Hello, third chapter already gotta say I'm on a role. Gotta keep reminding myself to update often though I got a bit sick so it's a little challenging to write when my brain is going in opposite directions. So I think this story is so far so good. Got Irene introduced, Loki seems to be almost nearly out in the open now that S.H.I.E.L.D. seems somewhat aware of his presence (naturally) assuming it's Thor. Loki still seems to have mixed feelings towards his brother. We all know how that is going to end up once he starts messing with world domination. But he seems to forgive and love Frigga.

Bless her soul, that woman did good by treating Loki like an equal. Though at some points I wanted to slap Loki for his actions but I know he had to do it cause if not we wouldn't really have a villain. Cause he seemed to kinda pull a Thor (but in a more smart way) of trying to kinda kill Frost Giants.

Anyways I'm babbling...

moonsword17: Thank you so much for reviewing, it means much to me. It spurs me on to write more when I receive nice reviews like your's I hope that what ever future chapters I write won't be disappointing.

Also thank you for those who favorite and followed my story thus far.

Enjoy the chapter folks

Chapter 3: Little White Lie

Another few days had past. Loki had kept himself hidden in the vast library of his mortal caretaker's home. He shifted through books, reading sometimes for simpler pleasures. Grudgingly Midgardians had decent literary works. He favored Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, he found it to be a comedic masterpiece worthy of some praise. But when he was not reading for the simple pleasures of it he studied the maps of this realm. The mortal (Irene, he had to remind himself) granted him access to what she called the 'World Atlas'.

She didn't really make it an easy task, not really willing to bend to his will when he tried to force her to grant him those charts. She was much more easily dealt with when he tried being more polite, his Silver-tongue having a much more positive effect when he didn't throw insults her way. He concluded that it was maybe the best way to deal with her, and a faster solution when it came to getting what he wanted. After their little fateful meal and their first proper introduction things went as they were before. Though Loki was annoyed that Irene proved to be a curious mortal, she asked him questions. Lots of them to be in fact. She asked him about Asgard, how he had fallen to Earth, why was he injured so when she first found him? Loki answered very little of them, not really caring when the girl's shoulders slumped when he refused to answer some of the questions she really wanted to know. Or she would look despondent when he brushed her off, not wanting to deal with the lesser being's presence. He only sought her out when he needed things, it was easy to find her when she was sitting in the Paint room sipping casually at her tea like she does everyday with her loyal dog at her feet.

Loki ran his long fingers across the detailed designs of the map before him.

He had located the land mass called Canada. It was a bizarre name, though the country was impressive in size even if it was smaller to the Country of 'Russia'. He counted himself lucky to know that this place was near the land that he was somewhat familiar with. The distant realm of New Mexico. But it was on the opposite side of the continent once he had figured out that this Quebec was far in the East. Though just where in this area of Quebec he also didn't know, and so didn't the mortal.

Can't seem to catch a moment's rest. His mind grumbled bitterly.

He still wondered to himself if he could track down Thor's woman. Jane Foster should be still in that small contemptible town of Puente Antiguo along with her two other companions. He didn't have to worry about her shifting locations so soon, they were oblivious that the Bifrost had been destroyed. They could remain there if that foolish woman clung to the hope of Thor's return. That could be used as his advantage. Though while he is here, he might as well make use of Irene. She had brought him into her home, fixed him up, and even gave him some new clothes (he found out that they once her father's at some point), but she also fed him well. She was shockingly a modest girl, and generous when she sought to make him comfortable. She was always ever so kind when he asked her for something to eat or drink.

He hated her kindness. She was beneath him in every way, nothing but dust beneath his feet but he figured that he couldn't turn the charity away, particularly when he was in a vulnerable state. He was much stronger now yes, but he would use this form of hospitality to his benefit.

