As the sun rose up higher in the sky, Drake stood and made his way back over to his sleeping bag. He laid down on it, pretending to have been there all evening, and rolled over to face Kitania. "Kitania, wake up. It's morning. We should leave before the Avrils get here. They'll want to run more tests on us."
Kitania groaned at the familiar voice and pressed a palm to her forehead. She'd sat up all night, even after she had fallen asleep. The morning sunlight felt comforting, but she didn't want to get up. Or did she?
She sat bolt upright and blinked until her eyes were wide open. "You promised me sugar. And a piano. There's this great little shop downtown, and they probably just got the new Bechstein." She stood up, more than excited to get going. Only music could get her to babble like she just had. It was a weakness.
Drake chuckled softly. "Sugar and music it is." He stood, stretched, and made the sleeping bags disappear. "Ya know, now that I think of it, I'm pretty hungry myself. I haven't had a decent meal in days. Come on, let's go find a nice bakery."
He led her down into the main building again, through the halls, and through a few security checkpoints, flashing his ID as he went. Soon, they were out on the streets of New York again.
He turned and began walking toward his favorite donut shop. "So, about that music store... did you have to go to that one specifically? I actually have business to take care of at another. A bit of a bill to pay."
Kitania frowned, just slightly. "I guess not. But, the new Bechstein. And I'm sure Sergei has missed me by now." She turned her eyes from the delicious-looking foods around her and blinked a few times to stave off her disappointment. "Please, Drake?"
Drake sighed. "Sure. Wherever you want to go, we'll go. No problem."
When they arrived at the cafe, he sat down at one of the tables and picked up a menu. For some strange reason, he craved meat... a lot of meat. When the waitress arrived, he ordered for them. "We'll have a plate of donuts, half of them glazed, half of them cream-filled, and the breakfast special, extra bacon, please." He flashed the waitress a winning smile and she left to get their order. He then turned to Kitania and smiled. "Will that be enough sugar for you? A whole plate of donuts?"
Kitania grinned and shrugged. "Probably. Can't make any promises. I've been known to down a couple dozen myself. I have a... high tolerance. For sugar. For a lot of things. Oh, gosh, I wish I would just stop babbling on and on and on!" She spread her arms across the table and dropped her head forward onto them.
Drake laughed. "Quit being so dramatic. You're fine. Actually, I like it when you talk. And I don't mind rambling, either. In fact, I tend to ramble quite a lot. Maybe I'm doing it now." He tilted his head to the side. "Am I rambling?"
Kitania lifted her head, just her head, and smiled. "You're a goofball. I was pretty sure you didn't mind my rambling, but I mind my rambling. I've never been good at opening up about stuff, and then all of a sudden I'm going to spill my guts to you, a stranger? I think not. What's wrong with me?"
Drake shrugged. "Nothing's wrong with you. I just have that effect on people. All my friends come to me with all their problems and blab. I don't mind. I'm glad to help."
Kitania shrugged and glanced around. She was ready for donuts already. Where were they? The faster she ate the faster she could go find a piano. And Sergei. She really missed him. She tapped her foot impatiently against the linoleum floor.
The food finally arrived and Drake gazed hungrily at his plate of eggs, ham, and bacon. He didn't remember the last time he'd been so hungry. It didn't take him long to easily scarf down half of what he'd been served. "Mm. This is good." he spoke around a piece of bacon. "How are the donuts?"
Kitania looked up from peeling a section of her sixth glazed donut and smiled. "Perfect." She popped it into her mouth and didn't regret that she probably looked like a pig. She couldn't remember when food had tasted so good. The sharp pang of hunger that only ever dulled to an ache was suddenly gone. As though she had finally eaten enough to satisfy it. For once in her life, Kitania felt content. She eyed Drake's plate. "Man, you've got an appetite."
Drake swallowed and laughed. "You're one to talk! You just shoved half a dozen donuts down in less than ten minutes!" He smiled at her. "I haven't seen a girl eat like that in forever. Paige eats like a bird. Once piece of toast and she'd be done."
Kitania winced at the reference. She'd never liked being compared to others. She shrugged. "Like I said, I have a high tolerance for... things." She motioned to the last six donuts. "Any way I can get a box or something to take these back with me? If I eat much more, I won't be able to play once we get me to a piano."
