Thank you Lady Jensen, victoria cullen35 for the follows and favorites!

This man, Loki, was very strange.

Not the normal city local strange or immigrant strange. Just… His own type of strange. His stride one a man of pride or title, like a king walking to his throne. Held held high with confidence and his green eyes scanned those he towers over. Charlotte felt like he stood out in the crowd just with his clothing and presence alone. With her uniform, she could guess people assumed he was being escorted or his protection.

Which caused more attention she didn't want.

"Where do you wish to have lunch?" He asked, looking up at some wreaths that hung off a street light.

"Ah, I was feeling a cheese steak- How about my treat, in thanks for catching that jerk?" She offered.

Loki was busy wording 'cheese steak' to himself before looking to her. "I am the one to offer lunch with you, allow me."

"How about going Dutch?" He frowned, her tongue skimmed her lips at his silence. "Splitzies?" He just blinked at her. "Split the check." She tried once again.

"Ah! Sounds fair." He nodded as they turned a corner. "How good is a cheese steak?"

Charlotte scoffed. "Not shocked you haven't had one. It's the heart food of the city. You can't say you've been to Philly unless you had a genuine cheese steak."

"All that and more? Must be quite the delicacy."

Charlotte would assume Loki probably ate at fancy French or Italian restaurants. Ordering the most expensive meal on the menu and finest of wines. A thought had just occurred, was Loki some rich businessman or maybe even a model? He was handsome to boot, she had to admit. Charlotte could see him on time magazine as most handsome man or model of the year.

Then a second thought had swept her mind as they made it to Pat's King of Steaks, but was distracted by the aroma of the meats and cheese.

Pat's King of Steaks was a corner outdoor food place to where it is claimed to have invented the cheese steak and originated it. The lines would go down the block just for their sandwiches alone, if not with some cheese fries.

Behind her in line, Loki watched as people ate in such a distasteful manner. It reminded him of Thor and Volstagg seeing who could devour the most foods during feasts. The cheese and grease dripped off the bread and left stains on the plates and napkins they rested on. With their oily fingers, the people then would grab some cheese covered fries and suck down the drinks in manners of dying of thirst. Loki noted the amount of stout and potbellied people, thinking to himself how they really didn't need such a meal to grow larger than they already were. The people seemed to hunger and enjoy the hot meal during this chilly day.

The more he watched people shovel the meat and cheese into their jaws, the less of an appetite he had. Nonetheless, he should focus more on their soon to come conversation he asked to have with her than the food itself. He'd find himself something more appealing afterward. Besides, he still had to find residency.

"What are you getting? I can recommend something, if you want." Charlotte offered turning to him.

Loki looked over seeing they were up next to order. His eyes found the large white and red lettered menu that held a variety of cheese steaks. There was the cheese steak and option for no cheese with sliced onions. Then listed under that was mushroom steak, pizza steak, mushroom pepper steak and pepper steak. Other options he read were fishcake, french fries -with optional cheese- and a hotdog.

Judging by what was the least messiest food, Loki ordered a hotdog with water. He paid with money conjured in his pocket and stood to the side for her to order. Charlotte, a local, had ordered a pepper mushroom cheese steak with extra onions and a drink called a Coke.

The sizzle of the grill and the scent of cooked meats made Charlotte inhale the aroma and sigh looking vastly hungry. She was a small stature, though her outfit made her look bigger. He was affirmed she was a fit person with curves in certain places that made her look wider in other areas. Many of the men and women of Asgard were nearly built in some similar manner. Lean, fit, curvy, average, some women petite and small- If they were not warriors. Then he thought back, despite her physic, Sif was a strong and noble woman warrior of Asgard.

Their food arrived in paper plates and drinks in bottles as they took a seat by the warm lights. Loki sat across from her, as he took a bottle labeled 'ketchup' and lathered her steak in it.

"So, I have time for my lunch before I start my rounds. What's this offer?" She asked, not thinking twice of opening her mouth as wide as possible to bite into her sandwich.

Loki cleared his throat, nudging his hotdog to the side to let it cool. "I wish to see the purpose of attending to your job." She raised a brow as she chewed. "Your job is to handle the dangers of this city, protect the citizens and stop those who break the laws, yes?"

"Yesh." She muffled, taking her soda to open the bottle to wash her first bite down. "That's usually the list of things a cop must do. What, do you not have cops in Norway?"