Loki sighed through his nose, his hand rubbing his eyes tiredly. He closed the book of the world atlas gently. He knew that all this could be a long shot, Midgardians were not the most advance species in the Realms. With some things yes, but when it came to traveling between the realms they were utterly useless. There could be a high percentage that Foster wouldn't know a way for him to get back to Asgard. If that was so he would have to come up with alternative plans to finding a way off world.

"Must tread lightly..." he reminded himself, he was sure that the organization that had detained Thor for a short time was still ever present. Highly threatening for now.

He straightened when the sound of footsteps reached his ears. Peeking over his shoulder he saw Irene make her way into the room, a tray in her hands as she carefully made her way over to him. Setting it down she shot him her customary smile, a greeting she gave him often. Loki lowered his eyes down to see what she had brought him. More tea, that wasn't surprising but even he found the teas that she brewed to be lovely. All of it fresh from her garden, and on the tray there was a two-tier serving stand with all these little assorted Midgardian pastries and fruits. This seemed to please him greatly, he had a little bit of a sweet tooth he discovered.

"Time for tea already?" he asked. Didn't seem like long ago that they had their lunch, but it was much past noon now. He didn't even notice.

Her lips pulled back into a smile, her eyes shining brightly as she nodded her head. She served them both, Loki making a mental note that she liked her tea strong with some milk and a teaspoon of honey. He liked it in a similar fashion but he preferred a teaspoon of sugar more than the honey. Both of them settled into their chosen seats. Sipping at their hot beverage and Loki helping himself to some of the delicious chocolate eclairs. As he chewed on his tasty prize he studied her closely. The mortal was once again more pale than he was. Ghostly white in color, the color that was once in her cheeks were gone and under the wondrous color of her brown eyes there was a darkness under them. As if she was lacking sleep.

He suddenly found himself asking, "Are you unwell?"

Irene seemed startled by the sound of his voice. Understandable since they had tea in silence. She regarded him quietly, but he watched on in patience not really caring if she answered him or not.

I have mentioned to you before that I am ill.

Loki hummed in agreement, remembering that small bit of information. "Indeed, from what exactly you never bothered saying." He raised the porcelain cup to his lips, savoring the flavor of the tea in his mouth before it traveled down his throat enjoying the way it warmed up his stomach.

Father says the Doctors don't really know.

Loki cocked a brow at her "With Midgard's advancement of modern medicine I never thought that their healers would be incompetent with their work." He started working on eating some of the fruit "If we were back on Asgard our healers would had already found a cure." He was very certain of that fact. Irene sent him a deadpanned stare and maybe looking a bit defensive.

But we are not on Asgard, and our doctors try their best to help the sick and the elderly! Mrs. Labelle has served my family well for years I have no doubt that she is doing her best to find out what's wrong.

"She is your family healer." He clarified. She nodded her head in confirmation, taking a swift taste of her cooling tea. "To live in such luxury and to have access to a healer means you come from Noble birth?" he pressed. Her cheeks flushed a little, her expression was rather humble.

No. My father happens to have...a bit of sway over the country you can say.

Well, that was something he wasn't expecting to hear. He studied her face, the way with how she was avoiding eye contact with him meant that she wasn't really wanting to share any intimate details of her family. He was still a stranger to her as she was to him, but if her father had such power to be able to make some decisions in a land as large as Canada it was definitely something he could try to exploit later in the future. Perhaps the attempt to gain common ground was in order, she could be much more useful then he initially thought. He might had to swallow his pride, it was a small necessary sacrifice.

"My father..." Calling Odin such left a bitter taste in his mouth, "is...was actually the King of Asgard." he amended himself. It was he himself who was the King, but for now Odin may sit on his throne and play All-Father until he returned. He needed to make his case, Thor still was not worthy for the throne. Not in a million years did Loki believe that oaf could rule.

So not only am I playing hostess a God in my home but a Prince as well?