"Sure thing." Drake flagged the waitress over, asked for a box, and then handed it to Kitania. He stood and went to pay while she packed up the rest of her sugary breakfast. Soon, he returned and held the front door open for her. "You'll have to show me where this music store is. The one I go to is across town."
Kitania skipped ahead of him out the door and rubbed her hands together gleefully. "Ooh, I get to be the guide for a change." She chuckled. "Don't worry, it's just a few blocks over. A small shop, but my personal favorite." She shoved her hands in the pockets of her jacket and set off at a brisk pace.
Drake followed her and lagged behind, keeping his own pace. His thoughts turned to Paige again, and he found himself wondering if she was alright. Just then, a voice spoke to him out of his own shadow.
The task is complete. I have done as you requested.
Drake instantly recognized the foreign voice in his mind. He continued walking, acting as if nothing was happening, while he silently freaked out inside. Who are you? What do you want? What task?
You were worried about your female. You sent me out to check on her. I did as asked. She is fine, but I found her sleeping with another male.
Drake's eyes widened, but he continued walking. Another male? What do you mean? She would never.
The telepath lay with the half-breed, as if she was his. I theatened their lives. They deserve to die for their betrayal.
Whoa. Hold up. I never told you to threaten anybody. Actually, I never told you anything. But, hear this... slave. Never threaten my woman. She belongs to me, not him, no matter what he may be forcing her to do. Just... keep an eye on them. Don't threaten, don't even let them know you're there. Just keep an eye on her. Make sure she's alright. I don't want him hurting her any further if you spook him.
As you wish, master.
Drake shuddered as he felt a cold energy leave his body. He knew the servant had gone to complete his task. Not wanting to lose Kitania, he quickly jogged to catch up with her.
/
Paige startled awake at the knock on the door. She hadn't realized she'd drifted off. She waved a hand and let the hotel room door swing open. What else was she supposed to do? She couldn't walk and Loki was elsewhere.
Once again, it paid off to be a telepath. In an instant, a nearby magazine was in her hand and opened in front of her face, ensuring the server would be unable to see her mouth. A bit of mind play made him think he was hearing her aloud. "Just set the trays on the table. That's fine. I'm sorry, but my boyfriend has the cash and he's in the shower. Just take your tip, ten dollars, out of my personal tab. Under the name of Barnett. John Barnett. It's Daddy's tab, he won't mind. Thank you."
The server nodded once, thanked Paige, and left the room, closing the door behind him. A little mind play every now and again never hurt anyone.
Paige sat up and put the magazine down. My prince, she broadcast to him, breakfast is here. Come out of there before you melt.
Loki growled quietly. "I will come when I am ready," he called out as he wrapped a huge towel around himself. "I am quite sure you do not wish to see me in only this... towel, I believe it is called. And I should warn you, under normal circumstances that jest would incite a rampage of vengeance. As you are ill at the present, I will overlook the offense."
Paige winced at his reply and said nothing, lest she anger him further. She sighed. It seemed that she was only ever able to have a few nice beautiful moments with him before his monstrous side returned. One nice dinner preceded three days of fearful silence. One game in the gardens, along with the few kind words of the previous night, preceded his current fury. Who could tell how long this bout of anger would last?
She carefully made her way over to the table, sat in one of the chairs, and prepared herself a cup of coffee. She supposed she'd better wait for him, lest she offend him otherwise. She desperately wanted to say something, anything, to calm him, but remembered the consequences of the last time she'd tried it. Perhaps it would be best to just wait this out in silence.
Loki conjured a comb for his hair and slicked it back in its usual fashion, deeming to stay in only his tunic and trousers for the time being. He'd put on that insufferable armor later. With a very tired sigh, he made his way back out into the suite and stopped short at the sight of Paige sitting absolutely still. He managed to refrain from furrowing his brow, but his mind went into full tilt overtime. What is wrong? He thought to himself, sure to keep his inner musings veiled. I must have said something horribly wrong. She looks absolutely pallid. So intent was he on wondering if she was alright, that he neglected to move an inch.
Paige glanced up when she sensed he was just standing there. She quickly glanced away, and gave him a respectful nod. My prince, her inner voice was quiet, with undertones of fear. Is everything well?