Loki tilted his head, guards he thought. "Yes." He mused. "But, it's much different here. Where I'm from peace resides and there's rarely any threat to my home. I thought coming to this rea- Country would be dull."

"Hmm," Charlotte was halfway through her sandwich during his explanation. "America can be exciting, both good and bad. I had heard prisons have been torn down due to little crime activity in Norway, and how there are less and less prisoners each year. Sounds like it's dull there, in all honesty."

Loki chuckled, opening his bottle of water to take a sip. "We're ready for anything, as my father prepares us- But enough of my home." He leaned his arms forward onto the cold metal table. "I wish to accompany you during your walks."

Charlotte paused in sucking down her Coke, squinting her eyes at the man. "You want to walk around with me during my beat?" Loki nodded, picking up his hotdog to give it a try as he bit into it. "That's a weird way of asking someone on a date."

At that mention Loki choked on his wiener, hitting his chest to get air in. Charlotte nudged the water bottle indicating he drink it, which he did. He coughed once his airway was clear and took a few more gulps of the slightly refreshing cold water.

"Trust me," He gasped, feeling his throat sore from choking down the water and hotdog. "That is not what I am implying!"

"Yeah, I know." She grinned, getting a napkin to wipe her fingers from the oils and cheese. "Just testing you is all, the number of creeps in his city is too many to count. Had to make sure."

Loki frowned, offended by her assumption. "I assure you, I am not a creep." He was anything but.

"Sure- Man comes from Norway with a British accent, dressed like he's going to be Donald Trump in Atlantic City. You stand out like a sore thumb, and your slick back hair like some Italian mob member doesn't make it any better."

He blinked at her, she was speaking a whole other language. "I beg your pardon?"

"What do you really want?" She asked, narrowing her eyes at him. "Are you part of a press, legal people- I never had someone want to walk around with a cop before unless it involved something against us."

Loki frowned deeper, brows knotted at her words. "But you protect them. Why would people want something done against you if you do good? Unless they are criminals."

"You seem to be unaware of the famous term, 'fuck the police'?" He was taken back by her words. "Not everyone likes cops around here. Did you fail to notice the looks I've been getting since we left the precinct?"

Loki took a few glances around without it being obvious, some were going about his business. But he did spot some people passing by giving her dirty looks or others weary avoiding her. Though some people didn't seem to mind her presence.

"You can only imagine how it would be if I ventured to certain parts of the city. I stick around Center City because it's a little crime and my focus is on another matter at the moment." She thumbed the badge pinned to her uniform, her eyes down casting to the metal grating of the table. "To prove myself."

Loki watched her, analyzed her facial features. Something to prove? Loki felt a similar feeling, proving herself to someone. Just as he wanted to prove himself to his father.

"Then-"

"Thanks for the lunch company." She stood, taking her soda and whatever was left of her sandwich. "I've wasted enough time, I gotta get to my beat." Charlotte tossed her trash into a nearby can and finished off her soda to toss into a blue can. "Be safe and enjoy America."

She waved and walked away back toward wherever Loki guessed Center City to be. He sat there, now hearing the hums of people around him, the sizzling of the restaurant and horns of the vehicles in the road. He had blocked the noise of the city to talk to Charlotte and now it felt louder than before.

He had been slightly interested in this officer at first just to pass time here on Midgard to make it interesting. But now, he was completely fascinated in what her 'important matter' had to be.

With no more disturbances and her hours walking around Center City completed, Charlotte walked home in the dark busy night of the city. She mostly enjoyed the night life of the city more than anything. She wasn't one to go out to bars or even drink as she got sick extremely easily from alcohol. No, she prefers time at home with Mitsy and unwind from the day.

From the day she had today, Charlotte could use a change of comfortable clothing, a good dinner to combat that cheese steak, and a shitty movie to laugh at. She also had to make sure she got a good night's sleep for that case tomorrow she'd finally have a chance at. The thought of whatever it could be made her heart skip a bit or two and her stomach to feel butterflies of nerves. That's why she needed a relaxing night in to-

"Good evening, Charlotte."

"Oh!" She had been in her thoughts so deep, she didn't realize her landlord was outside her apartment door. "Good evening, everything alright?"

"Of course, of course." He nodded, waving off her concern. "Always the caring officer, even when off duty." He teased.

Her landlord, Mr. Jack Hotchsetch, was a man in his thirties who had offered the apartment to be rented out. He needed the money and selling his wares online could only pay so much of the bills. He lived in the smaller apartment down the block. Got the lease of this one, and thankfully four years ago, Charlotte was in need of a place to live when she became a cop.