"King." He corrected automatically. "My father fell into something we call the Odinsleep and my mother appointed me as the King of Asgard." He took some small amount of pleasure seeing the look of awe and wonderment in the young mortal's gaze. It didn't last long when he saw her nose scrunch up a little, a pinch forming between her brows How did you end up here if you are a King? Who is watching over the throne in your absence?

She never misses anything.

He had to credit her for having some sense of intelligence over the rest of her kind. Loki sat up straighter in his seat, his hands resting on the arms of his chair. A frown tugging on his lips. "I was betrayed by those I considered friends," he recalled bitterly "they disobeyed my orders and went against my wishes but I can say in the end I fell." That was all he was willing to share.

Her expression melted into one of sympathy. No trace of pity could be found on her, and for that he was slightly grateful. He didn't need anyone's pity. He was a God, not some pathetic whimpering twit who couldn't do anything for himself. With those final words they fell into a slightly awkward silence. Irene shifting in her seat now at then while Loki just watched her. As if coming to a decision his mortal caretaker stood, smoothing down the wrinkles of her plain dress as she did before starting to gather everything on the tray. Loki offered her his empty tea cup, which earned him a grin as she took it from him. Their fingers brushing against one another's for only just a single moment.

Odd. Loki thought. Her fingers were cold to the touch, he had assumed that Midgardians were warmer than this. Certainly more so than a Frost Giant.

Standing up Loki grasped the handles of the tray quickly before she could take it, "Allow me to assist you." he told her, making sure his tone was polite. Loki took in some joy by watching her flounder for a moment, she always did so when something unexpected came her way. It was fun to watch, but once she recovered her cheeks turn a soft shade of pink as she regarded him closely as if she was suddenly suspicious of his good intentions. Loki only smiled, looking rather innocent. She gave in with a small sigh.

Ugh...Thank you.

Loki's lips pulled back to the point he was grinning at her a bit, his Silver-tongue weaving it's magic "You are most welcome."

Timidly she worked her way around him. He kept his eyes trained on her until she made her way out of the room. He managed to catch up with a few strides as they went to the kitchen together. She gave him a silent command to place the tray on a empty spot near the sink, he did so. He was going to ask what to do next until he was cut short by the sound of something thumping against the ground repeatedly. Irene was on her knees, right next to her young dog as it begged for her affections. Its tail being responsible for the constant noise as Irene's fingers rubbed behind the creature's ears. Shepard's face told him about its bliss. How she managed to command such obedience from beasts was beyond him. Loki had also witnessed her work the same sorcery on her massive Thoroughbred, the massive horse becoming putty in her hands to the point it did everything she asked even though it could crush her in a moment's notice right under his giant hooves.

Since she was so occupied Loki busied himself with the dirty silverware and dishes. With one sweep of his hand the dishes were once again clean, and with the snap of his fingers they returned to its proper place.

The sound of clapping met him, he turned his gaze to the young mortal girl who was still kneeling by Shepard. Her eyes were bright, her laugh of delight was silent when she praised his little stunt of magic with childish vigor. The Asgardian Prince couldn't resist the swell of pride that filled his chest, it was not often that anyone beside his mother would praise him for his skill.

The moment was cut short when the sound of engines could be heard from a distance.

\oooo/

Irene's smile dropped instantly as she heard the engines of vehicles reach her ears. Standing up she rushed to one of the many window. Her face nearly pressing into the glass as she spotted a caravan of sleek black cars coming towards her home. Her eyes widened in wonder, and she scanned for one of the many cars she didn't really truly wish to see. But in the end it was there.

Father. She realized dreadfully.

She cursed her luck as she took in a few deep breathes to calm herself down, though it was sort of pointless since her heart was hammering against her rib-cage. Why did he decide to come so early? She wasn't expecting him or Mrs. Labelle over until Friday and he brought others! Something that he didn't really do. So it came to her when she came to the conclusion that: something was wrong. She bit her lip anxiously as she watch them steadily get closer. Spinning on her heels and nearly tripping over Shepard she grasped the God's hand. She saw him tense but didn't have time to dwell on it when she dragged him away from her kitchen ignoring all the questions and protests he shot her way.

