Hours passed, but it felt like only minutes. Nancy smiled as she tangled her fingers into Loki's already messy hair. A cool breeze blew through the window and danced across her bare skin, but she hardly noticed it, more preoccupied with his warmth beneath her.

"You are talented, little one." Loki pulled her closer to him and inhaled her unique scent. She was more than talented, she was wonderful. The only one to ever fully sate him.

Nancy nuzzled her face into the side of his neck and kissed him under his chin. "Yes, but nowhere near as good as you. Of course, you've had centuries of practice." Her fingers dropped down from his hair to trace lazy patterns across his chest. "Hm. Centuries. Will I live that long?"

"Certainly." Loki stroked a hand over her hair. "I promised. Did I not? Are you hungry after that?"

Nancy laughed and smiled up at him, the change in their relationship not lost on her. "No matter the culture or planet, all men think about are women and food. Yes, I haven't had a bite all day. But it's night. The kitchen's closed."

Loki grinned as he deftly reached over to one of his two nightstands. He had prepared this especially for her, this little midnight snack. He hoped she appreciated the humor. When he brought his hand back, he held a shining red apple. "I never had a chance to offer your breakfast this morning."

Nancy raised an eyebrow. Another apple? "Seriously? I thought I wasn't your pet anymore."

"You still have to eat." He gave his most disarming smile. He wanted to make things right. That street went both ways, and he needed her to trust him to not go back on his words.

With a dramatic sigh, Nancy sat up and leaned back against the headboard, a mountain of golden, silken pillows supporting her. "Apples, apples, apples. You have an addiction." Reluctantly, Nancy took the apple from him and took a bite. Flavor exploded in her mouth. A taste similar to apple cider with cinnamon and honey. No… apple pie with ice cream and brown sugar. "Mm. This is good."

"Yes. It is good. Hence my addiction." Really, when would the woman learn to trust him when he offered things? Yes, he probably deserved her cynicism, but really. She could at least try to act like she believed him once in a while.

Nancy laughed and finished chewing her bite. "I'm just saying, I'm sick of them. But this one is really, really good." She took another bite and eyed him suspiciously. "What'd you do to it?"

"Maybe it tastes sweeter because you are now immortal." Loki shrugged noncommittally. She wounded him with her distrust. As if he would play a trick on her while she was eating breakfast. No, no, no. This was for her own good and the good of her immortality.

"Me being immortal has nothing to do with it." As she went to take another bite, Nancy stopped and thought about his words. You are now immortal. "No. It has everything to do with it." She looked up at him, surprised he would give her such an honor. "The Norse myths told of Asgardian apples that were forbidden to mortals. The most delicious apples in the universe."

Of course she believed that. She wouldn't believe a word he said when it was absolute truth, but she would believe that. Loki laughed wryly. "You do not believe my magic, but you would believe a fairytale?"

"All myths come from some form of truth, stretched out over hundreds of years." Nancy took another bite and made another soft sound of pleasure. "And I believe in your magic now."

"Seeing is believing? As you Midgardians say." He bored easily of this discussion. They had it so many times in the past months. Loki sighed contently as he lazy ran a finger down her arm, tracing a snakelike pattern.

"Something like that." Nancy glanced back down at her apple and chewed slowly, thinking about their new dynamic. She was no longer his pet. But he still had control of her. Would he still get bored? And how did that play into her immortality? If he locked her away again, she had no chance of simply withering up and dying. She'd rot there forever. With a frown, Nancy swallowed and looked up at Loki. "So what happens now?"

"We search for the rebel leader. We find him. We end the revolt." Loki didn't see the big deal behind what would happen next. They would move no with life together and it would be amazing. Because now he had his woman by his side.

"I knew that." She gave him a soft glare, then dropped it. "I mean, between us. I'm immortal now. More than just a house-pet." Nancy set her apple aside and took Loki's hands into her own. "What am I to you now?"

"Friend. Lover." A grin lit up his face at the title. "Ooh, I like the sound of that."

Nancy gave him a small smile. "And when you get bored?"

