Holly's body trembled at she slept, her face buried into Loki's chest. A small whimper left her lips as she tossed and turned, held in place only by his strong arms.
Loki wasn't sure what to do at first- wake her up? Leave her be?
"Holly, awaken, my dear." He whispered gently, watching her face for any sort of sign that she was obeying him, even in her sleep. When her face contorted in pain, he quickly positioned a hand on the back of her head, resting his forehead against hers. His magic allowed him to join her in her nightmare, making him able to help her.
As he closed his eyes, he could see Holly on the floor, desperately reaching for a gun. Her side was bleeding and it looked as though she had been shot. Loki used his scepter to throw magic at the men who had been shooting at her, knocking them dead to the ground. He bent down and scooped her fragile form up, holding her against his chest. "You must wake, my dear." He whispered against her hair, stroking her back. Her arm stretched as far as possible, finally taking the gun. When she turned to shoot, she noticed that the men were gone.
Holly awoke with a gasp and a jump, making immediate eye contact with him. Her body continued to tremble, shaky hands reaching up to touch his face. Loki watched her worriedly as she sat up, her hand going to her forehead.
"How did you do that?" She breathed, looking back at him.
"Are you all right?" He questioned, reaching out to hold her hand in comfort. Holly took it, squeezing it gently.
"I'm fine." She tried a convincing smile, laying her head back onto his chest and winding her bare legs through his. Loki pulled her body close, resting his forehead against hers once more.
"Close your eyes and sleep, my darling. I will keep you safe." He whispered soothingly, focusing his energy on her. Loki sent positive thoughts her way, his hand gently running over her long red hair.
Loki let his thoughts go; contemplating all the reasons that she had had this dream. Was it because he used his magic to show her that her family was safe? Did he dig up her past so much that she had nightmares?
He felt her arms constrict around him, holding him as close as possible. "Are you awake?" he whispered, his fingers tracing her backbone.
"Yes," she replied, her fingers trembling against his chest.
"My darling, do not tremble." He whispered, his hand finding hers. "I will protect you. Always." Holly smiled tentatively.
"Thank you." Her voice was quiet.
"Would it help you to go for a walk?" he asked, tipping her face towards his. She nodded, sitting up.
"Just let me get dressed-" as the words left her mouth, Loki wrapped the green sheet around her tightly.
"It will just be you and me, my love. You need not get fully clothed." He assured her, pulling his shirt over his head and adjusting his trousers on his hips. As they headed towards the door, Holly took his hand.
"I can't hold the sheet and your hand." She laughed, releasing him to adjust her makeshift clothing. Loki came up with a simple solution, wrapping an arm around her waist as they walked. Holly rested her head against his shoulder as they strolled through the palace, making their way to the balcony near the throne room.
"That dream…" Loki started as they slowed to a stop, allowing her to get a good look at the moon. "Was that a memory of something that you experienced before?"
"Yes. That was the night that I rescued young S.H.I.E.L.D. agents in the Czech Republic. In turn for rescuing them, Dr. Fury offered me a job." Holly explained, keeping her eyes on the moon.
"And soon after that…" he trailed off, silently referencing their previous conversation.
"Yes," she replied, finally looking up at him. Loki folded her into his embrace tightly, kissing the top of her head. Her eyes fluttered shut as he pressed his cheek against her hair, holding her tightly. They stood there for what seemed like hours in each other's embrace until Loki realized that she was leaning completely on him and was sound asleep. With a small smile, he scooped her off the ground, carefully wrapping her legs around his waist.