I slowly lifted my heavy eyelids. My mouth was dry and the strong smell of anti-bacterial cleaner filled my nose. I was laying down, the room was bright white. Directly in front of me was an ugly plaid couch. Squinting my eyes, I observed that there were several crumpled-up blankets. They were moving? Wait, no someone was sleeping underneath them. A tan arm was draped over the side of the couch, hanging in midair. A Sinn watch wore backwards on the person's wrist. Tony. I felt like I had slept for years, but I was still tired. The beeping of the heart monitor was steady and slow paced. The muscles in my neck were stiff and sore. Groaning, I sat up rubbing my head to find bandages wrapped tightly around it and looked to the clock that showed it was 2:17am. The blankets rustled and Tony awoke with a start, sitting up and rubbing his eyes.

"Oh god, Constance your awake! You've been out almost a day. The doctors had no idea when you would wake up. I was so wor- erm… I mean we all worried about you." He stood up quickly and ran over to me throwing the blankets back onto the couch.

"How long have you been here Tony? You look exhausted."

"I fell asleep last night here."

"I see. Where is he?"

"Who? What are you talking about?"

"Loki. Where is he?" Tony's emotions looked like a combination of hurt and confusion that my first request was for Loki.

"He's in the other room- why?"

"I- he- no reason. I just wanted to know if he was locked up and okay."

"Okay? Why would you care if he was okay?!"

"I know he- never mind. I'm starting to think if I'm stuck in this room any longer, not only will I lose my sense of smell; I might lose my sense of humor too."

My attempt at a joke failed as Tony looked at me skeptically.

"Constance, you know you can't save everyone. He's perfectly fine but he hasn't woke-"

Just then the door almost fell off it's hinges as Thor bursted through the door.

"Stark! My brother has awoken, what of Lady-" Looking to me, Thor smiled brightly. "Lady Constance! You have awoken as has my brother, this is a joyous occasion! We must celebrate your awakening!"

"Oh Thor, I don't think we need to celebrate but you may call the team."

"Yes, Lady Constance I shall. They will be most delighted to know of this recent news."

With that, Thor left and I looked back to Tony. "Well, I can't wait to get up and leave here. Hopefully, the team will come a little late-"

As if the interruptions could be anymore planned then by coincidence, the team walked through the door each with a smile of relief and astonishment on their faces. Even Natasha looked happy for once, but it was unfortunate because I looked repulsive.

"Oh dear, please don't look at me. Why couldn't you guys waited until I took a shower?" Tony smirked at my embarrassment and Steve came up beside the bed to greet me.

"Constance we all heard the news and had to see you, you sure gave us a scare. Apologies for any humiliation." Steve was always so modest and his manners were exemplary, just how people were in the 40's.

"No, it's okay. I don't really care, I just look a mess. Hopefully, I can leave today and be back on the team."

"I'm afraid I can't let you do that, Miss. Vold, with the injures you've sustained, we are going to have to keep you at least one more night. Plus it seems that you've gained a fever which will add to the list of ailments. The same goes for Mr. Laufeyson except the fever, director."

"What the hell are you talking about? He could easily escape if not locked up, he needs to get back into the prison cell. We gotta get his ass back in there."

"Well, he has the same condition as Miss. Vold and to move him would be dangerous. It's amazing she woke up let alone survived." She was speaking like I wasn't even in the room! For a moment, I knew how Loki felt about humans and their status. Always sick, rude, and wait... what?

"Yes, well I am a goddess, we do have superior qualities than mortals… I mean people." I pretended to cough to cover my words that could be taken badly.

"Your beginning to sound like a certain someone," said Tony. I shot him a cold glance before thanking the doctor as she walked out. Fury scowled but let it go because to question a doctor's authority would have been pointless considering she knows what she's talking about. The others turned to face me again.

"You guys go and take care of everything and before you know it, I'll be standing next to you. Ready to fight."

The whole team nodded and left to try to catch up on lost sleep. I didn't think half of them even woke up this early.

After hearing that 'it was a miracle that Loki and I woke up' for the hundredth time. I hadn't told anyone of what occurred when I was unconscious but I felt someone I trusted needed to know. Tony was too stressed and hurt, Rogers wouldn't understand, Natasha might but I wasn't really comfortable sharing with her, definitely not Thor since it concerned his brother. That left only… Bruce. I could completely trust him because he was rational and calm about everything except when he hulked out. I would talk to him later today if I got the chance or tomorrow first thing in the 'real morning' as Tony would call it.

