Dark clouds moved over what was once the great Realm of the Æsir. Its people started to murmur, gesturing towards the sky and hurriedly searching for shelter. A storm was coming, one of many, hailing the promise of heavy rain and lightning to the land below.
Vicious winds passed over the fields in the west, shaking the fragile crops and bashing against the scattered farmsteads. Farmers hurried their way towards their lands to herd the cattle back to the safety of their barns, only to gaze in dread upon their already damaged fields.
Thunder rumbled in the distance, slowly creeping in upon the desolate streets.
'Allfather,' a blond man knelt in front of the throne, his head held low, not daring to look the ornery King in the eye. 'I come with news from the Southern Shores.'
'State your business, Fandral,' Thor glared down upon one of the Warriors Three, his two companions tensely watching from the sideline. 'And pray to the Norns that it is worthy of my time.'
'Yes, Allfather,' Fandral gulped, not daring to look up. 'The fishermen are worried, my King. They say that resent- weather changes have scared off the fish. Their pods are pulling up less and less fish each day. They fear the waters will soon be without life were this to continue.'
'… Bring this to the council,' Thor did not move, his stoic expression remaining. He let out a sigh and slowly leaned back into his seat.
'I have,' Fandral tried to remain calm, his palms slowly turning sweaty. 'and they insisted that I brought this issue to your attention.'
'My King,' Volstagg quickly moved forward, Hogun at his side as they watched Thor's hand clasp tighter around Mjölnir. 'Such events do not only concern the Southern Shores. The farmers in the West have voiced their fears as well. They say that their crops are wilting due to the many rain that has fallen and the winds that keep destroying their fields. Their livestock are restless and stressed, causing diseases and inevitable death.
'Our people are facing hunger, Allfather, were this to continue.' Hogun looked Thor in the eye, a grim expression on his face as the blond remained silent. 'They are in need of your leadership.'
'In need?' Thor repeated apathetically. 'What does the common, licentious crowd know of "need?"' He stood up and walked towards a window overviewing his kingdom. The clouds turned an unwelcoming grey, Thor's anger and frustration coloring them as dark as night. 'I have brought glory upon this Realm. They have all that they need. A warm bed, prosperity… companionship…'
Thor's hands rested upon the window frame, the wood nearly splintering under his tight grip as he hissed; 'They know nothing of "need".'
'My King-' Fandral tried to protest, only to be silenced by the rise of Thor's hand.
'Churlish commoners,' he muttered without emotion, without clemency. 'I will give them something to be concerned about. I will show them rain. I will show them a storm, lightning shaking them to their very bone.' He raised his hammer, directing into the distance where thunder roared in the sky. 'Darkness shall fall on Asgard till the laments for the Norns shall ring from every addled soul.'
The Warriors Three watched in horror as the sky darkened, wind bashing against the high towers, causing the old walls to creak and weep. They felt hopeless as they gazed upon a King who was once their friend.
Ever since Loki's disappearance Thor has been living in complete isolation, spite and vengeance slowly swallowing him into an unescapable abyss. He cared no longer for his Realm, nor for his people.
All he cared for was the return of his little brother and the slow and agonizing death of the mortal who stole him.
'Fandral, Hogun, Volstagg,' the Allfather spoke, causing the three to look up. 'Bring me Heimdall. I wish to know if he has succeeded in finding my brother yet.'
'And if he has, my Allfather?' Volstagg dared to ask, though fearing the King's answer.
'If he can tell me where on Midgard my brother is being stowed,' Thor's voice was low, the promise of destruction and death clear in his words. 'then I shall make sure that the thief who stole him will drown in his own blood, and my brother shall reclaim his rightful place here at my side once more. We shall be together, forever. Till time itself shall consume our souls and flesh.'
.
.
Loki's eye flew open, panting softly. It was dark, the only light scattered across the room coming from the moon peering through the slightly parted curtains. He looked around, searching for anything he could recognize. He then came to realize he must be in someone's bedroom, judging by the personal belongings. He expected to be hooked on all kinds of wires, machines beeping softly at his side, yet saw none as he looked at his body.
Total silence filled the air, even the voice in his mind had settled. He felt oddly rested, a feeling he had not experienced in a long time, making him wonder how long he had been asleep. It was only when he sat op straight that he noticed a man lying next to him.
Breathing lightly on the other side of the king-sized bed was none other than the mortal he had come to love so deeply. Steve looked exhausted, his eyes circled in black as he was buried under a soft and thick blanket.
Loki averted his eye, a deep feeling of shame washing over him which he could not quite understand. He tried to move out of the bed as quietly as possible, unsure of what he was going to do, yet determent not to wake the sleeping mortal.
'…Loki…?'
The god sighed at the sound of a croaked voice, wondering how the captain could have possibly heard him. 'Hey,' he dared to flash him a timid smile.
