Hello my lovely beauties! How are you all? Good I would hope! A few days ago was my birthday! How awesome! I'm old...*sulks*

Thor: NONSENSE YOU ARE BUT A FAIR MAIDEN!

Why thank you Thor. You always know how to cheer me up *pats Thor's arm lovingly*. So I got an awesome violin from my mother. It's a lovely gift! Hard to believe another year has come and gone, though is it just me or does time kinda seem to go faster then it's suppose to?...Just me I think.

Loki: Mortals live shorter lives anyways...*shrugs*

Thor: *le gasp* LOKI! D:

Ugh...again with the whole 'Mortals-are-beneath-me-anyways' chat again. But Just in time since I got over my cold! So nothing can really sour my mood! Except for a french exam today...ugh that sucks...no one wants one of those damn things for their birthday.

So! To my favorite reviewers:

moonsword17: You are awesome as always! You are like...my best fan/friend/reviewer ever! Lol! Thanks so much for putting up so much effort to review for every chapter I write it's so nice to be supported. And thanks for wishing me a speedy recovery, I appreciate it.

Sarah Miler: Glad to see you review again! So happy you are enjoying this thus far! I hope my future chapters please you.

So anyways guys enjoy this lovely chapter!

Chapter 12: Decisions, Decisions…

A breath of air escaped her parted lips.

Irene stared up at the dull ceiling above her in silent disdain, wonder idly if today would be different previous day and the day before it. Having lost the concept of time she felt disheartened, more alone than ever before since she had yet to see anyone. Not Loki. Not Coulson. Not Sitwell. Not Fury. Not anyone. And it was slowly driving her to the brink of madness. Her mind was always in a state of constant awareness. Filled to the brim with music that forced its way into her mind, consuming every rationality she had left. The fingers of her right hand twitched, itching for her old quill pen so that she could write the infuriating notes on the blank white surfaces of the walls.

Boredom was indeed a terrible curse.

A few minutes ago, an Agent had appeared in her room. Delivering a hot meal to leave on the table before leaving her once more. Irene hadn't bothered trying to initiate conversation with him. She had learned that no matter what she did the Agents would never talk back to her. So she let them be and ignored them when they made their brief little appearances. For a split second she wondered if she had done anything offensive to them. She doubted that was the case.

So there she was, resting on her giant bed. Her arms draped over her torso lazily. Her eyes blinked owlishly at the ceiling above and squinted her eyes.

Not even the walls have a single imperfection…

Everything was so alien and flawless. So cold, with a lack for a homely feel.

Did everyone live in places like these?

She hoped not. Everyone strived for some form of identity...or so she thought. Irene ran her tongue over her dry, cracked lips. And inwardly scolded herself.

Now, now Irene! Now is not the time to go mad…think of something entertaining? Her mind soothed.

Thinking that she remained lazy long enough she sat herself up. The fabric of her white nightgown rubbed against her legs as she moved. She shivered when the soles of her feet met the icy floor and began her usual exercise, simply pacing along the length of her room. She thought of games, all of them mundane if she didn't have anyone to play with. Stories? She recalled a few from her childhood.

Her mother's tales.

A frown marred her lips.

It was too bittersweet to recall them at a time like this. She needed something more positive.

What would Loki do? Her mind whispered.

She blinked at the sudden intrusion of the God in her thoughts. During her walk along the wall, she raised her hand slightly so that her fingertips brushed along the smooth surface. If it was Loki trapped here what would he do? A smile worked its way onto her lips as she recalled all the small things he had done while still bedridden in her old home.

"Do you have anything useful mortal?"

"For the love of the Nine! Why does this beast insist on climbing on the bed!?"

"What is that used for?"

Silent laughter bubbled up to the surface as the memories rushed forth about her short time with the Asgardian Prince. It gave her that little spark of hope that he would find her. Her free hand trailed up and lightly brushed against the slightly chilled gold of the necklace he gifted her.

He'll come. She said to herself, confident in her new friend.

Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!

A startled gasp left her from the sudden noise. She nearly jumped out of her skin in fright. But relaxed when the sound came from one of her bags in which S.H.I.E.L.D. allowed her to keep. Padding over to the bag she opened it and found the little device what was both the bane of her existence, and her savior. Turning it off, she reset the timer and fished through her bag to receive the for medicine bottles she brought with her and headed towards the bathroom so that she could take them.

She looked down at the little orange bottle regrettably.

I never thought about how I would get a new prescription before leaving… She realized.

Reaching the attached bathroom she closed the door behind her. Though she knew she didn't really need to but for the sake of privacy if an agent were to ever show up she could just take her pills in peace. Unscrewing the caps of each bottle she delicately took a pill from each and held them in her hand. She saw that she didn't have any cup to put some water in, so swiftly she shove the pills in her mouth, turned on the water, cupped her hands together, and brought her hands to her lips so she may drink down and swallow the pills with slight difficulty. She managed somehow though she nearly gagged.

Her lips puckered, looking as if she sucked on something sour. The bitter taste of the pills coating her tongue.

She fought back a shiver.

Still better than Loki's medicine. She consoled herself.

Twisting the caps back onto the bottles she went out and tucked them safely away with her belongings.

Gurghhhhhhh….

She blushed and rested her hands on her stomach. Spotting the food on the table the agent left for her she marched right over and sat herself down. Grabbing her utensils and began to eat. After all you never are supposed to take pills on an empty stomach.

Slicing her food into smaller pieces she ate. Chewing slowly she sent a few looks at the sealed door right across from her. She didn't know why she looked, but today she had a feeling that something was going to be different. She just didn't know what just yet. Irene believed there was a book that called this 'woman's intuition'…whatever that meant.

She scooped up another bite of her meal.

I will have to wait and see.

\oooo/

It was a strange thing.

Nearly being in a giant room all by himself in a giant underground base, surrounded by enemies at every corner. Though Loki was no fool to believe he was truly by himself. The Hawk was huddled somewhere in his 'nest'. Keeping a wary eye on the very thing he was supposed to protect. The thing Loki found himself to be staring at. Unable to tear his gaze from the alluring light of the Tesseract.

He could feel it calling to him.

Whispering sweet promises in his ear, promises of power and of knowledge. That it would show him something no one has ever dreamed of seeing before. It was very tempting.

Oh…how easy it would be to just reach out his hand and take the Tesseract for himself. To use its power to bring him to the unknown Realms of this Universe. But he didn't wish for that. He only wanted to get back to Asgard. Make amends and reclaim the throne.

Loki's brows furrowed.

I didn't want the throne. A small voice whispered, far in the corner of his mind where he had banished many of his memories as a Prince of Asgard. The more simpler days.

But, retaking it as some form of revenge didn't sound to half-bad either. He was a monster in the end. And a monster he would be. It seemed reasonable to think that way now. So Loki found himself in what one would call an impasse.

He wanted the Tesseract.

So why wasn't he reaching for it?

He gritted his teeth in anger. Glaring at the cursed cube with as much disdain and desire he possessed within his entire being. Loki's eyes dimmed when he felt a sharp tug at his chest again, his rage soothed instantly at the distraction. He placed his pale cold hand upon his chest, right where his heart was. The hard black leather of his armor prevented him from feeling the beating organ under his palm.

Like I have no heart to possess. He thought with irony.

He winced at the tug of magic. It's been persistent for a while now. Maybe that is why he didn't just take his leave with the Tesseract. In his mind's eye he thought of the girl with sad brown eyes. The mortal who had so kindly taken him in. Nurtured a monster unknowingly and smiled at him, cared, offering her friendship with such naivety.

For all the mortals he had ever had the displeasure of meeting. His little mortal ally stood out the most in the endless sea of Midgardians.

The way she did things, the way her music spoke for her, the way she dressed even.

Was that the only reason why he couldn't grab the Tesseract?