She took him to the Staircase Hall, urging him up the steps as she led him to the second floor of her home.

"Where are we going?" He demanded.

She paused for a moment at the top of the steps, his eyes glaring daggers at her but she squeezed his hand in reassurance. Somewhere safe. She would keep him safe, she was sure of it.

She couldn't help but worry about the man when she took on the role of his charge. He may have treated her badly and insulted her but she wanted to help him. And help him she will, heaven forbid what her father would do to him if he were to discover that Loki had been here. Walking up to a closed door she let go the the God's hand to fish into her pockets, relieved when she found the familiar cool metal of the key to her private studio and pulled it out. Pushing it into the lock she twisted it and open the door. She didn't give him a chance to say anything cause she had her tiny hand wrapped around his larger one (more like her fingers curled around his cause his hand was much to big) and yanked him into the room with some surprising surge of strength.

She had to ignore the fact that his eyes were raking over her valuable treasures as she led him the the back of the room. Releasing him again her hands found one of the wall panels. Giving it a might push it gave way under her weight, opening slowly to uncover her hidden sanctuary. Irene prayed that she wouldn't later regret bringing Loki here.

"Impressive." Loki stated dryly.

She ignored the implied sarcasm and brought him into her most sacred haven. It was a decent sized room with no windows, the only source of light being from the small chandelier that dangled from the ceiling. And in the center of the room there was a desk, paper was everywhere. All of them had scribbles on them, but the room was an utter mess. Just papers and books lying everywhere, but she didn't have time to be embarrassed over the state of her 'office'.

Not many know of this room...you should be safe here. Please don't leave it until I come get you. She looked at him pleadingly. She didn't hide that she was frightened and worried, her chocolate eyes bore into him. Begging him to understand that he would only be in here until the strangers and her father were gone.

"Are you certain it is wise to face possible foes on your own?" Irene didn't know if she had heard him right, he almost sounded a bit concern but she brushed it off there wasn't time to think about it.

It's only my father, but I don't know who else he brought with him but PLEASE Loki just stay in here until they leave!

"Is your father dangerous?"

If he wished to be.

For a moment they both eyed each other. Irene tilted her head for a moment when she realized that there was something different about the Asgardian before her. Then it clicked. The clothes that she had given him this morning (regular human clothes) were replaced by a entirely different outfit. His attire started with the tall collar surrounding his neck almost completely, showing only a little bit of skin on his neck just beneath his chin. His torso was clothed in what she could assume was a moss green undershirt, hidden beneath something that looked like a breastplate made of hardened black leather; upon it, a golden collar - somewhat similar to a necklace that adorn his chest - but had been carved with great care instead. Over that he wore a black leather coat that reached all the way down to the mid-section of his calves, the sleeves of it being held tightly around his upper arms by what she guessed were strips of ebony dyed leather. The part of the sleeves in what covered his forearms on the other hand -from the elbow down to his wrists- was hidden beneath equally black protectors that seemed almost purely medieval. His pants were of the same material as the rest of his odd outfit; she noted how he seemed to have a liking for black, green and gold. Even the boots that covered his feet and legs -up to his knees- were completely black. Though his coat seem to have a second layer to it, something of steel, more more than simple chainmail that the sets of armor in her home held.

The look almost completely threw her off, she hadn't seen him in anything like that since the day she found him. But here he was, dressed like some sort of Prince that decided to crawl out of a story book. He was certainly regal, even his face was.

What had brought Irene to him was those eyes. He may not know it but they show more emotion then any other person she had ever encountered. His eyes portrayed hidden rage most of the time, it might seem like he was cool on the outside but on the inside he was seething and hurting.