"With the prowess you've shown of late, I do not think we have much to worry about on that front."

Nancy pouted and knit her brows together. "You know what I mean." She glanced away and shook her head, realizing this was all just a game to him. "Never mind. It doesn't matter."

"Darling, if it matters to you, it matters to me. I am sorry for my avoidance. Do tell me what you meant."

Nancy looked back at him and studied his features. All she wanted was to remain by his side forever. "You're all I've ever wanted. This. Us. It's beyond my wildest dreams. I just don't want to lose you."

"You shan't." Loki smiled tenderly at her as he ran the back of his hand down her cheek. She was so fragile on the inside. He must remember that. "I promise."

Nancy kissed him slowly, lovingly. As she pulled away, she whispered, "How can you make that promise? No one knows the future."

"I probably have no right to, and I will more than likely fail, but my heart tells me to do so."

Nancy smiled sadly. Even he knew this wouldn't last forever. But for right now, he was hers… only hers. Determined to enjoy every moment with him while it lasted, Nancy pressed herself against him and kissed him passionately, her love and desire filling the kiss and drawing them closer.

Oh, what a kisser she was. Loki hummed happily against her lips. She learned quickly and continued to surprise him with the way she sought out his attentions. In a single, fluid motion, he flipped their position and straddled her waist. A sly grin pulled at the corners of his mouth. "My turn to do as I please."

A wicked grin crossed Nancy's features for a brief moment before she gave a mock yawn and stretched. "But I'm so tired. Let's just go to sleep." She closed her eyes and tried to hide her smile.

"Oh, no, you don't." Loki bent his head to nuzzle his lips and nose against her neck, just in the sensitive spot he knew she adored. "I've waited hours for this!" A stiff, sharp knock on the door alerted Loki to a visitor's insistent presence. He growled deep in the back of his throat. "Really? Do they know when I am finally getting what I want?"

Nancy sighed and took Loki's face in her hands. "Send them away." she whispered, kissing the end of his nose. After a moment's more hesitation, she finally released him and leaned back against the pillows.

Loki groaned. Just when he was finally getting his way. Whoever it was would hear of this for milennia. "Oh, fine. I'll see who it is and send them away. Do. Not. Move." He stood and pointed a finger at her. "Not one inch. I mean it." Loki waited until he was certain she wouldn't move before he bounded to the door and flung it wide.

Fandral stood in the hall with an arm draped around a teary-eyed Maija. A look of surprise crossed his face, but quickly vanished with a shake of his head. "Sorry to interrupt, Loki, but Maija has a concern she'll only discuss with you."

Nancy sat up when she heard voices at the door. This was more than simply a guard bringing news of the prisoners. She leaned sideways and peered around Loki to discover Fandral and Maija. Nancy gasped and quickly climbed out of the bed, pulling a sheet off as she did so. She held it up in front of her as she made her way over to the others, then wrapped it around Loki as she reached him.

"We have company. At least throw something on." she scolded him quietly, hiding behind him so the others wouldn't see her bare body. As soon as he was covered, she turned her attention to the others, blushing slightly. "Sorry for our… appearance. We were in bed."

Loki rolled his eyes. They wouldn't be getting back to bed now. Not when Nancy took charge of a situation. "It's nothing they haven't seen before." He mumbled as he flicked a wrist. His armor wound around him and covered the nakedness that his woman seemed intent on covering.

As suddenly as Lok's armor appeared, Nancy grabbed the sheet and wrapped it around herself. Well, if he wasn't going to use it, she certainly would. Finally half satisfied with her appearance, she turned her attention to Maija. "Now…" Nancy began in a soft, comforting tone, "What's wrong? What happened?"

Maija hiccuped a desperate sob. "It is so unlike him. So very unlike him. Loki, please do something. Please!"

Poor girl. All alone and scared. She knew that feeling. With a soft smile meant to comfort the blonde, Nancy approached her and engulfed her in a loving hug. "It's alright. Just take a breath. Start at the beginning. Who needs help? What happened?"