"I won't be far behind you, I promise."

He remembered saying such words before gifting her the gold pendant. Remembered the look of relief that formed on her face when he said he wouldn't leave her. She pledged herself to him. And only him. But he had found a way back to Asgard much sooner than he expected. The promise she had given him meant nearly nothing now. Funny that he was hesitating all of a sudden.

He walked free while she was under the mercy of S.H.I.E.L.D.

A position he had undoubtedly placed her in without any thought or consideration.

Even after everything she had done for him. She who called him king. Bestowed him with a crown of flowers he yet had no knowledge of their meanings.

The Trickster huffed, suddenly annoyed. He couldn't put his mind at ease until he had the girl settled…it was the least he could do for her. After all the trouble he had caused her. He could go back to Asgard without the burden of being indebted to a mortal.

"The girl hasn't been out of this house in a little over a decade. She wouldn't know what to do. She is like a child, she would come back one way or another."

Labelle's words taunted him. It rang with confident truth. She was blissfully ignorant of the meager life of other Midgardians. She wasn't exposed to the idiocy that made up her race. She would be an outcast among her own. A fate she was undeserving of.

Loki ran his pale willowy fingers through his inky black hair. Frustration gnawing at his insides. If he aided her then his mind may know some semblance of peace.

Forcing himself to tear his gaze from the Tesseract, he turned his back to it and headed straight for the exit. Steeling himself mentally as the temptation of the cosmic cube radiated behind him in waves. It reminded him that even though it could serve as a great tool. It could also be highly dangerous. Its source of infinite energy can't be taken lightly.

Being within the S.H.I.E.L.D. base long enough, he didn't have to worry about getting lost. Shadowing Selvig and the Hawk served him a great purpose when it came to infiltrating every alcove and crevice this place had to offer. There was no secrets left hidden for him in project P.E.G.A.S.U.S.

He shall allow the petty mortals to have their fun. Once his task is complete, he will claim it with relative ease soon enough.

The God exited out from the secret base. Walking out into the dry and slightly frigid desert air, the stars shining overhead in the sky. He glanced at them for just a moment, observing the foreign constellations of Midgard. He searched the sky, trying to see if he could locate Asgard from such a distance away. But fate was against him in his search. Shaking his head he turned his attention back to the vast desert.

"Time to see how the mortal girl fairs…"

\oooo/

Traveling long distances in short periods of time through magic was a blessing.

The God of Mischief weaved through the trees under the cover of darkness. Treading so quietly one would have guessed that he was a ghost. Breaking the treeline he stumbled upon an old abandon farm. A perfect place that suited his needs without anyone disturbing. Raising his slim fingers to his lips he let loose a sharp whistle. It rung loudly in the cold stale night. Loki paused for a moment. Simply listening, eyes scanning the massive expanse of fields. Until finally he heart it.

The thundering sound of hooves.

His lips pulled back into a smile when a steed came into view. Galloping along to him with its ears perked.

The giant beast slowed to a stop. Snorting in greeting as its warm nose pressed against his forehead in welcome. Loki stroked the horse's neck, a small chuckle rumbling from his chest.

"It is good to see you, friend." He crooned.

Joey's bright eyes blinked at him in their usually owlish fashion. The Trickster glanced the animal over, making sure that it was still healthy and no harm had come to it in his absence. Sensing that nothing was amiss he flicked his hand and the saddle and bridle appeared. Joey whinnied, shaking his massive head. The ears flatten against its skull, tail flickered in annoyance.

Loki tsk'd at the animal.

"Now, now Joey it's only a bit of magic." He said.

Grasping the saddle and getting his foot into one of the stirrups. Loki hauled himself into the saddle with the practice elegance a prince would have.

"Shall we go find Irene?"

Joey nickered.

Taking it as an agreement from the horse Loki pressed his heels into his side. The beast beneath him broke off in record speed. Loki guiding it with the reigns as they both headed towards the shimmering Midgardian metropolis in the distance.

