Hello everyone! Welcome back to another chapter for Fallen from Grace by your's truly! Very happy to get another chapter done and I thank all those who show their support for my story you guys have been awesome. Been busy, it is now near the final stretch of the semester for school and things will just get more busy with tests and essays for the next few weeks. And Age of Ultron kicked ass! It was sooooooooooo epic I loved it though some things were rather questionable but then again it's a hollywood movie so I kinda have to have some sort of love-hate thing going on but nevertheless it was a good movie.
Marvel hasn't disappointed me yet! They got all sorts of cool movies coming up such as Ant-man, Thor: Ragnarok, Captain America: Civil war...god it's going to be so epic! I can't wait to get some of that Dr. Strange goodiness! *insert fangirl squeal for .5 seconds*
*coughs and casually brushes hair back and fixes clothing looking calm*
So many thanks to:
moonsword17: so glad for your continued support, don't know how I'd live without you! I hope to see your reviews and your inputs in the future.
AkeraWritherofTheNight: I know you expected more mischief but I had a sudden change of heart and there wasn't time between updating as I originally planned and school but I do have things set up that's going to happen in the near future.
ForeverKneelingForLoki: I still think you got the best username ever, makes me giggle/smile every time I see it. So glad that you love the story thus far and look forward to future reviews/opinions in the future as well.
YJnightwing: Thank you so much for your reviews I'm so happy to learn that you love Irene as a character and that you like Loki thus far! I hope that you continue to enjoy my story as well and I look forward to any future reviews from you!
FangMichealisS2: Thank you so much for your review I really appriciate it!
Madlenita: Thank you for your many reviews I am so happy you like this story!
So, Thank you all again and enjoy!
Chapter 17: Everything Disney.
Things had seemed to settle down.
At least for Irene Hawkins...well, more like Irene Adler; the intern for Stark Industries. Since being brought to the tower, hours turned into days and days turned into weeks until nearly a month and a half had passed by. She guessed that's where the expression 'how time flies' came into effect. Gradually she had fallen into a routine since her night with Loki and his discovery of Floriography. Every morning she woke up at exactly a half hour past seven, she took her shower, brushed her teeth, dressed, and went to eat breakfast with either Tony or Pepper if they were not busy or off somewhere else in the world because 'duty called'. After the hearty morning meal (sometimes accompanied by Loki), she would begin her morning lessons with her teachers. At first it was too easy, Tony gradually shifting through lecturers and professors to try and get a feel of how much she already knew based on her current knowledge.
As expected she excelled in the arts, history, literature, and other basic things with her weakest being mathematics and science. It was a bonus plus for Tony when he discovered her bilingual skills, prevailing in both French and English. But, the man desired to try and have her cover multiple fields along with the mathematics such as physics, chemistry, computer science, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering. Some in which Tony only trusted himself to teach because everyone else, aside from a select few, were idiots. Tony saying something along the lines of "If idiots could fly, the sky would be like an airport."
The days Loki joined in on her lessons were always less boring, sometimes he would play tricks on those who were dull or carried out on one subject longer than what he deemed necessary. Once he had set her chemistry teacher's hair on fire and did not express any amount of remorse after she had scolded him in the privacy of her room.
After her morning lessons she would have an hour lunch, spending her time with Loki if he was still around. Since coming to New York, Irene found that they had landed themselves into a comfortable friendship. He would share some things with her, vaguely telling her about some of his memories from Asgard. He was cautious to never go into detail and he never spoke of any family. Irene figured it was just as much of a sore topic for him as it was for her. Speaking of family there was no news of her father at all, she felt immensely appeased by this. Her fear dwindling as the days rolled by. Irene was also thrilled that the condition of her health had improved, it was like she was never sick to begin with! She revered Asgardian medicine, always making sure to thank Loki when he offered her tonics that he had brewed himself. Wishing to return the favor, Irene would sit out and play on Stradivarius for him on the Party Deck, both of them just simply enjoying the music and the warm New York breeze. Secretly she had also began to work on a new composition, not the one Tony had asked of her, but for the Trickster God who has been her friend. She worked on it during the late hours of the night, long after she had said her 'good nights' to Loki.
So, continuing with her schedule after her lunch breath she would head straight back into even more lessons. She tried her hardest, wanting to achieve not only for herself but for Loki who had been her close companion and for Tony and Pepper for giving her this chance. She proved to be an assiduous student, given praise often from her mentors with the exception of Tony who proved to be the most difficult to please.