Loki snapped out of it, rolled his eyes, and sighed. "You know, it is very disconcerting when you do that." He kept his voice low, sincere. Because for once he was.
I'm not sure I understand what you mean. What have I done? Paige motioned for him to sit down across from her, and still refused to make eye contact with him.
Loki sank onto a chair and dropped his forehead onto his fingertips again. He only briefly realized what she had done inside his mind and made a note of it. "This. Every time I have a bad day or digress back to my selfish ways, you do... this!" He motioned to her straight posture. "You... you become the shell of who you really are. Overly formal, addressing me by my title. By Odin, you even act the part of a shy, obedient waif!" The longer he thought on it, the more upset he became. Did she really feel that intimidated by his presence? Was he really that awful?
Paige didn't know how to respond. She was horribly frightened and any small particular could set him off again. But, he wanted her to be herself... so she would be. Her honest, frightened self. Loki, I... I'm sorry. She couldn't hide the fear in her voice. The last time I tried to speak with you when you were like this, you nearly killed me. How do you want me to act? I'm frightened. Horribly, unbelievably frightened. One wrong word and you're ready to slay me where I stand. How am I supposed to act when you're like this? I've tried speaking, I've tried silence, and nothing pleases you. These very words I'm speaking now could very well be the end of me.
Loki winced. That stung. "I know I can be a bit intimidating, believe me. I wasn't attempting to hurt you when that happened, I swear! And I didn't know you then, not like I do now. I did not know how you would react to the dark side of me. I try to fight it, but sometimes it gets the better of me." He looked up, his hurt showing through his eyes. "Do not try to please me, Paige. Please don't. Just be who you are. It may hurt me, and I may become angry, but I swear on my life and the sacredness of Asgard I will never harm you again."
Paige was quiet for a long moment, considering his words. You made that same promise to me before and broke it... but I will trust you again. I choose to trust you again. She reached across the table and took his hand in hers. I choose to forgive you. I know you can't help your actions. But you must forgive me for when I get like this. For so long, people have treated me as if I am less than an animal. When you digress... so do I. She released his hand and smiled at him. On a lighter note, I played a great trick on the room service guy. He thought I could speak. And, I tipped him with an inactive tab account. Our meal was entirely free, courtesy of my father's old tab.
Loki laughed outright and reached for the tea. "And they think I am a mischief maker. I do believe you could come quite close to outdoing me."
I'm not trying to 'outdo' you... It's just that sometimes I can't help myself. Paige gave a mischievous grin and reached for a plate of toast. So, any ideas on where you're planning for us to stay until The Avengers find us again? How did they even find us the last time? You had the place covered in barriers.
Loki scowled. That wasn't on his list of particularly entertaining subjects. "Thor said something about a friend," he said. "And it doesn't matter, because they will not find us this time. I shall find a place... if only Asgard were safe at this time..."
Paige shrugged and chomped on a corner of toast. Speaking of Asgard... and Asgardians... you never answered my question from earlier. I already knew you were adopted. She blushed. I... well, I had Drake hack into SHIELD's files. I read everything they have on you. Every note, footnote, subscript, and detail. I wanted to know everything I could about the man who killed my father. I know I shouldn't have pried, but I wanted to know... Thor told them you were adopted. She hesitated, not wanting to ask the question again, but her curiosity finally got the best of her. What did the shadow mean by 'half-breed'?
Loki knew he couldn't lie to her. And he certainly couldn't deflect the question. So, despite his bitterness, he spat out the answer. "There is a planet called Jotunheim in the upper branch of the Yggdrasil. The race that lives there are known as Jotunheimr, or more commonly as Frost Giants. My blood-father is... was their king. Odin took me in as spoils after the great war between Jotuns and Aesir." He selected a giant cinnamon roll and daintily licked a spot of frosting from his long finger.
Paige was silent for a moment, trying to process his answer. Well, I guess that explains why you're always so cold. She winced as she realized the gravity of her jest. And I'm sorry for my 'come out of there before you melt' comment earlier. Now I realize it was hurtful. She ran her finger around the rim of her coffee cup, thinking intently. Everything was starting to make so much sense. Why he hated Thor so much. Why he wanted to take over earth.