"So, how did the promotion go?" He asked as she approached her door, fishing for her keys.

"Oh, about that." Charlotte got her keys and unlocked the door. "Come in, I'll make you something."

"Thanks!"

Jack followed her in, spotting her dog Mitsy on the couch. "Hey… dog." He greeted with apprehension.

The dog snorted at him, but then got up seeing her own excitedly. "Hey, girl! You're not going to growl at him, are you?" She asked, crouching down to pet and rub her face. "We need a place to live, and if you bite him, we'll end up on the streets."

Jack laughed, "I'd never let that happen. You're the reason I can afford rent for my own apartment." he told her.

"I don't get why you just get a second job." She told, going to the stairs with Mitsy following.

He shrugged, "I've done retail and it's best I don't go back to that hell. I'm sure you've done your part." Jack asked, as he wiped off any potential fur and sat at her couch.

"Oh yeah, back when I was paying for my college degree. Listen, I'll take a quick shower and I'll make us something to eat. I'll tell you how my day was, okay?"

"Sounds good, mind if I watch something?" He asked.

Charlotte nodded, jogging up the stairs with Mitsy behind her. Despite her landlord, Charlotte felt comfortable when he would visit or they'd have a talk. She sent Mitsy up on the bed and entered the bathroom with a change of clothing and towel.

The water ran hot and Charlotte stepped into her stand up shower enjoying the water running down her body. Her feet and legs ached from the chase she had this morning, messaging her muscles as she lathered soap on her skin to wash.

Her mind wandered toward her day, preparing what to tell Jack. She was tempted to leave out the man, Loki. She doubted she would see such a strange man again. He may just be passing by to travel the country, could be heading out of the state at this point. But, it was the city, stranger things have happened to her since she's lived here.

Charlotte finished up washing her hair, leaving the bathroom steamed with a fresh scent of strawberry and mint. She dressed in dark sweatpants and her police academy sweater, a towel wrapped around her wet hair.

Once back downstairs, Jack was on his phone with the television on. Some sort of game show from the 70s was on, but he was barely paying attention. He noticed her return and put his phone away.

"Feeling better?" He asked, smiling at her return.

She smiled back, "Still aching. Had a chase today at LOVE Park." Charlotte padded into the small kitchen and got out a box of mac n cheese and microwave broccoli. "Caught a couple stealing from those shop stalls at the Christmas Village."

"Really? And they tried to run?" He asked, muting the television.

"Oh man, listen to this." She started her tale, cooking the meal.

"So, I go into the precinct and expect that promotional case, right? Well, my Sergeant tells me 'I'm not ready'. We got into an argument and then he sent me off to LOVE Park, how people were reporting cases of theft. I go there, wander around seeing the pretty village. When this same couple, accuse this weirdo of touching the girl's cooch."

"Say what?" Jack leaned over the couch arm, listening to her. "Was he?"

Charlotte raised her shoulders, stirring the pasta as she added the cheese. The microwave at the counter humming to steam the vegetables. "I never got that far in questioning, as that couple just took something from a stall. I chased them through the tent where they display the ornaments-"

"Were they displayed?"

"Thank God , no." She sighed, hearing the beep to check the broccoli. "I had enough damage report on my record from chasing perps last month during Black Friday."

"Anyway," Charlotte continued. "I chased them through and they got out at the end, I thought they'd get away for sure. Lo and behold- that same weirdo was standing right by as they laid on the ground like he had football tackled them!"

"Did he?"

Charlotte hummed in doubt, platting the meals for him and her once done. "I don't think so." she handed him a plate and fork, taking a seat on the couch. "He was a very thin guy- Tall, but thin. This guy was a brute, like, those biker brutes you'd see at a bar in New Jersey." Jack nodded, stirring his pasta.

"So what, they tripped?" He asked.

"The guy said that he hit a low branch and slipped on ice, possibly black ice. We asked witnesses, and that's what happened according to them. He threatened to sue when cuffed and taken in, so I gave him my card in case the guy actually tries to take him to court."

"So wait, wait-" Jack put his plate down in his lap as Charlotte mixed her food about. "You just handed him your information?"

Charlotte slowly nodded, "Yes, you know cops do this. In case they have questions, we need answers to something or they need us in court." she explained.

"What if this creep shows up on your doorstep? You said he was weird." He noted.

"No, Yeah, I mean." She rolled her eyes and looked at him. "He was weird as in, not from here."