And right now those viridian eyes bore into her. Emotions flickered across those orbs faster than she could register them. The last thing that flashed in them was reluctant acceptance.

"As you wish." He murmured.

She wanted to respond to him but the sound of knocking interrupted. Casting one last look at the dark hair man she moved back out into her studio and closed the hidden door behind her; being careful that it was back in place so it wouldn't stand out. Making her way out of into the hallway and not bothering to close the door she nearly wanted to run to the Staircase Hall when voices made themselves known in her home.

"MISS. HAWKINS!?" She didn't know that voice.

"IRENE!" That was her father.

Rushing down the steps she ran face first into someone, squealing silently when arms wrapped around her waist to prevent her fall from the force of the impact. Opening her eyes Irene was met with the black fabric of a suit. Blinking, she tilted her head back to see just who exactly was the stranger/savoir she just ran into. Staring down at her was a pair of amused blue eyes. They belonged to a slightly older gentleman, he was rather tall as well perhaps maybe about 6'0". But with her hands on his chest Irene knew instantly that under these clothes he had a muscular build, and his hair was a light brown...the hairline was receding a bit. But overall he seemed to be a rather friendly looking guy.

"You must be Irene." He stated, a smile gracing his features.

Irene blinked at him owlishly when he snapped her out of her thoughts. The smile never left his face when his arms dropped back to his sides, taking one step back so he could give her some room.

"Cat got your tongue?"

She shook her head no and started to sign. No, I just lack the ability to speak.

"Oh." The smile fell from his face rather quickly, a little bit of pink dusting his cheeks as he gave her an embarrassed apology. "Sorry Miss. Hawkins I didn't know."

She couldn't help but give him a reassuring smile. She had a feeling that this was a good man, there was no reason to fear him. Though their meeting was short when the presence of another man came storming into the hall. He was tall, his posture straight and his shoulders squared. His rough jaw clenched with anger, and matching russet eyes blazed with wrathful fire. Irene was no stranger to the man before her. She was grateful that she wasn't the target of his ire.

"I would be more comfortable if you left my daughter alone Agent Coulson." Her 'father' sneered.

Now Irene didn't really look like her father, most of her familial traits went in favor of her mother except for the unfortunate eye-color she shared with the man. He was tall and imposing, clearly strong by how muscular he was thanks to his workouts even after his long history of military service. His hair was combed back, his dark brown locks streaked with gray, his face slightly wrinkled with age that didn't really make him seem like a kind older gent. He wasn't in the service now but everything about him screamed military. He was strict and unforgiving. Irene couldn't remember one good memory that she had that involved her father, she knew she was ill but she couldn't help but be a little bitter and sad when he made something that was suppose to be her home; be her prison instead.

"Forgive me, but it's important that we question her for our investigation." Coulson apologized, "as soon as we find the necessary data we will leave as soon as possible."

"That's not good enough!" Mr. Hawkins snapped, his irritation obviously clear. "There is no reason for S.H.I.E.L.D. to be here in the first place!"

Irene's brows furrowed at the unfamiliar name.

S.H.I.E.L.D.

She wondered what on Earth that stood for. She didn't have time to dwell on it much when she felt a hand rest against her elbow, causing her to flinch at the sudden contact.

"We are here for everyone's best interest, sir." Coulson shot back smoothly, his tone remaining neutral even though the man was being horribly rude "Miss. Irene would be questioned after that once we check everything through we will stay in the nearby town for a bit until things become settled if you have anymore questions I suggest you take them up with the Director."

Her father's started to turn a unhealthy shade of red, his eyes narrowing into daggers. "Such insolence!" he seethed. "I should have thrown you out of the country before you could have stepped one foot in it!"

"Yes, but if I recall correctly you gave us permission you didn't seem to have such a problem before."

"That was before I realized where your intended location was! I don't want my daughter involved with your petty organization!"

"It's not like you're in trouble if that's whats got you worried...if anything Mrs. Hawkins would be much more safer in our care."