Though Tony wouldn't say anything to her, Pepper would always be right behind, giving her words of encouragement when things seemed bleak.
At times she would get rewarded, or even receive presents from the couple. Loki had detested it, he made a snide comment that they rewarded her like one would do with an animal for performing a trick. It touched Irene slightly that the Norse God had cared enough for her to take offense on her behalf even if she was a 'lowly mortal', Loki still did not show much care for the Human race and she suspected that he wouldn't anytime soon regardless of what she might say or do to prove him otherwise.
Tony had given her a cell phone, the little black rectangle that she had seen him use multiple times, he had given her one similar to his. Numbers were already placed into it for her so with just a few taps she could either call him, Pepper, Happy, and even Agent Coulson if something were to ever happen. But since she couldn't talk, he taught her how to text, she found it to be the best form of communication on the planet. To this day she sent daily texts to Coulson as much as her heart desired, wishing to keep in touch with the man who had brought her to this wondrous city. Some days he would text back, other days he wouldn't, probably he was to busy doing things for Fury but he never failed to answer her back eventually. He had visited her once during her time at Stark Tower, to wish her good bye before being sent out to New Mexico. For what, she would never know. Even when she asked, Coulson had only given her that smile and said: "That's a secret."
Pepper gave her canvases and paint. Lots of it.
She had asked for it, having her weekends free along with her evenings after her noon lessons. Unintentionally she had turned one of Tony's rooms into her little art studio. At first he wasn't to happy about her taking up one 'his' rooms, not wanting a place to look like a Kindergarten art class. With pride, she managed to make him eat his own words by producing a masterpiece she had made. A portrait of Tony Stark himself, looking rather fancy in a suit with a devilish smirk on his lips and teasing brown eyes. Instantly he was enthralled by it, saying that she could keep the room if she would give him the picture. And thus they traded, the painting was mounted somewhere where everyone could see it. Loki had not been there to witness such an event, she was positive he would have enjoyed seeing Tony be wrong about something. And even he was ignorant of her art skills. When she painted, Loki was off visiting Dr. Foster to help her with her work without giving himself away.
Just like today, he was off to go see Jane Foster to go check on the progress of her device.
Lightly, Irene dipped her brush in paint. And with a steady hand she applied color to the canvas, here eyes focusing intently on the painting set before her.
"You know, your range of skills is just ridiculous." Tony's voice chimed. Irene's lips formed into a halfhearted smile, she shot her billionaire friend and mentor a look. He was perched up on a stool, his eyes roaming from her painting to a tablet he held in his hands. Today was Saturday so she didn't have any lessons, and he decided to just miss out on work so he could work on something else. Out of boredom he had come to join her in her little art studio. Today he had worn a black shirt, AC/DC was scribbled onto it and he wore loose fitting jeans and some sneakers. It was nice to see him casual. She had also opted to be casual, with her navy polka dotted sundress that went down a little past her knees. She wore white stockings beneath and wore little black shiny leather shoes. Her hair was pulled back into a high ponytail by Pepper this morning, the red head woman had used a similar styled ribbon to match her dress as her hair tie.
"Oh! Don't give me that look!" He chastised, "You know exactly what I mean! Is there anything you can't do? You compose, you play the violin like a beast, you-" As he was ranting away, he used his fingers to count as he named things off "-are very good at painting, and now you are showing improvement on different fields of engineering and physics. You are so..."
His hand moved in a circular motion in the air as he thought of a word to describe her.
"Versatile." He settled.
Exchanging her brush for her SGD she typed her response quickly. "I do not think much on it, but I shall take it as a compliment Mr. Stark. There are many things that I cannot do or that I do not have any knowledge of," Her eyes sparkled humorously "I am only human, obtaining all the knowledge of the world in one lifetime is impossible."
"You sure as hell can try though." He hastily added under his breath to call him 'Tony'.
"Perhaps." She conceded. "We have a hunger of the mind which asks for knowledge of all around us, and the more we gain, the more is our desire; the more we see, the more we are capable of seeing." Her eyes glazed over, as if she was suddenly far away and no longer in the room. "You are a very gifted man, you make such wonderful things with the use of your mind. It is much a blessing that anyone could hope to have. I was born with music inside me. Music was one of my parts. Like my ribs, my kidneys, my liver, my heart. Like my blood. It was a force already within me when I arrived in this world. It was a necessity for me - like food or water. I believe, that everyone here has something to offer on this Earth, you have your machines and technology and I have my music and maybe even my art." Irene's lips tilted up into a rather amused smile. "In that aspect, I don't think we are much different from one another Tony."