Jack scoffed, throwing his hands up. "Oh, that makes it much better." He got up and moved around the couch. "Immigrants are just as bad."

"Jack, don't be like that." Charlotte scolded, taking a few bites of her dinner. "He just had a weird name and did some magic tricks." The look he sent didn't help, she sighed as he sat back down to eat his food.

"I don't mean to sound-"

"Bigoted?"

Jack slouched in his seat. "...Well, as a cop I can only imagine how many freaks approach you. Yelling names at you all day long and starting shit to claim 'police brutality'." He explained.

Charlotte chuckled, scooping her food onto her fork. "It's not as dramatic as the shows or news make it out to be. Sur, I get some looks and mutters they think I can't hear. But the last thing to do is to let them provoke me. That's all they want."

Jack gave a side shrug and continued his meal. Charlotte turned the volume up on her television when the game show 'The Newlywed Game' came on.

"So, no promotion?" He asked after a few minutes of poking a few noodles.

She craned her head, "Well, I finally convinced the Sergeant to give me a chance. So, tomorrow I'll be getting my first case." Charlotte told him.

Jack perked up and grinned, "Hey! Great job!" he patted her shoulder in praise. "I knew you had better news when I saw you coming home."

Charlotte smiled and turned back to the television. It was best not to tell Jack about the second encounter with Loki, let alone tell him his name. Judging by his reaction, she didn't want to go into a debate about how much Jack had a thing against immigrants and people outside the country.

"Well!" Jack stood, stretching his back and putting his plate on the coffee table. "I should head home. Just wanted to see how that promotion went." He patted her back and strode toward the door. "Guess this means you'll be more busy?"

"We'll see." She said. "I might have to call the dog walker and lend her a key for Mitsy."

Jack gave an apologetic look, "I'd offer but, erm." he glanced up at her bedroom nervously where the dog was hiding out.

Charlotte gave an equal look. "I really don't know what her problem is. Maybe it's men. She's never bothered when my sister drops by."

"Might be a female thing." He agreed, reaching for the doorknob. "Have a good night and good luck tomorrow!"

Jack opened the door and stepped out. "Thanks, goodnight Mr. Hotchsetch."

He creaked the door to stick his head back in, "I've told you so many times, just Jack." and made his leave.

Charlotte laughed and stood to lock the door, then return to the couch to enjoy the game show. After a few minutes, Mitsy joined her on the couch and curled up beside her. She scratched her head, allowing Mitsy to rest her head in her lap as she tucked her legs under her.

"Here's your case."

A slap of a file hit the desk as Charlotte stood in front of Johnson's desk. She took a breath, eyeing the yellow envelope with the case number and label 'homicide' on it. Today was the day, there in that envelope was the door to her dream career.

There she stood, as Johnson watched her with a raised brow. She was going to be in her usually uniform, but was called this morning to wear something else. Her usual fashion sense was beyond detective, so she wore a dark pair of jeans, boots and a dark blue button up tucked in with her knee length coat. Her badge rested on her belt and her gun resting in its holster on her left hip.

"...Lane?" He noticed she had been staring a bit longer than she should, snapping his fingers at her.

She blinked and took the file, clutching it to her chest. "Yes, sir! I got this!" She gave her usual salute, "I won't let you down!" and marched to the door.

"Ah, Lane. Before you leave, there's one more thing." She stopped at the door, turning back at her boss. "I don't want you going in alone, and the timing of this was perfect." Johnson sat back down in his chair. "A man will be helping keep track of how you do, he's at the front desk waiting for you."

He pointed a pen in her direction, sternly saying, "Prove me wrong, Lane."

"Yes, sir." She nodded, opening the door and heading toward the front.

Charlotte made her way to the front desk, twisting, opening the envelope and taking out the first few sheets of the case. She stood by the front and looked up at the officer there. "Johnson said someone would be waiting for me?"

The officer pointed behind her, "Yeah. He's right there and causing a bit of a stir." he told her.

Charlotte turned and the second her eyes fell on him, her papers fell from her fingers scattering to the floor. She couldn't believe it, any God in existence had to be finding this a joke. Of all the people, of anyone on Earth to be the one waiting for her.

There by the doors stood a grinning suit wearing, green eyed, black haired cheeky Loki Odinson.

"We meet again."

Was hoping to get this chapter out for my birthday yesterday, but I had video editing work to do for my internship, which took up most of my day.

With COVID I couldn't do anything, but still had a good day with cake and presents with my family!