I felt disgusting, all sterile and hospital-like. I took a long shower, it felt as if someone had put hot coal inside my body. The feeling caused a high fever that the doctor had talked about. This resulted with the nurse checking up on me constantly asking if I wanted anything. She kept saying 'that I was unfit to be fighting' and 'should be kept in the ward longer.'

Ignoring her, I kept telling her I was fine even though I didn't feel very well at all. Turning the knob to as cold as the water would go, it still felt like a semi-warm shower. Deeming it a hopeless cause to cool down but washing away the foul smell, I reached out to grab my towel. Wrapping it around my body loosely, I held it up by my elbows. I had forgot to close the door so I would once I got out. Stepping out, I turned to closed the curtain and turned back around to see Loki sitting upon my bed. He looked just as bad as I did, maybe slightly better. Staring deeply at me as he always did, he seemed to be waiting.

Why is he allowed to be walking around? Why isn't he locked up already? Had he awaken after I did or before?

"Aren't you going to greet me?" he asked.

"I didn't find it necessary to do so since you're the one who snuck up on me."

"I see," he said getting up. "I caught you at a most inconvenient time."

"I would take pleasure to you leaving." Gesturing towards the open door that no one had bothered to close all night.

"You know I can't do that," he said getting up elegantly.

"At least, let me get dress before you speak and then promptly exit my room, please."

"That will do." He sat back down and I just stared at him.

"Ummm… I would like to dress privately."

Without another word, he left and closed the door. I was hoping someone would notice him out of bed, they would restrain him. But there wasn't a likely chance of that, so I clothed.

In my closet, were a rather unusual and ugly set of clothing. The only thing I would ever wear was probably the dress. It was a 1950's like dress that was dress with a white band under the bust with a pair of shiny black flats. I'm sure Steve would love it and I kind of liked it myself.

Opening the door, I found Loki leaning on the wall waiting. When he saw me, he looked me over nodding in approval at my clothing choice.

"You look ravishing."

"Thank you." I said my voice just above a murmur. The dress was sleeveless and hit just above my knees, but somehow I was still boiling internally. My cheeks were no doubt red from embarrassment and the heat. Loki seeming to pick up on my thought spoke before sitting down.

"You look quite warm. Is that from embarrassment or the fever you've contracted?"

"How do you know I've got a-"

"I know many things my dear." Still standing above him, he rose up to his feet for what seemed like the tenth time.

"Just how I know that a cold shower won't help or an ice bath, but I do know that this will help what ails you." He came up behind me and touched my arm lightly, a cooling sensation flowed throughout my body. I felt my red cheeks dim to a rosy pink, still self-conscious. I turned around to face him, the smirk on his face suggested that he knew it worked. I thought that if he could use his powers then how has he not escaped yet? But my thoughts were disrupted my Loki's words once again.

"Better?"

"Much."

"Has anyone ever told you how gorgeous you are?" he asked me, whispering the words into my ear, his breath sliding across my neck.

"Yes. You have. But you speak of love, Loki. Something that I do not want."

"I do not speak of love," he answered snidely. "I speak of pure harmless compliments that you should be getting every single day of your life."

"I must say that I am flattered but-"

"Shhh," his soft and delicate finger lay on my pursed lips. "You know, I never cared about ruling Midgard. I was sent here to discover something much more powerful. More…meaningful, shall we say. You are my glorious purpose, Constance."

I was taken aback, what response could I possibly have to such a statement? As I looked into his eyes, I saw a unfamiliar twinkle that wasn't there before.

"I must go. You have a visitor," he vanished.

Perhaps this concussion is taking its toll because I'm delusional, Loki wasn't there at all. The doctor said there were symptoms, weak muscles, memory problems, slurred speech, dizziness, drowsiness, doubled or blurred vision, headaches, nausea, sensitivity to light or noise, slowed reaction, and lasting confusion. Let's not forget about this fever.

"No, Loki. Wait-"

The door opened, Tony walked in leisurely and it made me jump.

"Hey Constance, who are you talking to?"

"Oh, no one." Smiling extra brightly, the worry on Tony's face left and he plopped down on the couch.

"Your recovering fast. You think you'll still be able to fight?"