Her friend sat there in silence, contemplating her words. He gave her a half-heartened glare. "I may have to add possible philosopher on the list."
She rolled her eyes at him, "You flatter me, but I am no Socrates!" She flicked some paint over in his direction making the man jump out of his seat.
"Whoa! No ruining the AC/DC shirt!" he glanced himself over with a frown making sure his top wasn't ruined.
Irene huffed, entertained by the over-sized man child. Their attention was snatched when a familiar ginger popped her head in, a warm smile on her face.
"Hey, not interrupting am I?" Pepper greeted.
Irene's eyes brightened and she beckoned the older woman in. Tony gave a toothy grin "Pepper! Done with the meeting already? That didn't last long!" He quickly reclaimed his seat on the stool.
Pepper's slim brows rose slightly, "It's been three hours since the meeting started."
Tony blinked, "Whoa, I've been in here watching you paint the whole time?" He turned to Irene for a confirmation and the girl simply nodded her head. He ran his hand through his messy dark locks looking exasperated "Well crap, I could have put more time into my suit prototype for the Mark VII...now I gotta go get ready for another boring meeting with the news press."
Pepper patted the billionaire's arm sympathetically, "Just a few questions here and there Tony, the routine never changes and they want to know our progress on the Tower."
"It's not finished." He grunted.
Pepper shook her head disapprovingly at the man's behavior. Her blue eyes flashed over to the canvas, eyes curious. She moved over from Tony's side over to Irene's in an instant taking in the highly detailed illustration. "Wow." She breathed, looking rather impressed. She was always very impressed with this girl's unending amounts of talents in the field of Art.
She pointed to it with one hand, the other resting on her hip. "Have you ever considered selling your paintings? You'd make some serious money off of it, you're like a..." She paused for a moment, considering her words and finally settled on. "...modern Renaissance woman or something, like a Leonardo da Vinci in the female form its crazy!"
"No!" Tony shouted his eyes wide, "She's under cover Pep! Incognito! Leonardo da Vinci was famous, if she submitted art or anything and she did manage to become a hit 'modern Renaissance artist' it would bring to much attention to her! Something S.H.I.E.L.D. wouldn't be to happy about."
Pepper's shoulders slumped, "Oh...I forgot about that, do you really think he's still looking?" She wondered aloud, referring to Irene's crazed father in the North.
"I would bet on it." Tony's expression turn somewhat dark, "I hate it when people try to take my things, better yet if they try to take my investments that happens to also be a friend."
Irene felt slightly warmer from her friend's admission of regarding her as a friend. Since being taken under his wing they had grown quite close, same with Pepper. She adored all her friends, her best and closest to her heart was Loki. Her brown eyes shimmered at her two companions.
"Do not worry, you have been watching out for me for nearly two months I cannot express how grateful I am to you and S.H.I.E.L.D."
Pepper placed a dainty hand on her shoulder, "Oh! Don't thank us! I'm happy that we could help you, and even more happy to meet you!" Irene puffed when the ginger pinched her check lightly. "You're just so adorable with your little dresses and that bubbly personality."
Irene swatted her hand away with a playful scowl, a light blush on her pale cheeks.
Tony rolled his eyes at them and stood up, "Anyways, I'll see you guys later around dinner time. I got press to deal with, girls to shamelessly flirt around, and money to flaunt."
Pepper looked completely unimpressed, "The second one isn't true." She pointed out.
The Billionaire flashed her that roguish look, he sauntered over to the tall red hair woman leaning forward with a leer on his face. "Can I borrow a kiss? I promise I'll give it back." He stated smoothly. Irene tilted her head to the side, her brows furrowing in confusion. Is he talking about a Hersey's kiss? How can you borrow one and give it back? Aren't you suppose to eat them? She wondered. Pepper's answer was to shove her hand in face and push him away. Tony barked out in laughter and moved back as the woman scolded him for using those 'horrible cheesy pickup lines that never work'.
"Have a good day guys, and stay out of trouble kiddo!" Tony pointed his finger at Irene in warning, though with the playful glint in his eyes meant he wasn't as serious made the young girl nod her head and smile. The billionaire closed the door behind him on his way out, leaving just the two girls together in each other's company.
Pepper took over Tony's stool, her lean legs crossing out of habit. "So what are you painting?"
"My garden." The SGD's voice replied for her. "I miss it terribly, I wonder how its fairing without me...I use to spend hours at a time there to trim and pull the weeds and water them if I wasn't composing my music."
