was probably something stupid.

The bell above the door rings, Loki mindlessly pulling out one of the volunteer manuals to flip through it. One of the other more charismatic people there could handle their one customer of the day. They giggle and whisper to one another. Loki lets out a sigh. He was going to have to try and enjoy some peace and solace if it killed him.

"Ohhhh Loki, your boyfriend's here!"

Loki furrows his brow and looks up to see Steve standing a few steps back from the counter. He was wrapped up in a coat, hat, scarf, and galoshes—bits of snow here and there—a rose in his hand. "Hey." Steve pulls down his scarf to give him a smile, looking at Loki with that look that gave him goose bumps. That look that made him irrationally anxious, the one he despised and enjoyed and misunderstood all at once.

He smiles back at him and brushes some hair out of his face. "Hey." Loki watches Steve shift uncomfortably. He follows his eyes as they glance at his three co-workers, Loki letting out a sigh. All three were staring at him with maniacal grins on their faces. Loki clicks his tongue at them to get their attention. He jabs a thumb towards the backroom. "Go check on the cats."

They giggle and wag their fingers at Steve as they disappear into the back. Loki rolls his eyes. Steve further approaches the counter and wrings his hands together nervously. "Listen, I—I'm sorry I made you mad. I shouldn't have cancelled our plans so abruptly, it was rude and inconsiderate of me."

Loki glances at the rose in Steve's hand.

"But I asked if I could have the afternoon off from work so I could spend it with you." Steve blushes, holding the rose out to him. The three in the backroom squeal. It was an unfamiliar but perhaps not altogether unpleasant gesture. He plucks the rose from Steve's hand and smiles softly at it, his fingers grazing over the petals. Steve bites his lip. "But if you—I mean if you're still upset—if you're still—if y-you need more time to cool off I understand-"

Steve tenses when Loki pulls him closer by his scarf and pecks his lips. He smiles. "Let me get my coat."

"Stop it!" Loki laughs, covering his face in his hands.

Steve grins. "Don't hide your face! It's one of your best features!" He continues swiping lines of charcoal across his paper, keeping his eyes on Loki and glancing down every so often. Due to all the snow there weren't many people out and about which included the playground by Steve's complex. No children meant Loki was able to confiscate any playground equipment he wanted. Steve had settled himself on the roundabout and taken to sketching while Loki was apparently modeling for him on his swing. "Loki, please? Your eyes are so beautiful, let me draw them!"

"They are not! Quit insisting that they are!"

"Shut up, you know you're gorgeous, otherwise you wouldn't get all dressed up for me on our dates."

Loki peeks at him through his fingers. "I do not! And I'll thank you kindly not to believe I'd ever do such a thing for you. Maybe I get tired of wearing gray."

"Or maybe you like jeans that show off your butt so I'll squeeze it." Loki scowls at him and lowers his hands to grab some snow from the ground, throwing it at him. Steve laughs and uses his sketchbook as a shield. "Knock it off! At least let me finish this one? I promise, no more drawing you."

He sighs and keeps his hands on the chains for the swing, pushing himself back and forth. Loki could tolerate some of the looks Steve gave him but for whatever reason he hated the way Steve's eyes concentrated on him and only him when he drew. It was making him reflect more on what Romanoff had said and Loki couldn't help but ponder what exactly he wanted from Steve. At first it was a game but now Loki simply liked the attention. He liked being a desire that made someone as perfect as Steve Rogers second guess how he could be so lucky as to be allowed in Loki's presence. Loki was vain and greedy, yes, and he found others to be unworthy of his time but for Steve to be grateful to Loki for ever giving him the time of day was something he'd always wanted just—not in the way he had expected. He glances at the rose in his coat pocket and frowns.

"Loki?" Loki looks up to Steve's sad little pout, staring intently at him. "Is something wrong?"

"No," he shakes his head, looking back down. "I'm alright."

"You just—I don't know…you seem upset."

Loki sighs. "I'm fine, Rogers."

Steve bites his lip and watches him for a moment, looking back down at his drawing. He sets his charcoal aside. Steve stands and walks towards him, digging through his pockets and holding his fist out towards Loki. Loki glances up at him. He looks at Steve's fist and sighs, holding out his hand. A penny drops into his palm and Loki can't help but smile a little.

"You're stupid."

"Come on, babe," Steve smiles, taking the swing next to him. "What's on your mind? If you're still mad at me you can tell me…"

"I'm not mad at you, Steve…I was upset, yes, but it doesn't matter."

Steve furrows his brow and reaches out to touch Loki's hand. "But it does matter…I don't want you to be upset for any reason. If something's wrong I want you to tell me about it."

"Why?"

The tension begins to build as Steve pulls his hand away with a frown. Loki continues to rock back and forth on his swing, keeping his eyes on the ground.

"What do you mean why? Because I care about you…if I was upset wouldn't you want to-?"

"Why do you want me to tell you though?" Loki interrupts. "My being upset is already upsetting enough for you, isn't it? Wouldn't the reasoning behind it only upset you more? Is it not easier to lie and simply say one is fine in order to avoid a whole emotional blowout such as this?"