Granted the trip took much longer then what the God anticipated. Even under the guise of a mere mortal man, there was many strange looks sent his way as he traveled into the city. Everyone seemed to either walk on foot or ride in those odd metal monstrosities. With the looks he was receiving, he would have guessed that they never seen a man on a horse before. His scowls were enough to send them running in the end.

The Midgardian city of New York was very different then the Golden City back in Asgard. Much more repulsive and dirty, streets littered with poverty. Sick and homeless alike wandering the streets in droves, covered in dirty rags while the ones who obviously had money paid them no heed and simply marched passed them without batting an eye, not offering a sum of charity. The lack of hospitality and generosity was great.

It made him sick.

How could the king of this land allow such a thing to happen within his kingdom? Did he not care for the welfare of his people? Even Odin could be recognized for keeping Asgard prosperous.

Loki took great care in leading Joey through the crowds of people, staying far from both the people and the cars in the streets. He needed to find a place to keep for Joey, but he had not the faintest idea where the stables could be. The area he was in was dubbed Manhattan, he was sure he would find something eventually.

And as if the Norns heeded his prayers he saw a group of men on horses just a few blocks away.

By closer inspection all of them seemed to by wearing similar uniforms. Golden badges on their chest with the engravings of 'N.Y.P.D.' on it. But with guns holstered to their side he realized quickly that these people must be the guards of the city. When he came closer they all took notice of him.

"Hey! What the heck are you doing riding a damn horse in the middle of the city!?" One of them demanded. He was a shorter man, slightly round with a bushy mustache on his upper lips. Loki squinted his eyes at the short fat man, sizing him up for a moment before turning his attention to the others.

"Is it so odd?" He questioned "You are mounted on a steed yourself."

The fat one shared a glance with the others of his group.

"We are the mounted unit of the N.Y.P.D. so riding horses comes with the job." He explained.

Loki edged closer. Joey snorted at him as the other horses attempted to sniff at him curiously. But the feisty Thoroughbred nipped at them with his teeth, causing the others to jerk away a little. Loki pulled sharply on the reigns making the beast halt in its assault.

"Is there by any chance a stable around?"

"Only for the mounted police." The officers deadpanned.

The God gritted his teeth. Annoying fools. He doubted they would accept any gold due to 'the rules'. Lacking stables for the public was an utter nuisance. He couldn't keep the horse with him though, and he needed it close where Irene could find it. So, he chose to improvise.

"What if I gave you this horse? Free of charge." He inquired. Running his finger's along Joey's neck soothingly.

The officers gawked. "Wh-what?" the fat one stuttered. "Why would you give up your horse?"

Loki gestured around him with flourish. "As you can see, being within the city I have no means of taking care of a giant animal. Your force could use one more! Joey is a horse of fine breeding! Strong and swift, well suited for your needs I assure you!"

The officers seemed to huddle together, whispering among themselves. Oblivious that the God could hear them thanks to his superior hearing.

"It sounds a bit too good to be true." A scrawny mortal, with shaggy brown hair whispered.

"We can't just take it!" The fat one replied, sending Loki a suspicious glare.

The God gave him the most disarming smile he could muster.

It seemed to charm the female officer, a flush covering her cheeks when she shoved the fat man's shoulder.

"Well shit, Wess! Ajax died a month ago! We need a new one anyways, the boss would be happy that we get one for free!" she hissed.

The fat man rubbed his shoulder. "But Brit…"

"No buts!" she growled. Sitting up in her saddle, she patted down her hair in order to try and tame her wild red locks. Her blue eyes met him, and she batted them in a pitiful attempt to flirt with him.

It made the God inwardly wince.

"Do we have a deal?" He pressed. Wanting to leave as quickly as he could to seek out his mortal ally.

"Of course!" The woman all but squealed.

The men ducked their heads in embarrassment from how their female co-worker was acting. The fat officer, Wess, reached out his hands. "We'll take 'im from here." He grumbled.