"Wow." Pepper hummed, she leaned closer to the painting. "The detail just seems so realistic its like I'm looking at a photo. You are surely a bit late for the Renaissance period, you would had been very popular and have plenty of Patrons who would wish to commission art from you."
"I am happy I was born when I was, if I was born then I wouldn't have met anyone here." The mere mention of not meeting those she knew now bothered her, Irene worried at her lower lip. She didn't regret anything that has happen over the past month and a half. If it wasn't for Loki, who she had now known for just a little over two months herself, she would have never left her home and be still working for her father without knowing the truth of why she was kept there all along. The truth still stung though, in some ways she still loved her father. Everyone should love their parents right?
"I guess you're right." Pepper agreed, "So how did you learn to paint?"
Irene shrugged her shoulders, "Books on painting...I had a section in my Library back home, I asked for canvases and paints from father and he gave them to me if I showed promise. After some practices, my skills got better over time but I compose music more than I ever paint." Suddenly she looked like she was experience memories of fonder days. "Most of my education came from books after I learned how to read, I had caretakers when I was younger but they had all left when I was old enough to fend for myself. It wasn't a very long time, I had shown promise with music and father was very pleased at the time to know that I had such a gift." She suddenly turned sad, her eyes lowering to the ground. She seemed upset, but not overly so. "My very first composition was for my father, I wanted his praise or to even acknowledge me even once, to tell me that he was proud of me. But he never did, so I went onto other things. Music, painting, gardening, writing...but it seemed like it was all pointless in the end. He just...couldn't let go."
Pepper was silent, though she didn't seem to understand about what exactly her father couldn't 'let go' of. Irene wouldn't want to bring about the sore topic of her mother. And of course the slightly older woman seemed uncomfortable with what she felt like to be 'forbidden territory'.
"So...I have some free time. Want to watch a movie?" She offered weakly.
"A movie?" Irene sat up straighter, she had watched a few films and she had a liking for it. She watched some film adaptations of her favorite books, some she was pleased with and some she was mildly disappointed about but she had yet to ever say no to a movie. So she nodded her head happily, she gathered her supplies and placing them in their proper places and cleaned out her palette from any left over paint and washed her brushes with great care.
She ran out the door dragging Pepper after her.
\oooo/
Pepper was going through the large collection of Tony's movies trying to find something decent to watch. Irene was waiting patiently as the woman sorted through them, sipping from glass of sweet ice tea.
"Is there anything you wanna watch?" Pepper looked over her shoulder at the young woman. Irene only shrugged her shoulders, her lips turning down somewhat in a frown. Pepper rolled her eyes, "Well we got things from romance, action, um...we have a few Disney movies." She held up a few of them for Irene to see. The younger woman blinked a few times. Placing her ice tea on the glass coffee table she made her way over to the red head and grasped one of the to 'Disney' movies to inspect it closer. There was a few of them, some of them made from classic fairy-tales. Slowly she scanned the titles and set them aside.
"Did you ever watch a Disney movie before?" Pepper picked up a few more of Disney films.
Irene shook her head.
Pepper gasped, looking affronted "What!? Who ever in their life have not seen a Disney movie!? That would shock even Tony!"
Irene shrank back from Pepper's look, eyes wide. Was it really that bad that she had never seen a Disney movie in her entire life? Before she could even register what happened the crazed red head dragged her back onto the couch, ranting about how unacceptable this was and that they needed her to get 'up-to-date' with every single Walt Disney movie ever made. And from what she could see now, there was a lot. Pepper showed her a few already, holding each one she named in her hands talking in rapid succession. "This is the little mermaid, its awesome. Then we have Aladdin, you would really love the Genie he's played by a guy named Robin Williams. Oh! The Hunchback of Notre Dame now that is a classic!" She set those down and grabbed two more. "We also got the Lion King, did you know that you can see it on Broadway here in New York? Remind me to buy us some tickets its really fantastic. And we got a really old one; Sleeping Beauty." Pepper had to pause after running out of breath, finally coming down to a stop she beamed up at the younger woman. "Which do you want to start with?"
Irene shakily raised her hand and pointed at Sleeping Beauty.
"Good choice." Pepper hummed happily. She waltzed over to the DVD player and opened it up, popping the CD in it and turned on the TV. "Hold on a sec before the movie starts let me go pop some popcorn." Before Irene could even say anything Pepper had already left the room.
Oh boy...
