Author Notes, from a kute little author: This is an AU Loki story, that I'm writing for someone. So expect the unexpected. I don't own Loki, the Marvel dudes do.

Dedication: Just for you and Ms SG.

Rating: M rating is appropriate. Rating M is for 16 plus. Self inflicted application of rules has hiatus of continuation. (I don't hold anything to ransom. pm me if you like, but the author has hit a dry well, with no plot bunnies to assist.)

Extra author notes, from this kute little author: I see the viewing audience is wide, Hungary to Us, China to UK and Australia. I'd love a little feed back. Just a smidge? You can pm or guest review...

~ Chapter 2 ~

Anguish racks her body that night. She slept, but dreams were replaced with nightmares.

Tossing and turning through them she awakens in a sea of perspiration, heart racing and an un-natural rush of blood through her veins.

Unable to succumb to such madness, she goes to the washroom and applies the necessary steps to conjure up relief. This will only be possible and successful if her lover has truly perished, and she fears he has.

~ o ~

A certain amount of required time has passed, Astrid returns to her bedroom with deep satisfaction.

As she saunters to her bed a smile of pure delight takes over her face. True happiness settles into her being, she lays down welcoming rest once more.

A familiar weight is felt through the mattress, a hand reaches under bed clothes and over her stomach, pulling her in for an embrace.

She nestles him returning a tighter embrace.

Her lover is back and Loki hasn't won.

Astrid's eyes open wide and a sudden thought dawns ~ she has to take Loki down.

~ o ~

Devon rides the thundering beast, hunger and thirst and other necessities being satisfied hours earlier.

He dismounts throwing the reigns to the hired help. The beast snorts and stomps his front hoof, disturbing dust and ground.

Adjusting his riding clothes, he walks up the work steps, turns and admires where he can now enter the building. Looking over the street, the unsuspecting fool believes Loki will keep him.

A pawn in Loki's life, a toy.

Devon stands proud, smiling down on the other workers, they'll never know how fortunate they are, not to be in Loki's powerful grip of dependence.

Devon needs Loki, he needs him like his requirement to breathe.

As he lets his mind wander, a certain young man comes into notice. "It can't be, can it?"

Walking with Astrid, arm in arm, they walk past Devon, passed the bottom of the steps. Astrid nods at Devon appearing to say hello to his eyes. Not just a simple hello, but one indicating that she knows something. A cheeky smile on her face also showing a new boldness in her.

Even though Devon doesn't smile or acknowledge her idea, just a simple look in her direction, Astrid can read that she's upset him. "I've won this round." Her thoughts are loud.

Devon needs to find Loki, fast.

~ o ~