"You bastard..." her father growled.

"So for now let us get started, we have plenty of questions to ask her." Coulson remained polite. Tugging at her arm gently Irene followed him, he lead her to the Paint Room (her father unwillingly given him the suggestion as he followed.) Coulson's team setting up some equipment. A camera was one of the things, Irene saw her father scowl at it but did nothing to remove it. Instead the man decided to join up with another familiar person, her doctor Mrs. Labelle. She didn't look nearly as concerned as her father, her features were young and fair. Her ice blue eyes scanning the agents around them as they moved about.

"If you can have a seat here Miss. Irene." Coulson instructed, urging the young girl to sit down on one of the many plush couches.

She gulped, her hands trembling just a little when she sat there. Mostly everyone in the room had their attention on her. She prayed to what ever Gods existed that she wouldn't accidentally give anything away. She also prayed for Loki, hoping that he was safe...he would keep his promise to her. She knew he would.

Hopefully...Her mind wasn't making her feel much better.

So when the camera pointed at her Coulson gave her another one of his comforting smiles, thinking that her shaking was fear instead of nervousness he spoke to her in a clear soothing voice.

"Alright Miss. Irene...shall we begin?"

\oooo/

Loki was getting restless. His new little prison was getting the best of him as he prowled the length of the room back and forth. He felt a little worried that his little mortal caretaker had finally ratted him out and that the unwanted guests were plotting his capture. Granted they would all die if they even tried, he would save the girl for last and choke her to death if she even thought she could get away with it. Loki exhaled quietly, soothing his nerves down though his muscles twitched ready for a fight. Coming to a stop he decided that he would try and learn a little something about little Irene. She never brought him here during the tour of her home, she had said to him that this room 'was her sanctuary and it was best not to be disturbed'.

Going to the desk he eyed that paper that was scattered all over it. He clicked his tongue with distaste, snatching up one of the sheets to roam his eyes over it.

His hardened expression melted into one of interest. He observed the odd markings on the sheets of paper, scrawled ever so delicately in perfectly inked notes. There were no words, instead it was a score. Loki rarely seen things like this in his long life, but it didn't take a prodigy to know that this was some form of Music. Placing it down he picked up a few more papers and scanned over each carefully. All of them were in beautiful shape, the writing was always neat but he was impressed by how complicated they all looked.

"A Composer." He murmured.

They had a composer in Asgard. Bragi was a skilled musician as well as a very honorable warrior, married to the keeper of the fruits of immortality. Loki had heard Bragi play on his harp in Odin's court more than a few times in his lifetime. Never had he seen such complexity from Bragi's work as he was seeing now from a mere mortal's.

Resting the girl's papers down tenderly he eyed the rest of the room. The girl had no order whatsoever, though the other room was filled with many things he have never seen before. He recognized some as drums, or a harp that sat in the corner of the room, and a few flute like instruments.

"I think I've waited long enough."

Muttering a spell under his breath the God felt a welcoming tingling sensation take over him. A simple invisibility spell, oh how he loved his magic. The God smiled a little when he went to the door and pulled on it, watching with some satisfaction when it opened for him with ease. He made sure to make it seem like he never left, he stopped only to inspect some of the instruments Irene had in her possession in this room. He would examine them later. So with haste he made it into the hallway, going to the Staircase Hall. He had to pause when a random mortal in a uniform walked by, none of them seeing him as they checked the house around them with some odd beeping little boxes in their hands.

He watched them snoop around for a little longer before returning to his search.

He stumbled upon them in the Painted Room. Irene sitting at the far end looking uncomfortable as other mortals asked her questions, Loki sneered.

"Did you notice anything different at all? Beam of light or the abnormal weather a week ago?" one pressed, fiddling with some Midgardian device that was pointed right at the frightened girl. But Irene shook her head, her hands fumbling nervously with the fabric of her dress. Never taking his eyes off the scene Loki leaned himself up against the wall, getting rather comfortable for now.