Irene looked on after the woman fondly. She didn't know what she would do without Pepper around, it was so nice to be around another woman. Not like she had anything against Loki or Tony...but having a female companion was...
Nice.
"You mortals have a saying...what was it? Ah, yes! Penny for your thoughts?"
Ack!
Irene flinched violently and reeled when a presence made itself known next to her on the couch. Soft laughter reached her ears and she glared openly at the once empty spot that now became occupied by the God of Mischief himself. Loki wore a confident smile, innocent looking almost, but she wasn't going to fall for it this time like she always does. He seemingly enthroned himself on the corner, his long legs crossed in a relaxed manner and a arm draped over the back of the couch. His green eyes had that gleam of deviltry.
Loki! She sighed angrily.
The Asgardian prince snickered, "Do not be angered so! I did nothing wrong at all, I just merely asked you a question 'tis all."
One of these days I will just die from a heart attack if you keep surprising me like that. She responded bitterly. Her lower lip stuck out more in a pout, why did he always have to scare her to the point it felt like her heart was about to burst out of her chest?
The prince's brows pinched together and his lips pursed, "I never heard of a mortal dying from something so simple."
Its all fun and games until someone decides they want retribution and prank you back, Loki. She could think of a few people already who would possibly try and get back at the God, unfortunately when she tried to set up a trap once for the prince it had ended in complete failure and further humiliation for her. He was was shockingly pleased by her efforts and stating that the next time she tried to trick 'The God of Mischief' that she would have to make a harder attempt if she wished to succeed. He had nagged her that he had centuries to perfect his trade, mischief and lying, Loki always seemed happy to boast to her about his skills and his titles that he received over the ages, for some other titles he would only just frown and get a glazed look in his eyes as if he was far gone from Earth. Sly One, Lie-Smith, Silvertongue, Trickster, Sly-God, Shape-Changer, Sky Traveler and Sky Walker...her head hurt just by remembering those, she was a tad curious if Loki could in fact fly or something like that like one of his titles suggested but now wasn't the time to dwell on it.
Loki's response was look of challenge and a toothy smile, one slim dark brow cocked up "If one wishes to challenge me in a game of frivolity then I shall welcome it, no one has bested me yet! If the Gods on Asgard couldn't keep up with me than I doubt mortals can!"
I would like to prove you wrong. She said absently, she really didn't believe that her own race was that bad. Humanity as a species are well adaptable and very...stubborn? Determined? It seemed like the right words because Tony, Pepper, Happy, James, Phil, and Fury seemed to be stubborn and determined people. Thanks to them she had found a form of confidence within herself that she thought she would never have, and though Loki may not be human he shared similar personality traits of one. She liked picturing the Asgardians being not to different from Humans, Loki was her proof for that with the exception of very old mannerisms that one could find in Northern Medieval Europe.
"That I would love to see."
They nodded their head at each other in mutual agreement. Their conversation was cut short when a pleasant aroma hit their nose, they looked over at the doorway and saw Pepper return. In her hands was a giant bowl of popcorn for them to share and right on her heels was Shepard, the lovable pup had grew a few inches taller since Irene had moved here and he was still very much happy. As soon as the pup spotted her beside Loki on the couch the pup trotted up to them, his tail wagging in greeting before laying down by their feet. The dog rested his head on his paws and huffed in content.
"So ready to get addicted to Disney? This is going to be awesome." Pepper chirped as she plopped herself down on the opposite side of Irene.
Reaching for the remote she hit play on the movie screen and sat back, she grabbed a few pieces of popcorn and popped it into her mouth. She skipped through what she called the trailers and made some hushing noises as the movie began to play. Irene's brows furrowed as a chorus of people began to sing, her head tilted to the side as she listened to the music. At first it was light and playful and then powerful until there was a book presented to them on screen. It was cold and covered in jewels but the inscription: Sleeping Beauty, was there in bold letters. The book opened and inside they showed an illustrated drawing of a castle overlooking it's vast land.
"In a far away land long ago lived a King and his fair Queen.
Many years they had longed for a child and finally their wish was granted.
A daughter was born. And they called her Aurora. Yes they named her after the Dawn
for she filled their lives with sunshine. Then a holiday was proclaimed throughout the Kingdom so that
High or Low Estate might pay homage to the infant princess. And our story begins on that most joyful day."
Irene paid rabid attention to the narrator, her eyes remained glued to the screen as she snatched some popcorn for herself and ate it slowly.
\oooo/
Everything in this movie was completely nonsensical.