A frown deepens on Steve's face. "Look—if you're mad at me that's fine, but I'd rather you tell me than act like an ass."

"Oh, I'm acting like an ass now?" Loki scoffs, rolling his eyes. "Why did you invite me out if you were just going to interrogate me?"

"Why did you come if you were still mad at me?"

"I'm not mad at you!" Loki snaps, shooting a look at him and then turning away.

"Okay, okay," Steve sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Please, just—fine, okay? I don't want to do this right now." He stands, walking back towards the roundabout to start packing up his things.

Loki scowls. He pushes himself up off the swing and crouches down to grab a handful of the top layer of hardened snow, balling it up tightly and throwing it as hard as he can at the back of Steve's head. Steve swears and grasps the back of his head. He glares bitterly at Loki, his lip involuntarily pulling up into a sneer.

"What the hell is wrong with you?!" Steve rubs the back of his neck and looks at his hand, furrowing his brow. "That hurt!"

"Romanoff said something to you, didn't she?!" Loki's stomach was in knots. He felt like he was going to be sick.

"What are you talking about?" he makes a face, taking a step back. "Breaking up with Bucky really messed her up…she was having a bad day and wanted advice-"

"I'm sure she fed you an excellent story."

Steve's face falls. He narrows his eyes and crosses his arms which only earns him another sneer from Loki. "Look, I get you being upset that I cancelled our plans so abruptly but I don't appreciate the paranoia. Natasha's my friend. Even though we're being secretive with our relationship it doesn't mean I'd let her bad mouth you in front of me." Steve's expression softens a bit as he tries to reach out for Loki's hand. "Is that why you're upset? Are you worried she's going to tell me something about you? I trust Natasha but it doesn't mean I'm going to believe everything she says without asking you first-"

Loki swats him away. "If you trust her so much why wouldn't you believe her? You don't know anything about me!"

He sighs, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Because you won't let me, Loki."

"And why should I?!" he snarls. Steve does his best to keep his expression calm. "You don't let me know anything about you!"

"Because I'm not some kind of social experiment, Loki," Steve replies bluntly. "The questions you ask are for you to gain knowledge, not because you're interested in me. I'm sorry if I seem a little skeptical towards you constantly prying about things that are still too personal right now. It's not like I haven't noticed."

"So you're skeptical of me, are you?" Loki's mouth twitches. Steve sighs when Loki crosses his arms, his entire body going into defense. He rubs his eyes, shaking his head and shoving his hands into his pockets. Loki's whole body felt like it was in knots now.

"Loki, you're trying to pick a fight with me and I don't know why-"

"You are, aren't you? You still think I'm playing some kind of game! You're still fastened upon the idea that I have no real interest in you, that I'm just using you to an end!"

"You know what? Yes, okay?" Steve throws his arms from his sides, laughing bitterly. "But only a little bit! I've been a little skeptical lately…you know, I—I felt so awful when I heard about what happened at that party that I can't really believe you're still willingly talking to me right now. You get mad at Thor for—the smallest of things and just the slightest tone in my voice sets you off that I—I can't help but question why you automatically forgave me for embarrassing you the way I did. It doesn't help that Bucky and Clint are both worried about us hanging out too-" Steve bites his tongue.

Loki laughs dryly and throws his arms up, turning away from Steve. "Oh, there it is!"

"Loki-"

"What do you know, Rogers? You can't even keep track of all the bullshit you're feeding me…"

"Loki, it's not like that-"

"…and to think I actually felt bad about how I treated you at that party and here you are, still under the impression that I'm going to jump into someone else's arms the moment I get the chance!" Loki scoffs, turning on his heel and storming off towards the sidewalk.

Steve grabs his bag and slings it over his shoulder, running after him. "Loki-"

"Quit following me!"

"Loki-" Steve sprints to skid to a halt in front of him, Loki scowling when he gets in his way. "Yes, okay, I can't help but feel a little skeptical about the idea of you actually wanting to spend time with me but that's only because you could have anyone you want!" Loki rolls his eyes. "You could! I don't understand why you'd want to settle for someone like me!"

They both stop at the corner by the traffic light, Loki scoffing and shaking his head as he looks away. A car pulls up beside them to stop at the light. The music inside is blaring, the car shuddering with each bass note. Loki glances at the vehicle and looks back at Steve. "You think I could get anyone I want?" Loki approaches the car and raps his hand on the window, Steve looking on with a scowl. The driver rolls down the passenger window and two guys look out at him, the driver's eyes lighting up right away. He turns down his music and gives Loki a small nod.

"Hey, Laufeyson. What's the word?"

Loki smirks at them, placing a hand on his hip. "You guys wanna take me to a party?"

They shrug. "Sure." The driver nods towards the back, Loki opening the door.

"Loki-"

Steve makes a face when Loki climbs into the backseat and rolls down his window. Loki smiles wryly at him. "Look, Rogers. Now I'm settling for someone else." He raises his middle finger to him as the light turns green, the car pulling away from the curb. Loki closes his window but glances back at where Steve was still standing on the corner. He swears to himself, pinching the bridge of his nose.