"I don't know. It's a tough call." I felt a thousand times better and my body temperature was regular.

"That's a nice dress. I'm sure the Captain will adore it and maybe you two can Swing dance. That'll be fun." Tony's voice was just dripping with sarcasm and I wondered what his problem, we were just getting along fine a minute ago.

"Steve is from the 40's not the 50's, Tony. Plus it was the only decent thing in the closet, whoever put the clothes in there has no fashion sense at all."

"Apparently, I have no style. I thought you would like them but I guess not."

Covering my mouth, I snorted for blatantly insulting Tony's fashion sense but I did have to admit that those clothes weren't even close to matching. Loki wore the most stylish clothes, he dressed to kill which… is usually what he did. When we caught him in Stuttgart, Germany his choice of clothes were exceptional.

"Does it really matter?"

I sat on the arm of the couch next to Tony, his arms were crossed defensively. "Oh no, if it's not important to you then it isn't to me either."

"What happened to you while you were unconscious?" Tony asked narrowing his eyes suspiciously. "Whatever it is, your acting weird. I don't like it."

"Oh Tony, nothing happened at all," Hanging out with Loki had improved my lying skills but my words did nothing to ease his suspicious it seemed. "Honestly I'm fine. Just a little worn out from recent events. Like the doctor said, after tonight I can leave."

"I'm gonna go now, the team probably needs me or something."

"Oh, Tony don't leave. I'm sorry."

"No. I have help to upgrade the suit and work on some experiments with Bruce."

Tony got up leaving me sitting on the armrest with nothing to do and no one to talk to. I tried to take a nap but between the cold sweats and showers, I felt dizzy and I turned off all the lights because it all hurt. The fever had returned and I was sweaty again, I took another shower and hopped in bed. The fan was on it's highest setting, I was wearing a tank top and yoga shorts, and the sheets were drawn back. The night was like living in hell itself and the fever got nothing but worse even after taking some medicine. I laid there motionless thinking. My thoughts drifted to Loki and now I understood the 'come crawling back begging and pleading' part regarding my fever fix. But the choice to go was completely mine and I could suck it up and suffer or take the easy way out. Against my better judgment, I swung my legs over the side of the bed letting them hang there. It was a no-brainer not to go into a dark room with Loki but I couldn't stand the heat. Was there no end to my suffering these past couple of days?

Opening my door quietly the light at the end of the hall was off thankfully and the nurse hadn't bothered me for hours. I tip-toed to his room down the hall hoping he was still awake. Loki never seemed to sleep even though he had been here for 4 days no one had ever seen him lay on a bed. Peeking around the corner of his door, I looked inside but it was pitch black. I couldn't see his outline or even where he was.

"Loki?"

Two emerald eyes glowed like a cats and scared me to a point where I fell backward. I loosen up so the impact of hitting the ground wouldn't hurt as much but it never came. I felt a hand grab my wrist gently but firmly as I hung there. Loki stepped out of the shadows smirking while pulling me closer, his hand was already driving the heat away. But then he let go, I frowned at him and rubbed my wrist where his hand still felt present.

"You scared the shit out of me. Gosh, you could have just replied."

"What would be the fun in that? If I'm correct, you should be in bed not sneaking around by my room. Do you need something, Miss. Vold?"

"Ummm… I- no. I was just bored and wanted to walk around."

"Then what was your point of calling me? Hmmm?"

"No reason. Just checking if you're still here..."

"Now you don't think I'd believe that, would you? I'm the God of Lies, that was just awful. I think I know what you really came for," he said pulling me closer.

"I-I need what you gave me before, please."

"What was that, my dear? I don't quite recall what I did."

"You know what I want Loki," I said raising my voice. I was growing more irritable by the second and my cheeks felt hotter each growing minute.

"Oh dear, I'm afraid I don't particularly like the way your speaking to-"

"No! What I meant was I must ask a favor of you. Can you please heal my fever once more? This is the last time I ask you."

"That depends," I interrupted tersely.

"On what?" As soon as I said that, I instantly regretted it because Loki would no doubt ask for something outrageous.

"On what you'll give me in return. How about we make a deal-" I scuffed at him clearly knowing it was like making a deal with the devil. "unless you don't want my help. You do seem to enjoy pain, Miss. Vold. Bit of a masochist, are we?"

"No! I'm not a- I'm sorry. Just please continue."