Surely no one could fall in love at first sight with a strange girl in the woods who just so conveniently happened to be their betrothed. And no one would simply place a queer curse on an infant for simply not being invited to a party of all things! An no rulers would simply pledge their children to each other because they were good friends, most did it for political gain to ensure more power and ensuring alliances. Loki disliked the three good fairies; to him it was very much similar to Faeries that just happen to be one of the species of Light Elves in Alfheim. Except for the fact that they do not have sticks to cast their magic from, and they don't seem to obsess over a color as ridiculous as pink or blue. There were many things in the movie he questioned but every time he went to make a comment about it Irene would discreetly tap his arm before sneaking him some of that Midgardian popcorn to insure his silence.
He obliged her in the end, merely observing her reactions to the scenes played out in the screen. A gasp when the villain appeared, her cheeks flushed in giddiness when the prince found the girl, the sadness of the girl pricking her finger (on a spinning wheel of all things), another gasp when the evil sorceress turned into a dragon (a rather impressive looking dragon he had to admit), a blush when the prince woke the princess with a kiss, and a look of recognition at the end of the movie.
And during that time he found it very difficult to ignore the girl next to him. Because...
She was pressed right into his side.
He didn't move, he couldn't hardly breathe and his face was the facade of serene calm. No female had dared to ever get cozy beside him, the mortal's warmth was familiar and somewhat strange. He can familiarize himself with the warmth of a woman pressed against him, but the strangeness that the female currently pressed to his side had no motive behind her actions. It was a completely innocent thing. She knew his title of Prince, or maybe King of Asgard (he wasn't sure what title she associated him with), he had power and wealth and she didn't seem to care.
Being on this hellish planet gave him time to see how mortals interact with each other. They were truly selfish creatures, these Midgardian beasts. They were primitive and mundane, he can sort of understand why Asgard would hardly ever have a interest in this planet. They had questionable ideology and customs, so many of their species were different and spoke many languages. There was some things he could see that was somewhat similar to the Aesir, their love of war. Dying in battle was another thing entirely, many were cowards who whimpered like newborn babes crying for their mothers when they were frightened of something. With the use of his magic he could project his mind anywhere around Midgard, lately, trying to understand what had made Thor love these humans so much. He could not find anything, not even in that woman Jane Foster and her companions.
Irene was a different story. He had a hard time trying to describe what she was, or under what category to place her in. She was human obviously, a unfortunate flaw. But they were kindred spirits who had been used for the majority of their lives, Irene by her father, and himself by a man who he had believed was his father. Though he may dislike her race Loki decided that she was tolerable and even likable. Irene seemed to be a delicate and gentle lady, who would never even think about hurting another living being. She was a gentle soul, who does care for the well-being of others before her own and would often gladly help out if she can. She was certainly stubborn and determined, highly intelligent, a fast-learner and great observer. Qualities that made it fun to have a game of wits with the shockingly feisty female. Irene had the most kind and understanding soul in all of Yggdrasil. And that's what slightly worried him most.
Staying for as long as he has on Midgard had been strenuous decision. Not that his body was tired, it was his mind. He felt much much older than he was. When he was alone he would suffer the recent memories of his last days in Asgard. His rage would return with righteous vengeance that sent him into descending spouts of madness, he would destroy things away from prying human eyes as he looked for a release to vent his frustration on. But when he was with Irene, she managed to make him feel more tranquil and she seemed to know what to do to improve his mood. She would make him sweets or play Stradivarius for him that would lull him into a deep state of mind that was filled with nothing but peace. The irony that she was like a maiden from tales who calms a savage beast with the power of her music.
Irene passed him more of the popcorn, slowly he raised it to his lips and chewed on his snack thoughtfully.
"What did you think of the movie?" Miss. Potts questioned, she shuffled to her feet and went to take out the disk from the DVD player.
Irene snatched up her SGD "It was lovely, I had no idea how much of Tchaikovsky's works influenced the movie." she gushed. Loki's brows shot up at her sudden enthusiasm.
"Tchaikovsky?" He and Pepper echoed.
Irene moved away from his side (he ignored how he sort of missed the sudden heat next to him) and shook her head, her brows pinched together. "That will not do! J.A.R.V.I.S. can you do something for me?"
"Of course Miss. Adler, how may I assist?" The disembodied voice replied. Loki glanced around him, he never figured out how one such as Stark could achieve making this 'J.A.R.V.I.S.' grudgingly he respected such a sophisticated invention that proved to be very useful.
"Can you play Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty Waltz?"