Maija's beautiful, bright blue eyes slid closed in agony as she swallowed to find her voice. "Please find him, Loki. Please."

Nancy's brows knit in concern. "Maija, who? What caused this reaction?"

Maija took a step toward Loki as the tears slipped steadily down her cheeks. "It's just... he's never refused to answer my letters before. I find it strange, and considering what happened to me..."

Loki sensed Nancy's impatience and nodded sympathetically at the small blonde before him before he asked her, "Of whom do you speak?"

Maija gulped audibly. "Skaldi."

Nancy finally moved to sit on the edge of the bed, a bit miffed at being ignored. "Your brother? Why do you think he's lost? Didn't you see him when you tried to return home?"

"Father said he had gone to search for me. But he would have returned by now and found my letter. I fear for him. Loki, please!" Loki caught Maija as she flung herself bodily against him, a common sign of a woman putting herself at the mercy of her king. "I do not know who else to turn to."

Nancy rolled her eyes at Maija's dramatic display and reached down for her dress. "We'll find him." It didn't take long for her to change into the silken attire. She quickly returned to the others, dress in place and notebook in hand. "How long ago did your father say he left?"

Of course she would ask those questions. Standard procedure on Midgard, or so he was told. Loki smiled gently at Nancy as his hand stroked the sobbing Maija's hair. "Love, there are easier ways. We will make our way to the war room and discuss this." Loki lifted Maija easily into his arms, cradling her like a child as he nodded to the door. "Come. Fandral, lead the way."

Nancy sighed and followed along, her notebook clutched to her chest. How had everything changed so suddenly? With the appearance of this new girl, it was as if she wasn't even there.

It was a solemn walk indeed, with Maija still weeping and Fandral tossing consistent glances Loki's way. He didn't look too happy about it, but that's where she found comfort for now. With a sigh, Fandral pushed open a door and went inside the war tactics room.

Nancy followed the group into the war room, a large golden room with prized swords and armor decorating the walls. Along the far wall, multiple translucent screens shimmered with golden patterns, waiting to be activated. In the center of the room, what looked to be a large light-table sat sleeping, ready to be turned on. Having used a similar device while working with S.H.I.E.L.D., it took little time for Nancy to turn on the system and get it warmed up.

Loki allowed Nancy her space as he settled at the head of the long table and settled Maija on his lap. He didn't think twice about comforting the small woman. She was fragile and shattered easily. Nothing like his strong woman, who amazingly figured out the tactics table quite well. Loki sighed and glanced down at the girl on his lap. "Little one..."

Maija slowly lifted her head to look at him. Moisture pooled on her cheeks and lashes, making her look smaller than she already was.

Loki wiped at her tears, one thumb at a time. "Please stop crying."

A small hiccup left Maija's throat, but she nodded. She would do all she could to obey the commands of her king.

Nancy grit her teeth and tried not to growl when she noticed how Loki was treating Maija. Hadn't he just finished a four-hour love fest with herself? Didn't that mean anything to him? Oh, but now Maija was his 'little one.' Whatever. Traitor.

Fandral caught Nancy's angry stare and chuckled to himself. She would learn soon enough that Loki's actions always had ulterior motives when it came to women. All women but the one standing before them. Loki never really lied to her, not like he lied to others. Fandral saw it all.

Determined to stay focused and keep her head in the game, Nancy forced herself to look down at the light-screen. It was then that she realized she couldn't read it. It was in Asgardian. With a sigh, she began searching for the settings, looking for a way to change it over to English. Three long minutes later, she finally hit the right switch and changed it over to a language she understood. "Finally." she mumbled under her breath, the pulled up a new screen, ready to input her notes.

"Okay, so here's what we know." It didn't take her long to get used to the system. Soon, Nancy was pulling up records of the guards who'd lost families and the people who'd gone missing. "The rebel faction is kidnapping families and holding them hostage. Maija's brother is missing. The rebels are forcing men to join their cause. And what happened to Maija was paid for and planned. How does all of this tie together?"