'I- how…' Steve fought to keep his eyes open, trying his best to wake up. 'How do you feel? Are you okay?'
'…Yes,' the god brought up his hand, gently caressing Steve's cheek. 'I am now. It is just-' Loki wanted to continue, only to smile softly as Steve's eyes closed again. 'Just go to sleep for now, Steven. It has been a long day.' He wondered if that was true. He tried recollecting his most recent memories yet could only remember the voices he heard of two men standing in the corridor while he was lying in bed. Had he fallen asleep again?
'Yeah, it has,' Steve muttered in his blanket. 'I'm just so relieved to hear that you're okay.' He moved his hand, trying to touch the god. Loki sighed softly as he watched him struggle to stay awake. 'If there's anything you need…'
'I'll inform Jarvis.' He held the mortal's hand in his own, caressing his fingers as he waited for Steve to fall asleep again. He shuffled out of bed, his first instinct was to move to the bathroom, to wash his hands and face or even grab a quick shower. He wondered how long it had been since he had last bathed, yet the longer he thought about it, the dirtier he started to feel.
He walked into the bathroom, chuckling softly at the pile of gym clothes tossed into the corner, socks still scattered across the floor. He then looked into the mirror, his smile instantly fading as he started to remember what had happened.
He looked at his hands, the small cuts reminding him of the mirror he had smashed. He glanced over his shoulder, Steve still sleeping soundly. He had uttered such horrid, awful words, his own insecurity causing him to lash out and accuse the captain of infidelity.
He sighed as he doubted if he could even call it adultery, even if Steve was seeing someone else. This relationship that they had formed was nothing more than a forced encounter as the captain was kidnapped from his home, a pathetic kiss after running from a deadly creature, and a desperate escape from his prison.
Guilt and doubt weighed like a heavy stone in his stomach as he washed his hands and face. He walked back into the bedroom, deciding to sit on the cold floor next to the mortal instead of laying down at his side.
'I am so, so sorry, Steven,' he whispered as softly as possible, fingers gently moving though the man's golden hair. 'I am truly sorry for everything I did, for everything I said… If only I had dared to stand up to Thor I would have- I-' He gulped, trying to keep his tears at bay. 'I never wished for any of this to befall on you…'
He sat on the floor for what felt like hours, his upper body resting on the mattress as he kept caressing the blond's hair. His touch was like a feather, gentle and light as he whispered sweet nothings and apologies.
It was the soft creek of the door opening that got the trickster's muscles to tense throughout his entire body.
He glared at the door, his blood freezing as he saw the silhouette of a man standing in the frame. For a petrifying moment he thought his brother had finally found him, that his time here on Midgard was coming to an end. Yet he soon realized that the Allfather's shape was much broader and he would be taller.
An Einherjar, maybe?
The god gritted his teeth. So, the Allfather had send his dogs to retrieve which he claimed was rightfully his.
Loki immediately got to his feet, moving with the grace of a serpent, hypnotic and terrifying. He bared his teeth as he forced his Seiðr in the palm of his hand, creating an unstable dagger. He hardly felt the searing pain that formed in his fingers and crept through his arm as he swore himself he would protect the one person he could not bear to lose. He stalked towards the stranger, light on his feet and without sound, holding the dagger behind his back as his emerald eye shone vibrantly in pale moonlight.
The stranger in the door opening took a quick step back as the god approached him, his voice echoing through the deserted hallway. 'Jarvis, lights. Lights!'
The AI did as he was told, causing Loki to finally recognize the intruder, his dagger immediately fading in his hand. 'You…'
'Surprise,' Tony smiled nervously as he held his hands up in surrender. He let out a tensed sigh and chuckled. 'Damn, you're scary!'
'…My apologies,' the god muttered as he took a deep breath. 'I thought that- I mean, I-'
'It's okay, really, I should have knocked first anyway. J told me you were up, I just wanted to see if you're okay after, well, what happened.' Tony tried to shrug casually, hoping to hide his nerves. 'So, couldn't sleep?'
The raven slightly narrowed his eye, searching for any other motive for the man's late-night visit. He wondered whether it was truly out of concern for him, or that it was concern for Steve. 'Apparently.'
'Ah, yeah, I see,' Tony buried his hands in his pockets and moved a little on his feet. An annoying habit that acted up when he was nervous. 'I, uhm, I haven't slept at all. Been in my workshop all night.'
The awkward moment that followed felt like an eternity as both men did not know what to say. Loki gulped, his mind racing as he tried to think of something to do or say. He did not want to throw another tantrum, did not want to hurt a friend of Steve who has even shown such kindness as to let him reside in his home. In the end, he just decided to stay silent and only speak when spoken to, minimalizing the chance of spiraling back into another episode.