"Just a moment." The synthetic voice requested kindly. And in a few moments music resounded around the entire apartment. Irene squealed like a happy child, bouncing on her feet in excitement from the sound...it was nearly endearing.
"Wow." Pepper blinked once, twice. And then she smiled. "It really does sound so similar to the movie that's great, was it rea- whoa!" Pepper didn't have a chance to finish off her sentence when she was swiped away by the excited younger woman who started to twirl her around the room in some form of dance. At first it was clumsy but until the redhead had managed to catch up with what was going on she joined in on the fun. Both the women waltzing around. Loki sat back watching the two of them. Potts sure seemed more refined than Irene was, but she wasn't to bad either. But soon Pepper stopped them into a halt, laughing and gasping for breath. "Its been so long since I danced!" She brushed her hair away from her face, her eyes sparkling merrily. "Let me get some drinks, we can watch the Lion King next!" The woman darted out of the room leaving them alone once more.
But it did not damper Irene's good mood as she started to twirl by herself around the living room as the music continued to play out.
The prince watched on, the corners of his lips twitching as he fought of a smile when she would stumble over her feet and quickly right herself as she danced with her imaginary partner. On the fourth stumble he couldn't help but think that she was a hopeless case.
"Mother! Why do we have to dance? It's boring!" Young Thor's voice cried out in the back of his mind.
"It is a proper thing for a Prince to do, a lone girl by the wall with no one to accompany her is considered inappropriate. As the sons of Odin, you and Loki should make everyone apart of Odin's court feel welcomed. And you never know, you may meet a future Queen after many dances."
"Could you really find love from a dance, Mother?" Loki's younger voice asked.
"Of course! Tis how your father and I met! It seems so long ago now..."
"Ugh! We don't wish to hear this story again!" Young Thor blanched.
With the shake of his head Loki banished the memory to the far corner of his mind. In need of a good distraction, with skilled and well practiced swiftness, he wrapped an arm around the young mortal's waist and pulled her close. His hand snatching one of her own and bringing it close to his chest, flashing a mischievous grin.
"I am sorry to intrude, my lady." He purred, staring down at her through half-lidded eyes. He enjoyed how her cheeks flared up into that rosy red color, "I noticed you didn't have a dance partner, so I thought I may give my services freely but please do refrain from stepping on my toes. These boots are rather expensive and you can't find them easily on Midgard."
The blush on her face died down instantly, eyes narrowed, she huffed and slapped his shoulder halfheartedly. His reaction was to laugh, and it made him feel so much lighter. Holding her more securely he spun her around the room, his laughter being the only one to ring out though she seemed to have been laughing to. It struck him with a sudden realization that he would never hear her laughter. The thought saddened him. But her smile made up for the voice she had lost.
The song came to a extravagant end, both of them halting and grinning madly at the other.
"Stunning solo performance, Irene. It's almost like you are dancing with an actual person for a second." Pepper whisked back into the room, her hands full with a few cans of soda missing the young woman's nervous expression. "I hope you like Pepsi? Not the most healthiest drink, but just this once we can enjoy some together."
Irene lowered her hands from Loki, the God rolling his eyes due to the interruption.
"You ready to watch some more Disney films? Lion King is up next." The ginger hummed, placing the cans of Pepsi on the coffee table and was quick to change the movie disks. Reclaiming his spot on the sofa he leaned his head back, his arm draped once more over the back. He felt strangely happy when his mortal returned to to curl up at his side once more. She picked up one of the cans of Pepsi and examined it closely, pink petal lips parting as her eyes scanning over words imprinted on it's cold blue surface. She flinched when it made a loud noise when she opened it and tentatively took a sip, her face melted into one of astonishment and suddenly the can was just inches away from his face. Loki peered down at it from his elegant pointed nose, brows pinching together. His eyes focusing on the place where her lips touched.
"I am not drinking that." Gently he pushed the offered can away from him, though felt touched nevertheless that she offered to share.
Her nose wrinkled just a little until she settled herself once more, sipping from the can in a 'suit yourself' kind of way. Pepper returned to them, remote in her hand as she claimed her own Pepsi. She pressed the button with the symbol of an arrowhead and at her command the movie started to play.
"You're going to really enjoy this, I promise."
Though she didn't know of his presence there at all, Loki doubted he would like such a movie. But as it played, he found himself liking it.
The Lion King was a good 'movie'.
Irene agreed.
\oooo/
They watched a total of nearly ten movies.