Loki waited patiently for Nancy to finish her speech before he went into action. Using the arm around Maija's waist, he spun her to face the table and slid his other arm around her to tap a few menus until he found the maps he wished. He set them to the 3D setting Asgard prided itself on. "Maija, kindly show me your brother's usual haunts, hm?"

Maija sniffed and wiped at her tears as she began to pull up buildings and places her brother visited often. Loki's hand in her hair, stroking softly, managed to keep her calm as she thought through everything she knew.

Still trying to ignore the new couple at the end of the table, Nancy began typing her notes into the system. She glanced up at Fandral, determined to be of some use. "Have any of your men reported their families missing?"

Fandral nodded. "Several. We've recovered some, not many."

Maija completed the map of her brother's favorite haunts and leaned back against Loki's solid chest.

Loki kissed her shoulder before he looked up at Nancy and Fandral. "Stop your speculation. I see full well what has happened."

Nancy bit back a smart remark and turned to look at Loki, upset he wouldn't let her work. This was what she was good at. What she had far more experience than him at. What she'd built her life on. How dare he not let her work? "Alright." Nancy nearly spat, a crispness to her voice, "What happened?"

Loki placed a flat hand on Maija's back. A hand meant to remind her she was safe in the palace, with guards all around. "Skaldi betrayed us all."

Maija looked back at him and rolled her lips together. No hysterics. No panic. That spoke more than anything she might have voiced.

Loki sighed and nodded at her. "You knew, deep down?"

Maija nodded back at him as the tears started again. She hated that her brother would do this to her.

"How do you know that just by looking at dots on a map?" It did make sense, she'd give him that, but she'd never acknowledge it aloud.

Loki flattened the map and traced a pattern between the dots. He couldn't believe Skaldi had the gall to try something like this. He sighed, trying to quell his anger. "Because I know what is close by each of these locations." His fingers subconsciously stroked Maija's thin back, up and down in a soothing motion.

"Rebel hideouts?" Nancy crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. How could he possibly imagine having such an open show of his affections toward this woman was okay in front of her? After all that had happened, was she still his pet? Were her fears true? Did he really just want her for her body? No… it couldn't be true.

"No." Loki granted Maija a kiss to her temple. He never could resist a woman in distress. Especially that woman in distress. He nodded once to Fandral, who quickly moved in to scoop Maija up and place her on his own lap. Loki stood to his feet and stared at the familiar landmarks. "Gateways."

"Gateways? To what?" Okay, now she was really confused. How did Skaldi's close proximity to 'gateways' make him part of the band of rebels?

"When Kjell said the man had tricks, he did not lie. It will take time to determine where he has gone." Loki began to pace the room. How did he find the man now? Skaldi outsmarted them all, allowing his sister to become a sacrifice to the king of lies and then using her to garner his attention.

Nancy's expression softened as she watched her lover pace the room. She frowned and cleared her notes off the table, watching Loki pensively. She didn't want to say or do anything to anger him further, so she simply stood there watching him.

Loki glared at the map again. There was no sure way to know where Skaldi disappeared to. He could be somewhere off-world or simply underground. Loki growled at the picture before him. Why must the rebel use his trick to outwit them? "I will need time to think. Fandral, she is not to leave your side for one second. Do I make myself perfectly clear?"

Fandral nodded and pulled Maija closer against his chest. "Yes, sire."

Nancy rubbed her left hand over her right arm nervously. She never should have come with them. She didn't belong here, not even as an Asgardian. But… maybe she could be some use to the girl. With a pained smile, Nancy approached Maija. "Don't worry. We'll get this all straightened out." Her promise sounded weak and false, even to her.

Maija blinked at her, remembering her kindness when they were imprisoned. She nodded. If anyone would tell her the truth, it would be this woman.

Fandral tossed Nancy a thankful smile for the reassurance before he curled his arms around Maija and retreated from the room. He knew better than to allow her to stay around Loki.

Loki sank into his chair, legs sprawled wide as he tapped a finger against his lips. Somehow, he must find this man out.