'… So, you're playing for the other team, huh?' Tony eventually asked with an air of complete casualness.
Loki's eye widened in surprise, his lips slowly parting as his mind tried to process the question. 'I… I beg your pardon?'
'You and Steve,' he looked past the god, smiling as he heard the captain softly snoring under his blankets. 'Or are you bi?' He chuckled at the raven's expression of complete confusion. 'You know, being into both man and women?'
'I do not fancy women,' Loki crossed his arms, finally understanding Stark's question. 'Their motives are so inscrutable. How could one ever build on such quicksand? Their most trivial actions may mean volumes, yet their most extraordinary conduct may depend upon a hairpin or a curling tongs.'
The words spilled from the trickster's mouth, a level of sassiness which he had long not used. He looked at the playboy in silent horror, petrified of the man's reaction. He should have known better, should have watched his cursed tongue. Thor would have never approved of him speaking his mind like this.
Tony stared at the god for a second, but then just burst out in laughter. 'God, you're so damn right.' He wheezed, trying to be as quiet as possible so Steve could sleep. 'That's- that's just absolute brilliance right there.' He placed his hand on Loki's shoulder, oblivious to the god's flinch. 'You know, I really, really, didn't understand what Rogers saw in you, but I'm starting to get it now. You've got a pretty sharp tongue, don't you?'
The god let out a sigh of relief, 'You have no idea.'
'You know, I was actually heading towards the bar for a drink. Romanoff and Barton should be home any minute as well from their last mission. You should come too.' Tony laughed at Loki's clueless gaze. He patted the raven's back, gesturing him to follow along. 'Don't worry. They're friends of ours. I'm sure you'll get along just fine.'
Loki hesitated for a moment, but then figured that a drink might just be exactly what he needed . 'So… While we are conferring such matters,' he started uncomfortably, though trying, and failing, to sound just as casual as the mortal. 'Are you- Do you play for the other team as well? Say, team Rogers, for example?'
'What? Me and Cap?' Tony scoffed, though Loki noticed the little sparkle that flashed through the playboy's eyes. They entered the elevator and headed towards the bar. 'Nah, don't worry. I mean, do I think he can turn every man gay with those damn baby blue eyes and that freakishly masculine body? Yes. And do I think his suit needs a total upgrade because it does nothing for his ass? Definitely yes. And do I think he could rip your clothes off and push you onto a bed and have absolute control while you just lay there and-' he remained silent for a moment in which Loki had to fight to suppress a most deadly glare. 'Okay, I just lost my train of thoughts. What were we talking about again?'
The raven did not feel like talking anymore, nor did he feel like sharing a drink with this mortal. He wanted to excuse himself, lying that he feels weary and should go to bed, yet as he parted his lips the door of the elevator opened and the two were greeted by a lady behind the bar and a man on the couch, struggling to get out of his muddy boots.
'Can I get you guys a drink?' the lady asked, a charming smile on her face. Her eyes directed towards the raven for a split second, making him slightly uncomfortable, yet she did not comment.
'Count me in,' Tony sat down on a barstool. 'You guys got back early.'
'Yep, that's just how real pros work, Stark.' Barton grinned, letting out a ridiculously loud sigh of relief as his shoes popped off. He then looked at Loki who silently sat down next to Tony. 'We haven't officially met yet,' he placed his bow next to the bar. 'I'm Clint.'
'Loki,' he looked at the drink placed in front of him, a vodka cocktail which looked just as interesting as it smelled, a mixture of red and black. 'And you must be Lady Romanoff.' Natasha nodded. 'I assume Steven has already told all about me?'
Clint shrugged, 'Well, other than the part about the kidnapping, dragons, zombie mermaids and your ability to work voodoo and magic… Nah, he hasn't really said anything about you.' He grinned, placing his elbows on the bar and letting his head rest in the palm of his hands. 'So, of course, we're dying to know all about you.'
The trickster god remained silent for a moment as he wondered why anyone would be bothered to listen to his stories. He shifted a little uncomfortably in his chair as he noticed all eyes were fully focused on him.
He started out cautiously, trying to explain the Nine Realms and its creatures. He slowly loosened up as the three Avengers started to ask questions, Tony and Clint constantly quipping and laughing in disbelief at the god's stories.
Loki may have spoken a lot, yet he was extremely careful not to mention his brother, nor did he gave any actual information about himself.
'So, dragons, magic, royal knights,' Clint crossed his arms. 'Sounds like you came straight from the movie set of The Hobbit.'
The raven smiled out of politeness, not understanding the reference. He stayed quiet, listening in bliss as Steve's friends started to chat amongst each other. They told him about their missions, about their lives and their relationship towards the captain. Loki found himself especially interested in Tony's side of the story, listening carefully as the playboy spoke of his father and the Super-Soldier Formula.