Loki feigned gratitude as he dismounted the horse and gave the officer the reigns, hesitating for only a second. He was confident that he could take the steed back whenever he wished. For now they were simply a means to an end until he left this accursed city with the Mortal in tow.

"Thank you very much, good sir. I trust that he will be in good hands." Loki ran his hands once more fondly along Joey's silken fur.

"You can visit him anytime." The female officer offered, flashing him a haughty smile.

Loki sighed quietly in exasperation. "I would like that very much." He bowed his head and bid the officers a good night before scampering off. He managed to make if a few blocks away before turning into a dark secluded alleyway. Hiding away from the prying eyes of curious mortals as he called upon his magic to feel for the enchanted pendant that he hoped Irene still had.

His eyes fluttered close. Ignoring all and just simply sensing.

He felt the source of the pendant. Surprised by how far down underground it felt. It shouldn't be as shocking since S.H.I.E.L.D. seem to hide in the shadows like common pests. Content with knowing the location of the mortal girl he hunted for, he started on the task of trying to get below the ground. He murmured under his breath, the ancient language of sorcery spewing from his lips. Words dripping with strong power.

Suddenly from the alleyway, he appeared in a long white hallway without any sound.

With a spell of concealment he clasped his hands behind his back and started to leisurely stroll along. Eyeing all the different doors. He wasn't along for long when an agent, unaware of his presence at all, walked passed him. And Loki, always enjoying the opportunities to cause some mischief, snatched the I.D. badge from agent that had it carelessly hanging from their trouser pocket and replaced it with a fake that would later hex the man. As time continued to go on, the feeling in his chest started to get lighter the closer he got to Irene's position. Donning a disguise of the agent he passed, finally found a large white door. An odd machine stuck out of the wall next to the door handle. The tiny little light was red. Fumbling momentarily for the I.D. badge he stole, he examined it for a second and then awkwardly slid it into the machine after a few seconds. He waited patiently as the machine read his card and was relieved when the light turned green and the sounding click of a lock reached his ears.

Grasping the handle the God of Mischief pulled the door open slowly. Peering around it to only see darkness. Opening it widen he stepped inside and closed it silently behind him. His eyes becoming adjusted to the dark much more swiftly then a regular human. He could make out the furniture that littered the room and the giant queen size bed that was placed at the other far side. Tip toeing along, he saw that there was a small form huddled under the blankets on the bed.

Irene.

He could barely make out the top of her head poking out from under all the sheets. Finding himself at her bedside, he slowly sat down. The mattress dipping under his weight as he sat near the edge, not daring to get closer as the girl slumbered without a care in the world. And at last, the ache in his chest subsided altogether. It was a welcome relief. Loki shuffled uncomfortably for a moment, feeling slightly awkward about being in a woman's chambers and watching her whilst she slept. Not that he hasn't been in a room with a woman alone before. It was just usually they were doing something other than sleeping. And long after the tryst he would send them immediately on their way as soon as he was finished with them. He blinked when the mortal let out a soft snore before turning restlessly in her sleep. He pondered if he should wake her up. But it was late, who knows what would go on in the morrow if S.H.I.E.L.D. decided to force their company on her.

Kicking his feet up from the ground he placed them on the bed and leaned his back against the headboard.

He would wait until she decided to rise.

Sending one more look at the sleeping young woman, he summoned the crown of drying flowers, almost perfectly preserved thanks to his magic and studied them closely. He still found himself wondering what they meant.

He would need to find a book on 'floriography' during his stay here.

Curious indeed…

\oooo/

Gregory Hawkins sat in his office, his posture ramrod straight, hands clasped tightly together as his chin rested on them in thought. He blankly looked out at the bustling Canadian capital. Being back in Ottawa had its perks and disadvantages. He constantly worried about the bitch who ran, Irene taunting him and mocking him every single day that has passed since she ran away. From Labelle he always heard 'no, she hasn't come back' or 'nothing was taken' to prove that the girl has indeed not returned back to her home and was simply not camping out in any nearby establishments. He had sent a team of investigators to try and pick up the girl's trail. His team were once the best of the Canadian ops, and they were failing him cause they couldn't find one measly little girl. They found a trail leaving to Stanbridge East but from there it went cold.