"What about any strange people, weird clothing and talking as if they came out of a Shakespearean play?"

Again she shook her head her brows furrowed, eyes flashing a bit in irritation.

The Mortal man who was asking sighed, annoyed as well as he turned to the person who was in charge. Loki's brows shot up when he realized that he had seen this man before in New Mexico.

Coulson.

Loki rubbed his chin in thought, not sure if he was pleased or angry to see the man. Pleased because he was a link between him and Jane Foster, and angry because he had seen his face before falling off the throne of Asgard. Coulson rested his hand on the Agent's shoulder, squeezing it lightly as if to be reassuring before having a go at the flustered girl. Loki watched on as the son of Coul sat down next to her, his hands taking her's in his and rubbing his thumbs soothingly on her palms.

"Please Miss. Irene...this could be of national or international importance lives could be at stake here we need your compliance."

Something unreadable flashed across the young woman's face. Her lips pulling into a frown as she gazed down at the floor, unable to look the man in the eye. Loki froze, was she considering telling them of his presence? He started to push himself away from the wall slowly, flexing his long fingers ready to snap everyone's puny necks in seconds.

The girl raised her hands, Loki tensing up waiting to hear her answer.

No, there is no one. I haven't seen anything at all Agent Coulson I'm sorry to say that you and your comrades came here for nothing...it is just my dog, my horse, and I. No ones else comes here except father and Mrs. Labelle I'm sorry if you came all this way to not find what you were looking for.

If Agent Coulson was disappointed he hid it rather well.

"Of course." He stood, running his hands over the fabric of his suit to smooth out the wrinkles "We won't bother you any longer Miss. Hawkins" Coulson turned to the other Agents in the room "let's gather our things and go."

The God snapped out of his stupor, stepping out of the way of an approaching agent who was carrying a box of equipment.

She lied.

Why? What did she have to gain by protecting him? Not that he needed the protection, but she defended him anyways by keeping him a secret. He saw that smile on her face, and the twinkle in her eyes. She looked relieved to be free from these men, happy even. He felt suspicion well up in his gut, his anger that simmered below the surface cooled a bit. He gritted his teeth as he wracked his brain for conclusions as to why she would stick her neck willingly under the blade. Did she have some sort of other motive that he wasn't seeing? She had taken him in, fed him, clothed him, nursed him back to health, and now kept him hidden from those who hunted him. But the more he looked into it, all the memories of the past week he couldn't find any ill will in her actions.

Loki had a sudden urge to strangle someone for no reason.

So when all the agents left there only left three people in the room -Loki included but the mortals couldn't see him- two of them staring at the small young woman. Irene was eyeing them back warily. From what he could see, the strict human male had to be some relation to his caretaker as soon as he saw those eyes. Eyes that he saw everyday, kind and forgiving. But this man's eyes were reeking of malice and hate.

Irene got up to her feet.

Fath-

Loki flinched, his eyes widening as he sucked in a sudden sharp breath when the man rushed across the room. His hand striking out, a strong backhand making his little mortal crumble to the floor.

"WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO!?" The man -her father- shouted, spit flying from his mouth from his savage rage "DO YOU KNOW HOW HARD IT WAS TO KEEP S.H.I.E.L.D. OFF THE RADAR OF YOUR EXISTENCE!? IS THIS HOW YOU REPAY ME AFTER KEEPING YOU SAFE FOR YEARS!?"

Loki could not see her face, her dark locks keeping her hidden from view. She trembled out of sheer terror of this man. Loki was going to step forward to snap him in two until a smaller figure got in his way. Another mortal woman, older than Irene but not by much. She didn't seem to panic, or angered. Her face was calm, icy eyes narrowed as she latched onto his arm her nails digging into him "Mr. Hakwins!" she growled in warning, "your daughter is frail and weak do you wish to kill her? All of her work would fade away, and you will both be exposed I don't think you want that."