You know... she finally began. My father was a family practice lawyer. He dealt with family matters like child support, divorces... adoptions. He taught me so much about the law. If I had the ability to speak, I would've become a lawyer, like him. On that note, I know common laws that deal with family matters, and I'd be willing to fight for them. If Odin did adopt you, you are in every right his son and heir to the throne. You are still a prince of Asgard, despite your birthplace. If it ever comes down to it, I'll vouch for your right to the throne.
Loki smiled. Yes, he had always seen something of this in her. "Oh, I plan on taking the throne. My brother has renounced his claim on it, so I will have it. I only need the people of Asgard to see the light." He sipped his tea and waved a hand in the air dismissively. "And your earlier comments are forgiven. You did not know."
Paige smiled, but then let her smile slip away. Her thoughts were racing faster than she could keep up with them. When he took the throne, what would he do with her? Release her? Get rid of her? Keep her as a pet?
With Drake dead, all she had left in the world was her prince. Her mother didn't count. She would rather spend eternity alone than live one more day with her drunk mother. No, without her prince, she had nothing and no one left. But, at least she had him.
You know, you're lucky to be alive... she started. Most monarchs kill the heirs of their rivals during battle. It ensures that the bloodline of the previous ruler ends, lest a revolt start. And, the fact that you were not only taken into the palace and accepted as a nobleman, but adopted by the great Allfather himself... well, that is something really special. I'm glad you're alive, Loki. And that you're the wonderful prince you are.
Loki leaned across the table and took her hand in his. "And I, my Paige, am quite glad that you are alive after that horrid ordeal those villains subjected you to." He meant every word of it, too. All this honesty was a strange transition for him. Maybe she was rubbing off on him after all. "Clean up, finish eating. I shall return when I have secured a new abode." He smiled mischievously, straightened, and disappeared.
Paige was left smiling after him and gazing at the spot recently vacated. He was so kind, so sweet. She wondered how she could ever be afraid of him. She admitted to herself that she still didn't completely trust him, but she was getting there. She was definitely getting there.
Paige finished her breakfast, swallowed down another cup of coffee, and slowly headed for the bathroom, her sore leg still hindering her walk.
Maybe she could find some way to make herself look halfway presentable. If she wet her hair and ran her fingers through it, perhaps that would keep the wispy strands under control. She spent about fifteen minutes trying to fix her appearance, but finally decided nothing could be done. Her damp flyaway hairs were plastered down to her head, but that was the best she could do. It would take a brush and a new change of clothes to work any sort of magic on her.
With a sigh, she looked her reflection over, trying to decide what her prince could possibly see in her. Her eyes were her defining feature, their color being the most striking aspect. Her irises were grey, nearly silver, and shined like polished armor. Like the eyes of her prince, her eyes couldn't help but show her heart through them. Her hair, hastily parted on one side, was mousey brown and hung in thick waves over her shoulders. In appearance, she was thin, but not unnaturally so, and small in stature.
Although she was twenty-four, she still had the face of a sixteen-year-old. At least, she thought she did. As she stood there looking over her reflection, Paige realized that everything about her screamed 'mouse' and 'little'. Even her prince called her 'little one'. She knew it was a term of endearment, but it still stung.
She reached up and ran her slender fingers over her pale throat. If only she could speak. But, what good would that do? If she ever did regain her voice, she supposed that it, too, would be small and mouse-like.
Her hand slid around her neck and fingered the scar hidden beneath her silken waves. This was her voice. This metal in her head that matched the color of her eyes. This was the one reason she could speak, and Loki was right... she was lucky to have survived her ordeal. She shouldn't be alive... but she was.
With a shrug, Paige dropped her hand to her side. How could he possibly see her as someone mighty? Yes, her telepathy grew stronger by the day, but only because she was free to use it... And he was able to resist everything she threw at him. How was she mighty?
Paige shifted her weight to her good leg and leaned forward, resting her forehead against the mirror. The feeling of the cool glass against her skin helped to calm her, if only for a moment. If only she was stronger... She should have stopped that tree from falling. She could have... if only her telekinesis was stronger. If only she was stronger. She should have been able to save herself. Now, she was only another problem for her prince, when he already had so much to deal with.
Paige placed a hand on the mirror and backed away just enough to gaze into the silver of her own eyes. Who are you? She asked herself. What are you? Are you a mouse? A cute little mouse for the big bad cat to play with. Hm... you should have stopped that tree. Why didn't you?