The room was filled with guests, friends, and family members. Each talked among themselves, and there were even bits of laughter here and there. There were no colors, no light – just darkness. The music was an attempt to liven up the atmosphere, but it was a pathetic attempt. At the large table covered with food and drinks, there stood the woman who had caught the attention of the Trickster God. Her name was Astrid Meyers, and she was new to the Avengers' tower. She was gorgeous with porcelain skin, long dark hair, bright blue eyes, and a shining personality. She caught the eye of Steve the moment she arrived. It didn't take long for the two to start a fiery affair, and all the other Avengers supported them completely. She quickly made friends with everyone, and she easily became best friends with the God of Mischief. Their personalities matched and differed in the places where they should. She, without knowing, capturing his heart soon after they met. She was able to do magic, and he taught her most of what he knew. She was a quick learner, instantly becoming his equal. Her mother, while they were not very close, made a lasting impact on Astrid. In the last few months of her life, she got to know her daughter more than ever before, and Tony allowed her to move into the tower so that they could remain close while they still had the time. During that time, the rest of the team also became close with her, and she became like a mother to all of them.

"How is she doing?" Thor asked his younger brother.

Loki shrugged. "I haven't spoken with her yet," he responded as he watched her from behind. "Trying to give her some space." Thor nodded in understanding. Loki took a breath and headed over towards Astrid. "Hey, you," he said softly as he walked up behind her at the table, "how are you feeling?"

She scoffed. "How do you think I'm feeling, Loki?"

"I know," he sympathized. "I just wanted to check up on you."

She let out a sigh and tilted her head back in frustration. "Why?" she asked in frustration as she turned around to face him – tears glistening in her eyes. "Why are you checking up on me?"

Loki was speechless and thought over his words for a few seconds. "Because you're my friend," he reminded her. "You've suffered a terrible loss, and I just want to help you in any way I can."

She shook her head as she turned back around to look at the food. "Unless you can bring my mother back, you can't help me."

"I understand your heartache," he told her. "I know that no matter what I say or do, I can't fill that void in your heart. I'm not going to pretend my words and actions can."

Astrid stopped moving, and she halted, placing food on her plate. She battled her thoughts for a moment, but ultimately, her broken heart won over her brain. Quickly, she turned around, pulled Loki towards her, and their lips were on each other like they were both starving. While he was shocked at the action, he quickly reciprocated and held her close by holding the back of her head to keep her lips on him. Thor, who had been watching from the short distance where he had been standing with Loki, witnessed the intimate action with surprise. Unfortunately, he was not the only one to witness it. Loki and Astrid were too lost in each other to hear the footsteps coming towards them. Upon hearing someone nearby clearing their throat, the two finally broke apart and stared at each other while their faces remained less than an inch away from one another.

"What the hell are you doing?!" Cap quietly yelled at Astrid and Loki – trying to get everyone's attention off them. "Are you serious right now?!"

Loki remained quiet – as he had nothing to say. "I'm sorry, babe," Astrid apologized quietly. "I've just – I don't know," she stuttered.

"So, are we done or something?" he asked with heartache in his voice. "Is this you breaking up with me?"

She took a deep breath and looked over to Loki, whose eyes had not left her face. "Yes," she whispered while looking deep into Loki's beautiful blue eyes. "Yes, I'm breaking up with you." Loki couldn't help the slight smirk that came across his face.

"I see," Cap responded lowly. "Enjoy your life." He walked over to the rest of the Avengers, who were also watching with shock.

"I'm sorry," she apologized to Loki, who still hadn't taken his eyes off her. "I didn't mean to put you in this situation."

"Don't apologize to me, my love," he insisted softly as he held her head with both of his hands again. "I've wanted this for over a year. Are you sure you want this?"

She nodded her head. "Yes," she confirmed quietly with her head nodding. "I didn't realize until today how badly."

He placed a soft kiss on her lips and breathed in her scent. He offered her his hand, and she took it immediately. He led her out of the large room and into a more private one. They went upstairs, and she followed him to his room on the 8th floor. Slowly, he closed the door behind them, and Astrid sat down on his bed. He sat down next to her, and they both remained quiet for a few seconds.

"Why today?" he asked with confusion. "What made you realize how you felt today of all days?"

"My mother," she answered with tears threatening to fall. "Before she died," Astrid took a deep breath in, "she told me to always follow my heart. That my mind is strong, but my heart can be broken. I should follow it because it will lead me to someone safe. I just took her advice."

Loki couldn't help the smile that appeared. He brushed a stray hair behind her ear and stroked her right cheek with his left thumb. "I will do my absolute best to never bring you any pain or heartache," he swore. "I won't make a promise I don't know I can keep, but I can promise to do everything in my power to make you happy."

"Thank you," she said as she kissed the palm of his hand. "I don't know why I tried to avoid this for so long."

Loki chuckled. "You were very good at hiding it," he admitted.

"So were you," she fired back.

"I thought I was pretty upfront about my feeling towards you," he said honestly.

"Well, maybe I'm just oblivious then," Astrid concluded. "Guess that means you'll have to tell me over and over how much you like me," she joked.

Loki knew she was joking, but he took the opportunity anyway. "You are the kindest, most caring woman I've ever known," he began, catching Astrid off guard. "You light up an entire room as soon as you enter. Your smile is bright enough to blind the sun. Your beauty is incomparable to any other. Your kisses are sweeter than the finest chocolates. Your laugh is infectious to even the coldest person. And your mind is one of the sharpest and strongest ones I've ever known." Astrid blushed at his loving words, and she turned her attention to the floor in front of her. "Hey," Loki said, getting her attention. It worked, and she looked up to him. "Kiss me." The two kissed passionately, and after a few seconds, they fell back onto his bed. Without having to worry about sitting or standing, they could be even closer to each other. Loki leaned over her, placing his hands on her cheeks and kissing her as deep as he could as she held onto his forearms, never wanting him to let go. He softly bit her lower lip and elicited an unexpected moan from her, causing him to chuckle and smile against her lips. "Yep," he said softly in her left ear, "sweeter than chocolate."