A gentle feeling of warmth flowed through the god's body. A feeling of safety, of contentment and belonging. It felt so soft, a sensation he had lost so long ago and could now finally grasp once more.
It was the voice that started to whisper in the back of his mind that threatened to tear it apart.
"I would say this is a rather odd display, would you not agree?"
The voice in Loki's mind spoke calmly, a murmur only for him to hear.
Loki tried his best to ignore the voice of his brother, focusing on the archer who bumped his shoulder as he apparently made a joke at the Widow's expense. Natasha rolled her eyes as Tony could barely keep himself from falling off his chair laughing.
The god smiled along, though he could not hear the Avenger's voices any longer.
"Why would they do this, I wonder? It is not like they care for you. It is not that they see you as equal."
Loki gritted his teeth, his lips pressed together in a thin line as his heartrate increased. He wanted the voice to go away. He wanted it to stop so desperately.
"Will they let you fall the moment you give them your trust?"
'…Loki?'
"Will they throw you away once they see you for what you truly are? Broken, used and without worth? You even hurt those who have showed you kindness, poisoning them with your vile words."
The raven trembled as it felt like a pair of arms moved over his chest like snakes, holding him tightly and stealing the oxygen from his lungs.
"Do not dread, my dearest little brother. For once these lowlife mortals have disposed of you, for when you are truly of nu use to them, I shall be here, waiting. I will show you, Loki, my undying love."
'Loki!'
The voice stopped as Tony pushed the raven against his shoulder. It was only then that he took a deep breath and noticed that he had his hands tangled in his hair. He did not want to look up, too ashamed to show his pale face.
'Hey, you okay?' Natasha placed her hands on top of Loki's, slowly uncurling his fingers from his raven hair. Her touch was so gentle, like the color of her eyes and the use of her voice, 'That's it. Just take a deep breath.'
'You with us again?' Clint asked worriedly, not knowing what to do. He was relieved when Loki looked up and gave them a trembling nod.
'Such vile words…' he murmured, his hand moving to cover his cursed mouth. 'I have said such vile and cruel words towards Steven.'
The team fell silent for a moment, wishing Bruce was with them as the doctor had surely known what to say.
'It's already four in the morning. Maybe you should try to get some sleep.' Tony suggested, trying to reassure the trembling god. 'Come on, I'll walk with you.'
Loki didn't say a word as they moved towards the elevator.
'Loki?' Natasha called out, gaining the god's attention. 'The first step is always to talk.' She casted him a kind smile. 'Steve will be there for you to listen. We all are.'
The raven looked at her for a moment, but then just gave her a pardoning nod and stepped into the elevator. He could never tell Steve about Thor, about what his older brother has done to him. He did not dare to tell him that he was to blame for his parents' death, nor that he had tried to take his own life two times. No, he will suppress his demons alone, burying them in the depth of soul where no one will ever find them.
The walk towards the captain's room seemed to be endless as the two did not exchange a single word. It was only when Loki was about to walk through the door that Tony spoke up.
'Look, Loki, I don't know what happened to you, or between you and Steve, but… it's tearing him up.' There was no judgement in the playboy's words, his voice merely factual.
'I do not know what to do, Anthony,' the raven whispered, his eyes veiled with guilt as he looked at the sleeping captain. 'No matter what I do, I only seem to be hurting him.'
'… Why not try going on a date?' Tony suggested with a smile. 'It's an old-fashion thing to do, but then again Steve's an old-fashioned guy.' He shrugged. 'Just… go somewhere nice. Get some air, maybe talk. I'm sure it'll do you both some good.'
Loki contemplated the idea and then smirked a little. 'That might not be such a bad proposition. You are quite clever, for a mortal.'
'Thank you, oh great divinity,' Tony scoffed and rolled his eyes, though he could not help but grin. 'You better show us those godly powers Steve's been bragging about when you feel better!'
Loki smiled as Tony made his way towards his own room.
'Oh, one last thing,' The playboy turned around as he was already at the end of the hallway. 'Tomorrow, ten a.m., my lab. Bruce and I got a little something for you, so don't be late.'
Loki wanted to ask so many questions, but the scientist was already out of sight. He stood in the door opening of the captain's room for a little longer, and eventually snuck inside.
He lay down next to Steve, making sure the man was comfortable and wrapped in enough blankets before he lay his head to rest.
A smile formed on his face as the blond let out a soft snore. 'I will promise you I will do better, Steve. I… I will not hurt you any longer.' He moved forward, softly pressing a chaste kiss on the blond's temple. He moved as closely to the captain as he could without pressing his body against the other, a mere inch separating their faces.
A sigh of contentment passed Loki's lips as his eye closed, oblivious to the restless clouds that moved in the night's sky.