And there went her company. Her only protection against Loki's rage. Like a dog returning to its master, Nancy returned to Loki's side and perched on the edge of the table. She sat there silently, not wanting to fuel his anger. There was nothing more she could do.

Loki glanced up at the woman beside him and knew he couldn't hold onto his anger. She would think he hated her again. He sighed deeply, using the exhale to release his rage. "Yes, love? Something on your mind?"

Nancy shook her head and gave a half shrug. "Nothing. I'm just worried about you." She finally lifted her eyes to meet his, still fearful of angering him. "I haven't seen you that angry in a long time."

"I despise when others steal my means of mischief." Loki huffed childishly. "And I detest that he would do such a thing to his own sister."

Nancy nodded and stood, folding her hands in front of herself. "Would you like some time alone? To think?"

"I can think just as well with you in the room." He reached out instinctively, wrapping his hand loosely around his lover's arm as he looked up at her. "Stay."

She gave a small smile – at least he finally noticed her – and turned away, heading back over to where her notes were. "That was nice, what you were doing for Maija." Nancy commented as she entered in the new info.

Loki stared at the map, trying to determine where he would go if he had the resources Skaldi did. Which world would he jump to? Which culture would he fit in? Too late, he realized Nancy spoke to him and glanced up. "Hm?"

Nancy glanced over at him. "Nothing, darling." She forced a smile and returned to her notes, saving them and clearing them away so she could turn the system off.

"No, no. I know that smile. What did you say? What did you mean?" Loki wiped Skaldi from his brain to study her intently. He did something wrong again. She was all stiff and formal instead of soft and affectionate.

"I said what you were doing was nice." Nancy gave another half shrug and turned the light-screen off, making sure to switch it back to Asgardian before it powered down. "And I meant it." she continued, "She needed comforting."

"Oh. Yes." Loki smiled at her, his attempt to reassure her. "I do hate to see a woman cry, as you so well know."

Something in his phrasing caught her off guard. A sharpness that struck her. The words repeated themselves over and over in her mind. I do hate to see a woman cry, as you sowell know. Her mind found the dagger and isolated it. As you so well know.

As if a river of pain and memories had been released, Nancy was instantly taken back to her time in the cell. Her constant tears and fear. Groveling for sleep and begging for a morsel to eat. Screaming in fear of his snakes and wanting to curl up and die. As you so well know.

Nancy's breathing sped up and she gripped the edge of the table, hovering somewhere between wanting to faint and wanting to run away.

Loki sighed. He should know better than to speak when she was in this state. He only ever angered or upset her. When would he learn? "I've upset you. I should know better than to speak when I am preoccupied."

Nancy shrank under his gaze and grappled for her composure. "No, master. It's fine." Her voice came out quiet, subdued. "I'm just tired."

"Oh, you are cross. I can hear it in the way you use that term." He wished he never made her call him that. It didn't suit her. He hated it when she said it as thought she were a robot. Why did he ever do this to her? "Pray tell, what have I done this time?"

Still fearing for her safety, Nancy took a step away from him, never once meeting his gaze. What had she said? What term had she used? His title? How had she spoken any differently? "Nothing. Honest." Her voice quivered as her body began to shake. "I really do just want to go back to bed. It's been a long night."

"You are sure?"

Nancy nodded slightly, only chancing a glance up to gauge his mood.

Loki nodded back in a mimic, trying to emulate her motions so perhaps she would let down her guard again. He only wanted his woman back. "Alright. Then we will return to the chambers."

And now he was mimicking her. What had she done wrong? Mere hours ago, they were enjoying themselves, wrapped in each other's arms. What had changed to cause him to want to be cruel to her?

Nancy lowered her head and fought the urge to go into her full posture of obedience. Tears formed in her eyes and she blinked them away, afraid that he would see. She couldn't cry now. He'd attack her again.

Loki slid his eyes closed as he berated himself. Stupid, stupid man to think he could make this better. She'd gone into that place he so desperately tried to pull her out of. All to no avail. With a soft breath, he brushed his fingertips across her cheek as he passed her and headed for the door.