"That's better. As I was saying, let's make a deal. I will give you what you want for something in return."

"What?" Why was he being so slow? To tease me?

"Tone, dear. Watch your tone. I require one kiss for my services."

"What! No! I refuse!"

"Then I bid you a good night," he said turning around and closing the door.

"Wait! Fine, I agree to your terms and conditions," I cried jamming my foot in the door. He grinned wildly, pulling me into the room and slamming the door along with myself against it loudly before locking it. Taking my hands in his, a chill made it's way up my arms and keeping my fever at bay. I opened my eyes to see Loki staring at me although I felt shorted considering it was still quite warm or perhaps that was my embarrassment showing. Letting out a sigh, this was my moment of truth to honoring my end of the bargain. Surprisingly Loki held up his end and had done it to avoid being slapped for kissing me first. Our hands were still interlocked and I stepped forward closer to him. Now, I was just inches from his body and my gripped tighten. Loki was… tall, about 6'2 and I was only 5'3. My head just reached under his chin as I avoided all eye contact, moving in and resting my head against his chest awkwardly.

"I see you're quite nervous. Don't worry, I don't bite Constance," he purred sending a pleasant shiver down my spine at the way he said my name. There was the pompous ass that made this unbearable, I didn't know if I could do this. Then I looked up into his eyes, he really wanted this didn't he? I stood on my tippy-toes but I couldn't reach his face and it was making this whole ordeal longer than it needed to be.

"I can't… I can't do this."

"Then I'm afraid I have to do this." he said poking my arm. At first, I was confused then I felt like I was being put in an a oven. The heat getting hotter and my skin crawling and burning.

"No, no, no, no, no. I meant I can't do this because I can't reach you. I'm too short."

"Ah… my mistake. Oh dear, don't be embarrassed it's perfectly understandable," he said pushing back many strands of hair covering my face. In fact, my face was fully hidden by my damp, charcoal hair. The heat melted like an ice cube on a hot summer's day and my cheeks returned to their pinkish hue. I got lost in his eyes for a second and I almost forgot what I was doing.

Was this really such a challenge for me? Just one measly kiss? No, it wasn't the fact that he wanted a kiss, it was the fact that one kiss would lead to something more. Would it?

This situation was extremely uncomfortable, he was already leaning down for me, so I sucked up all my last minute courage. Looking up at him, I got closer and the darkness helped conceal my face. Moving up the last half inch so our lips could touch, I softly pressed a chaste kiss to his lips. Loki tasted like mint and I allowed him to take over because I no longer cared anymore. It really wasn't bad but I never thought that my first kiss would go to him. If anyone, I thought it would have been Tony since he was such a player. He guided me across the room while tugging gently at my arms. He was careful not to bump into anything as he steered us to the couch but I stopped. He was still moving and we broke the kiss.

I need to leave right now before someone catches us.

I stood there waiting for something… anything like a fool. For my legs to move and leave without a word or Loki to say good night to me. Then the next day we would act like nothing happened but that wouldn't do. Loki leaned in just a little and grabbed my hands once more to drag me to the couch. As I got closer he snaked his hands around my waist and started again. Loki kisses my jaw, neck, slowly till he reaches my collarbone and makes his way back to my lips. I didn't notice my eyes sliding closed or the shuddering exhale I breathe out, but Loki does and smirks triumphantly. Loki starts and pulls back enough to look at me as to assess my first kiss. I do feel overwhelmed, that one kiss had (as I predicted) led to something more.

"I have to go, Loki…"

I mean what was I going to say? 'I'll see you tomorrow with me on the other side as an Avenger.' or 'Sorry, gotta go. I held up my bargain, thanks anyways.'

"Constance… stay." His words echoed in my mind for what seemed like an endless loop. I was still debating with myself and reluctant to choose. Loki sensing my hesitation continued his battle to win me over and knew one more blow would do the trick. His charm was irresistible and I was captivated by him, I was also tired. The sooner I went to bed the better because I was going to be out for the count any minute.

"Do you know how often I wished you were there? How often I look for your mere presence, your company? I find myself vexed to madness without your presence. I need you."

"Can we just sleep please? I'm really tired." Loki chuckled, laying down on the couch as he cradled my head. The even rhythm of his chest raising and lowing was like a lullaby and I felt myself nodding off and I drifted into a dreamless sleep.

"No one can ever take you away from me and I promise we'll be together."