And the news that Coulson of S.H.I.E.L.D. left the country was both alarming and highly convenient with its timing. So convenient it was hard trying not to be suspicious of the shady organization.

Labelle informed him that Coulson would head down to New Mexico for a secret project that S.H.I.E.L.D. was conducting. Could it be possible that the Agent Coulson could be the one responsible for aiding Irene, and taking her to safety. Anywhere outside of Canada was outside of his jurisdiction. He could not follow. If he were to send some troops after her it would be the makings of an entire political scandal that would be talked about for the next century! And the Americans would not be overly excited about the sudden intrusion across their borders. And they would not fully allow him to investigate S.H.I.E.L.D. even if he had the necessary documents. That one eye bastard Fury would never let him step within ten feet of their main hub. And appealing to the American Federal government would take to damn long.

Greg cupped his chin and leaned back in his chair, his forefinger rubbing along his upper lip in thought.

He needed a subtle approach.

He needed...

Him.

Spinning in his office chair, he faced his desk and reached for his phone. Picking it up, he skillfully punched in the number of the person he wished to contact. When it started to dial, he reached into his desk and got himself a fine Cuban cigar. Cutting off an end of it quickly he lit it up and brought the cigar to his mouth. Inhaling deeply at first, and finally exhaling. The smoke coming out from his nostrils and into the air.

"Benjamin Reinhardt." A gruff voice answered.

"Ben, its me...Greg." he said quickly.

"Well, I'll be damn! I haven't seen you since Irene's aria performance in London! Congratulations for her achievements, you must be very proud." Benjamin said excitedly, sounding much more friendlier now that he knew who exactly called.

Greg rolled his eyes, "Very." He snapped, loosing his patience. "But that isn't what I called for." He got straight to the point, his voice grim. "I need you to get me into contact with him privately."

The other end grew silent for a moment. So silent, Greg was beginning to worry that he lost connection but he heard some ruffling on the other side. As if Benjamin was growing uncomfortable with where this conversation was heading.

"Him? Are you insane? People can't even last in the room for five minutes with this guy without wanting to blow their own brains out! And if you don't do it then he just might do it for you!" Benjamin exclaimed, sounding concern. "That man is just not stable at all."

"He's not." Greg conceded. "But he's the only man for the job I have for him. He works outside the government, he freelances, they won't be able to track him back to me if something were to go down."

"If you're sure...?" Benjamin's statement trailed off sounding more like a question.

"Of course I am, now if you kindly make us a time schedule for us to meet then that would be fantastic. Whenever he is available at his earliest continence. I will compensate you for your troubles as well." Greg added, a little bribery can take one a long ways to get what they want.

"Fine." Ben agreed, a bit reluctantly.

A wolfish grin bloomed on Greg's face, eyes twinkling in dark delight. "Good," he nodded his head "I must return to my work. Thank you for assisting me."

"Anytime, just don't come crying to me later if the man hack off one of your limbs or something."

He hung up.

Now all he had to do was wait.

Shortest chapter I know, and I'm sorry! This was more centered around Irene and Loki today so there was no Coulson or Stark or Fury! But oh man, Irene is either going to be very happy Loki showed up or she's going to be upset that he took so long. But she just might end up being sick...I'll let you guys stew over that. I kept this one short because I wanted to get something out, and I wanted some time to finish some school essays that needed to get done. I am having quite the time trying to find a nice balance for this and school.

They certainly don't make it easy at all.

I am sure you fellow students out there know my pain. So yes, Loki gave up Joey. But it's not like he can't get him back. Loki is the god of mischief I'm sure he could steal a horse from the N.Y.P.D. if he really wanted to xD.