Irene stretched her arms above her head, hearing a satisfying 'pop' from her back as tension left her spine. This earned her the snickering of the Norse God who had made himself at home on the stool at her vanity table. She was so glad he had stayed for the majority of the day, and sat through all the movies. Regardless of his annoying chit chat with offhand comments about the movies and characters. Pepper had left her ten minutes ago, promising to sometime bring her to a Disney Store that happened to be at Times Square. During the middle of their eighth movie Tony had returned home, called them a bunch of kids even though he joined in for some 'snuggle time' with Pepper on the couch.
And he gave her the most greatest news anyone could ever give.
She could start going outside for walks with at least one escort as of tomorrow.
Nearly skipping over to her God friend she reached around him and plucked her brush up from the vanity's surface and started run it through her hair, smoothing it out and taking out the knots.
"You seem overly excited." Loki took the brush from her grip and settled her between his legs, taking it upon himself to brush her hair for her. Something he recently started doing, not that she minded. She enjoyed the way the tips of his fingers brushed her scalp as she bobbed her head with the utmost enthusiasm.
I can go outside, who wouldn't be bursting with such energy? Getting out of the tower and having a change of scenery would be so lovely.
She leaned her head back to look at him. Loki hovered over her, frowning just a little. "Are you sure that is wise? There is still the problem of your father lurking about." he reminded. He exchanged the brush in favor of his fingers, allow them to glide effortlessly through her silky locks.
I will not be alone. She reached over her shoulder and patted his knee reassuringly. Will you come with me tomorrow?
Her hopes were dashed when he shook his head, lips slightly pursed and looking troubled. "I regret that I cannot, Foster is on the verge of more progress. To make such a step, she would need a push in the right direction so I must be there so that nothing goes wrong that could cause a setback to our plans."
Your plans. She corrected glumly, Jane is all the way in New Mexico and I am here, I can't be very useful to you at all...I make a horrible partner, I'm sorry.
"Do not fret so much, you do wonders, such as taking my mind off of dark thoughts and playing your Stradivarius." He shot her a stern glare, daring her to say anything otherwise. She wisely did not protest and thus he continued playing with her hair. "When I have the time, I will go with you."
She took it as a promise, so standing up she patted down her fine nightgown. She flashed him a winning smile before heading off to her bed. Pulling back the sheets she crawled in and peered at the God still sitting on the stool.
Good night, Loki.
"Good night, Irene." Like every night he stood and left her room.
She waited for a good solid ten minutes until she was sure he wasn't coming back and kicked off the sheets from her body. Scrambling off the bed she went to the nearby dresser and yanked open one of the covers, shuffling through her clothes she found her secret stacks of paper and pens and pulled them out with a toothy grin. Gathering her supplies she returned to the bed, sitting cross-legged as she filed the used papers neatly. Upon each was delicately written scores of music, notes littering the pages. One of her best works yet! And her most heartfelt gift for Loki.
She fondly ran her hand over the title of her new work written by her hand.
Waltz of the Mischief Prince.
Not the best title out there, but it fitted perfectly. Even more so after their little dance today. She longed to dance with him again, finding their first to be to short but remotely fun. She would never hold it against Pepper for interrupting such a moment, but she wished that it would have never ended.
So, taking a pen into her steady hand. She began to continue her late night work, praying that it would be finished before Jane Foster's work was completed. Before Loki found a way back to Asgard, she wanted him to hear it before he left. She paused mid-stroke, eyes glassed over as she stared blankly at the paper. She did not want him to leave. She feared about the fateful day that was slowly approaching, Loki had predicted a year for Jane's work to be completed. Less than a year by now...
The though of him gone forever made her chest hurt so badly, like something grabbed a hold on her heart and squeezed mercilessly.
She inhaled, and then exhaled slowly. She shouldn't think of such things...for now she will enjoy what time she had left with him. He would always be her dear friend, he didn't belong on Earth anyways. Irene scribbled a few notes down, her lips forming a bittersweet smile.
Unlike all Disney movies, real life didn't have such happily ever afters.
Alright I think I'm just gonna stop right there. Man...sorry for the late update guys not only did I have finals but even after finals and the end of the semester just a bunch of things just kept popping up like annoying daisies. I was bout ready to go insane with thinking about the story and the events happening in life but here is a chapter I was able to whip out as fast as possible. Probably not my best but it's something!
So I will keep this short since I gotta run off again. Thank you so much, those to support my story and I can't wait to start working on the next chapter as soon as possible!
Love, review and tell me how much you hate me for updating late xD
With much adoration and love,
Shizu