Thursday 12:00 pm

Loki would have messaged Peter during fourth period. It's just she really likes Midgardian books.

Peter isn't confident enough to start a conversation.

"Hey." Loki says, sitting down.

"Hi." Ned says.

Peter says nothing.

Did I break him again? Bad or good?

"Uh, Peter?" Loki asks.

He doesn't want me.

"Pete?" Ned says. "What did you do to him, Lucy?"

"I don't know."

"Penis Parker."

Peter looks up and makes sad eye contact with Flash.

"Did you leave any food for anyone else? Seems like it would interfere with binding."

Loki feels anger spread through her. She punches the boy. He falls to the ground. Dad might have let her keep her superhuman strength. Oops.

Peter jumps up and tends to Flash.

A teacher comes and starts to escort Loki out.

"I'm sorry, Peter."

"Don't be." Peter smiles a bit.

Loki is told her punishment. Detention the next two days.

She's a few minutes late to the next class. She's trying to force herself to list but all she can think about is that stupid human.

Do you work out? You wrecked Flash.

Uh, yeah. Will he be alright?

Yeah. He's still talking so he's fine.

Why do you let him talk about you like that?

No one gives Flash permission.

But you could bring teachers into it.

They call it socializing. They tell me to get used to it.

That's not right.

Ned speaks up most of the time. But it's useless.

Did I make it worse?

Possibly. But I'm glad you did it.

Because he deserved it?

Because it proved you care about me. Or you care about trans rights. Maybe it has nothing to do with me.

Peter, no. I care about you as much as I care about trans rights. Maybe more.

Oh.

Does that surprise you?

Uh, yeah.

Why?

Our conversation earlier.

Loki looks higher up her arm. It's fading but she can read it, still.

I said I was interested in things like that with you. If you are, that is.

I am. I meant the relationship part.

We decided to be friends.

Yeah. But I'd be lying if I said that's all I want.

Oh.

Yeah.

A friendship is all I can handle now. But I am interested in a romantic relationship. I should have said yet. I'm sorry.

Wait, really? You'd accept and date me?

Of course. You're awesome. You helped your enemy when he was hurt.

But you said…

I meant right now. Remember not yet.

Okay, not yet.

Thursday 3:10 pm

Loki is told they can't message their soulmate during detention. But no one can keep them from rereading.

Peter is so uncomplexed. He says what he means and means what he says.

In all their existence, Loki has never felt so cared for. Thor tries but he's always going off on adventures when Loki needs him the most.

Should a relationship of one full day mean this much to them? Isn't this dangerous?

Can anything with Peter be considered dangerous?

Loki doesn't know what they've realized but they feel like a middle schooler with a crush.

Thursday 3:40 pm

"Peter."

"Oh, uh hi, Ms. Potts."

"How are you?"

"I'm good! I'm good. How are you?"

"I'm fine."

Pepper looks at him closer.

"Are you excited about your surgery?"

"I am. Thank you for helping him get it approved. Mr. Stark scheduled it for next Saturday. I just hope we don't get held hostage or anything that weekend."

"Of course. And you can't go out for a month or so."

"I know, no Spidey business until I'm completely healed. School will be strenuous enough."

"Good boy." Pepper says, patting him on the head.

Oh, if someone else did that. But it's Pepper. She's like a mom.

"Thanks. I've got to go. I'm working out with Captain and Bucky."

"Okay, have fun. I'll see you in the kitchen for a metabolism fix, I'm sure."

Pepper walks away. And Peter blushes, trying not to think of what she'll be doing with Natasha.

"Hi, Pete." Steve says, slapping his shoulder.

"Hi, Captain. Hi, Steve." He corrects himself. "Hey, Bucky."

I would be more at ease with the serial killer.

"Hey, Pete." Bucky laughs and pokes Steve.

"It's an improvement. I'll take it." Steve pokes back.

"Enough hero worship." Bucky says. "Let's spar."

Thursday 5:20 pm

Peter sits on a stool, beat. He watches Bucky and Steve work in tandem to make him a five course meal. He has told them he can just eat 15 pb&js. But they say it's aprt of their bonding time.

"Spiderman."

He turns and looks at Natasha with Pepper settling on her lap.

"Black Widow." Peter states.

They both give small smiles.

"You connected with your soulmate."

"Is that what it is?" Pepper asks her girlfriend.

"Yes. That's what you noticed."

Pepper and Natasha stare at him. Bucky and Steve stare at him.

"Fine, yes. I connected with my soulmate. Pepper before you ask, no it's not romantic."

"Don't have to be.' Bucky says.

Steve kisses his cheek.

"Nonromantic is still beautiful." Clint says, plopping down from the air vent.

Natasha puts her hand up for a high five. Clint reciprocates.

"I'm glad it's working out for you guys."

"But..." Natasha and Pepper ask together.

"I want it to be."

"Aw." Steve says.

"Peter Parker is talking to his soulmate?!" Tony asks, as him and Bruce enter the room.

Fuck.