As soon as Loki was past, she turned and followed him, making sure she stayed two steps behind. She remained silent, hoping he'd simply forget she was there. Once they reached his chambers, she moved past him and sat down on the chaise. Why had she ever tried to join him in his bed in the first place? She belonged here, where she wouldn't bother him.

The chaise. Immediately, she chose the small couch instead of the larger, much more inviting bed. Loki slid his eyes closed again. He would not cry over this. He was not weak. "And now I've done something to make you fear me again. I thought we had moved past this."

"You're angry." Nancy whispered, still not looking at him. "With everything that's happened, I don't blame you. But I don't want to upset you further."

"Your decision to move back to the station you were in when you believed yourself an animal distresses me." Loki sank onto the bed. He knew he was pouting, but he truly thought them past this fear and insecurity.

Without a word, Nancy stood and moved to the bed, taking her place beside him. She knew he could feel her body shaking beside his, but there was nothing she could do about it.

Loki moved only his eyes to look over at her. He didn't want to move and scare her off again. They had been doing so well in their own little world. What changed? "Why are you afraid?"

Nancy shrank again under his gaze and looked away from him, staring intently at the golden pillows. "I told you, I don't want to do anything to upset you. You're angry with the rebels, but they're not here. I'm here." She lowered her voice to such a whisper that her words were nearly inaudible. "You'll take it out on me."

"I will not!" Loki instantly propped himself up on one elbow. How could she think he would harm her on purpose? Had he not done everything in his power to see her safe? "Why do you assume these things?"

Nancy jolted back and physically moved away from him. "Because you have before. You said you 'hate to see a woman cry', but you like making me." Tears formed in her eyes again and threatened to spill over. "Please, just go to sleep. I don't wanna talk."

She would think him such a monster after all he went through for her? Loki rolled over and flopped down against the pillows. "Fine. If you do not trust me, then you do not trust me." He sighed to himself. Perhaps she would never trust him again. "I only wish to know what put you in such a mood."

"You held Maija when she cried." Nancy's voice broke and she had to stop speaking for a second to regain her composure. "Stroked her hair. Kissed her. All because you hate to see a woman cry. You never did that for me." It didn't work. The tears spilled over anyway. "The most you ever did was loosen my muzzle a notch so I could breathe. You made my cry at your feet, begging you to let me sleep. Every day, I cried because of you."

"You are stronger than Maija. She would never have understood the things I went through." Loki glared unceasingly at the ceiling above him. He would not take his anger on her. He would not let her see how it affected him and made him feel worthless. "After all this, did I not more than sufficiently soothe your wounds? Both physical and emotional? Was I not more than kind?"

Did he expect niceties to erase the pain he caused her? Hugs to make her forget the torment?

"You were." Nancy finally admitted, moving a bit closer. It was true. He was more than kind. But it still didn't make up for all he'd done to her. "I'm sorry," she sniffled, "I shouldn't have said anything." As a way of apology, Nancy placed her hand over his.

Loki didn't move. The wounds were too raw, the images too real. He couldn't accept the false sympathy of a woman he was more than coming to love.

"Now I've made you angry with me. I'm sorry." Hurt that she'd hurt him, Nancy sat up a bit and softly kissed his forehead. "Please forgive me." she whispered before turning away from him and snuggling back down into the covers.

The tears boiled in his eyes, but Loki refused to allow her to see them. He would never be good enough. Never make up for the things he did to her.

"If it's not too much trouble, master, could you release me to sleep for the evening?" Nancy hated that she had to ask, but it needed to be done. "I don't want you to fall asleep and forget again."

She's calling me Master again. Loki sighed and composed himself enough to respond to her. A few words that almost belied his sadness. "Sleep, then. I release you."

"Thank you." Maybe things would be better in the morning, but this was not how she wanted to spend the night. They were supposed to be having fun and enjoying each other's company… together. But now… this happened. And it was all her fault. If only she'd been a better pet.

Nancy fell asleep half an hour later after she'd quietly cried herself to sleep.