The woman's words seem to tame the beast for now. The man back away, fixing his hair and his expensive suit jacket.

"Do what you must Mrs. Labelle...she will need more medication" Mr. Hawkins grumbled, "after your done meet me in the front we'll leave when we are sure those bastards left at well."

"Of course, sir" Mrs. Labelle agreed.

With Mr. Hawkins gone from the room things fell into an uncomfortable silence. Loki was just waiting to see if she dared to raise her hand, but instead she pulled out a white paper bag tossing it onto the couch behind the fallen Irene.

"All your medicine is here," she started "take them daily at the usual hours and don't miss one or else so with that I will see you when we have our next appointment."

Loki scowled at the callousness of this woman, she had witnessed her patient being hit! Such audacity these mortals had! So when she left he made sure to stay hidden until he was sure everyone was gone. When he was satisfied he made his presence known. The power of his spell dwindling away, though with the suddenness of his appearance Irene never once moved from her spot. Cautiously Loki approached the mortal girl at his feet, he stared down his nose at her. Her hand pitifully cradling her cheek, and her cursed hair kept her from his view.

Kneeling he placed a hand hesitantly on her shoulder.

She nearly jumped, startled by his sudden contact. Her brown eyes met his, they were wide and frightened at first until they rested on him. She looked so stunned to see him, her doe eyes got so big Loki was afraid they might pop out of their sockets for a moment.

"Irene..." he greeted awkwardly.

His voice seemed to trigger her. He watched as her lower lip quivered, her eyes watering to the point giant trails of tears rushed down her face. Her cheek looked swollen and red compared to the rest of her paled features, her bottom lip was bleeding a little...she probably accidentally bit her lip when her father's hand made contact. And for once his Silver-tongue was tied. She was crying, but she looked so happy to see him. His already damaged heart tugged painfully at the sight of her, it made him ache as well as it made him disgusted. Ache because he felt sorry for her, and disgusted because he felt such a thing for a mortal.

And the noises that came out of her throat was horrible, gasping and wheezing as she wept.

"Shhhhh..." he comforted, wanting her to stop.

No matter what he tried the tears still kept coming. He needed to distract her.

"Why did you lie?" he asked her.

It seemed to work, her shoulders shaking as she tried to get herself in check. Her hands shaking as she spoke with them.

Just a little white lie...

Well that didn't really answer his question.

He was about to ask her again. But became stiff when tiny little arms circled around his neck, a face buried in his chest. His mind momentarily shut down, his mind traveling to realms far off as he barley registered that she was holding him while she cried. He could hardly ever remember anyone who ever came to him for comfort, only Thor had ever come to him to talk about his problems when he was a child. Or when Loki was upset he went to Frigga, who held him closely and comforted him as any other should when Odin would not deal with him.

What would Frigga do?

With tenderness that even surprised him; he cradled her fragile head in his hand, her hair spilling between his fingers as he pressed her just a little closer. His free arm snaking around her waist, mimicking what he mother would do from memory. And as if to reward his hard work Irene's sobs started to die down into little hiccups. For now he will comfort, but later he will go back to his old ways.

His questions could wait...for now.

Awesome! Another chapter finished, it took me a little while longer to get it done cause my computer decided to restart when I was like nearly half-way done with it! Didn't save anything so I sulked that I had to start over, and of course the winter storm that we got hit with up here in the North. I been having one hell of a bad week.

Makes me want to strangle something to be honest. But it was nice to continue to write this story. Thanks for those who are showing some support for it. Can't wait to see who else is going to show this story some love.

I will do my best to try and update regularly, but I'm going to start getting busy pretty soon. School, looking for work. and learning French sounds all fun.

So thank you all for those who read and I look forward to hearing from you in the future!

Review please~? I always love to hear peoples thoughts on my work.

love,

Shizu