Loki strode around Clint in the dark room slowly, enjoying the way the cape felt as it flourished behind him. He felt like a predator, stalking and hungry for the prey. He loved how it felt to be the one on top. The excitement of something about to happen was electrifying his world. Earth seemed to stand still in anticipation of its new sovereign. Finally, he would be the prince he deserved to be! Finally, he would be adored and glorified the way a god should. And it all began here, with this first human. Clinton Barton. He was starting a collection and it would grow very, very quickly.

He did not lie when he'd told Clint that he loved humans. He did, quite dearly. He wanted nothing but the best for them and, well, he knew that he was best for them. Loki nearly felt disappointed when Clint had reacted so strongly against his new lifestyle. If anything, Clint should have been flattered to be picked as Loki's favorite.

Clint was perfect for him, Loki knew. He was angry and lonely and therefore isolated. He'd had time to let his own depressed thoughts churn and eat away at him. Clint already felt alone and powerless before Loki so mercifully rescued him. Loneliness is much like a cage and being trapped for him was nothing new. Because of this, Clint had already done most of the groundwork. Loki was glad - it would be so much easier for Clint to adjust and come to love his new way of existing, as the favorite of the Trickster.

Oh yes, Loki rather liked that.

Clint was standing with his arms outstretched in a 'T'. He had been commanded (but really forced) to disrobe from his outer leather vest. He was left in just his under armor, clinging tightly to his chest. He felt Loki's eyes on him and nervousness overcame his conscious mind every time the god went behind him, out of his line of vision, for he couldn't turn his head. The physical strain of his arms being kept up was outstanding and it hurt like nothing else. He had been like this for a long time. It could have been minutes, it could have been hours, but he couldn't give his arms a rest. Even if it would eliminate all he had to contribute to the saving of the world, he wished his limbs would just fall off.

Suddenly, the force of a million tons on his arms released and his arms dropped down to his sides limply. Relief shot through his entire body. But Loki was at the back of him and two sets of freezing fingers descended on to his exposed shoulders from behind.

"You see, my pet, your state of living is much like the pain you'd felt in your arms." He spoke gently and kindly. One might mistake him for talking sweetly to a child if the words were not to be heard. "You had to hold the burden of your own weight with no one to help you, no one to care for you. It is much the same with all humans, your nations and world. But I've come to relieve you of that responsibility now. To give you the relief you desire." Loki chose the words. "The…instruction you desire."

Loki walked around to Clint's front and brought his fingers up and down his arms, barely gracing the skin. "Does that not feel good, my pet? To put down the weight upon your shoulders?" Loki again cupped his cheek. There was nothing more that Clint would have wanted than to bite it off and then beat him down to the floor. He was so skinny, he was sure he could do it in an instant –

"Now don't be so puckish." Loki brought Clint to attention, narrowing Clint's space for free thought and extinguishing the violence in his mind. He sat Clint down on the bed and looked down at him. "Slowly you will learn what a better way it is with me. I want naught but your happiness. Do not worry, my favorite. I will guide you to your happiness." Loki cupped his cheeks with both hands, now. "Then, we show the world how lovely my way is." He took Clint's hand, which was stockier than his own, and aligned their fingers as they splayed. "Let go, my pet. I will catch you. I know you crave to be cared for, Clint."

All thoughts of his froze at the mention of his birth name.

"I've come to care for you and all your brothers and sisters. But for you first, my beloved pet, for you first." His eyes were both sincere and acidic as he withdrew his hand from Clint's. "Let go and let me catch you." Loki whispered, staring deep into Clint, who felt as if his soul had been violated.

"Sleep well, my pet."

The god vanished without another word.

Hey! This is my first time in this fandom, I hope I'm not butchering it. Your feedback reviews will help me continue. Thanks!