Chapter 5 - Parting
When Maria stirred the next morning to find herself alone again, a heavy sense of foreboding settled into her chest. She left the bed, limping and pulling along a blanket to wrap up in as she entered the main room. There she found her jumpsuit had been dried, folded and set aside with the boots on one of the chairs. The bowl and cloth rested on the table. The pot hung, brewing more broth over the fire. The mugs waited with the ladle on the fireplace mantle. Only Loki and his clothes were missing.
Maria moved to the outside door, noting the bedspread had been rearranged to hang over the wood in such a way to continue to block drafts, but also allow easier movement in and out of the cabin. So, she took the opportunity to peek out at the brightening, snow-covered forest beyond. Still she saw no sign of Loki.
The chill of the air nipped at her features and caused her full bladder to contract with urgency. Maria closed the door, turning back to don the too-big boots. She didn't take the time to dress before slipping out onto the porch and heading around the structure, clinging to her blanket. At the back of the cabin, Maria glanced toward the cellar, still looking for Loki, and noted the door was closed.
Inside the tiny outhouse, the owner had screwed a real toilet seat into the wooden bench. Though freezing to sit upon, at least the seat saved the user from possible slivers. Maria emptied her bladder while she contemplated the situation.
She didn't know for certain that Loki was still around now that his promises had been kept and injuries healed. What reason would he have to stay? None at all with Thanos possibly on their trail.
A soft breeze whooshed and whistled through the gaps in the walls. Birds chirped somewhere in the surrounding trees, but she didn't know enough to name the species. If not for the chill and stink, the moment would have been perfect. Calm and quiet.
A different, distant sound arose. One that defied the rules of nature as no living creature could create it. Only a machine, a helicopter to be more precise, made such a continuous whipping and rumble.
Maria burst out into the sunlight, turning in cautious, yet frantic circles as she scanned the sky, only to realize the sound approached from beyond the top of the vast hill she and Loki had descended the previous day.
"The crash site," she voiced with emerging excitement. Someone had to be coming to investigate, and that meant rescue if Maria could make it up there in time.
She limped back for the cabin, wrestling a bit with the door as it caught on the bedspread. Once in, Maria dropped her blanket, grabbing for the jumpsuit as she rushed to get out of the clompy boots.
Movement out of the corner of her eye revealed a dark gray blur swooping in through the open doorway. The bird, roughly nine inches in length, made a precarious landing upon the floor near the fireplace, teetering a bit on its thin legs before glancing her direction. Then it gained size, losing shape and feathers as it transformed into a leather-and-metal-clad Loki.
Maria didn't have time to be amazed.
"Where have you been?" she asked, yanking up the jumpsuit. "Did you hear the helicopter?"
He sauntered to the door, closing and securing it before turning back with a sternness to his expression that made Maria fully consider him. Instinct told her something was wrong, yet she didn't slow, sitting at the table to pull back on the boots.
"I've got to get up to the ship. A helicopter means government, or at least a radio."
His words were as stiff as his frame.
"I cannot let you leave."
Maria stood, taking a purposeful step forward. She didn't have time for sentiment or whatever issue he was brewing.
"Don't be an ass."
Loki didn't budge, continuing to block her path.
"What is your problem?"
"Thor and S.H.I.E.L.D."
"What?"
Maria didn't understand. What did his brother or her employers have to do with him not letting her go for help?
"I don't want them to know I was involved in any of this," he stated with a sweeping, inclusive gesture at her and the cabin. "They're all looking for me, and I won't let you give them any leads."
Maria's anger grew. "Are you seriously threatening me?!"
Apparently, their newfound trust was all but forgotten.
He inched forward, his hard gaze meeting hers.
"You can go if you pledge to falsify your report to Fury. You never saw me on Thanos's ship, and I didn't help you escape."
She shook her head, insisting, "I can't lie to my superior."
"Then you can't leave."
Maria gave him a shove, but it barely jostled him.
"Remove me from the report," he restated. "And you don't encourage any efforts to look for me."
"Or what?" she challenged.
He didn't blink or hesitate. "You won't leave."
"You can't keep me here forever. No deal."
She shifted to go around him, but he pushed her back. She charged, slapping at him, but he caught her arm. His grip was strong and almost painful around her wrist.
"Asshole!" she screamed, trying to tug her arm free. She bared her teeth at him. "Let me go."
Instead, Loki pulled her to his chest, wrapping her up in his arms.
"Hill," he demanded, "give me your word."
"No. This is fucking stupid. They won't believe I escaped on my own."
His features softened as she struggled, yet maintained conviction.
"Of course they will."
The helicopter was louder now, but so far. Maria had to go, but couldn't break his hold, which only added to her upset. Panic set in, causing her to tremble. Could she do it? Could she promise to lie if only to save herself? Would she even keep that promise?
Yes. She would, she realized. If Maria made this promise to him, the man who'd saved her from imprisonment and torture, she wouldn't break the confidence. It didn't matter that Loki was considered an enemy of Earth.
"Hill, promise me."
Maria glared. She hated him for trying to mess this up for her. She wanted to hurt him, but only had words for weapons.
"Don't call me Hill—not after last night! Maria. It's always to be Maria."
"Sorry, Maria." He took a moment to think before adding, "I prefer that you not call me asshole."
"Fine, whatever." As the hurt in her heart deepened, Maria avoided his steadfast gaze. "Last night was a mistake. It won't ever happen again," she decided, making her own terms. "We're never to speak of it."
"Agreed."
His hold relaxed into much more like an embrace, which vexed her further. It was a terrible moment, a poorly-scripted ending to their harrowing adventure. Maria didn't want any of it really. Yet, what choice did she have? When one more attempt to break his hold failed, she dropped her head to rest upon his shoulder. The smooth, chilled armor felt especially cold against her heat-flushed forehead.
"I… I promise," she whispered in defeat.
Her word given, Loki released Maria, stepping back and turned for the door. He offered no farewell or wish for her safe return to friends. He merely exited the cabin, breaking into a run as he reached the bottom step. By the time Maria followed onto the porch, he'd retaken the bird form, flying off into the gray, winter sky.