Holly leaned back against Loki as she read her book, her head resting against his stomach. He watched her curiously, his hand gently rubbing up and down her arm. They sat in perfect, content silence, lounging amongst a ginormous pile of pillows on the back balcony of the palace.

She gently placed her hand over his, lacing their fingers and bringing his hand to her lips. A small smile quirked on his lips as he watched her. He grinned, leaning down to place a kiss on her forehead, then a sweet kiss on her lips. "Like that?" he whispered, pulling away to look her in the eyes. Her eyes remained closed as her lips turned up into a smile.

"Yes." She finally replied in a whisper, bringing his head down to kiss her again.

"I dream of the day that I call you my wife." He whispered as she shifted onto her knees, book forgotten beside them. Her hands dragged up his chest and ran through his hair. Loki kissed her again, pulling her into his lap. One hand deserted his hair and boldly gripped his member through his trousers, emitting a deep groan from the Asgardian prince. His hand reacted by squeezing her ass as she stroked him.

"I am tempted to take you here." He growled, his hips jerking towards her.

"Then take me." She dared him, a sultry grin flickering across her lips. Loki accepted her challenge, flipping her beneath him. Holly threw her head back in a laugh, pressing her chest against his as her back arched. He watched her amusedly, his fingers brushing a loose curl back behind her ear. "Kiss me," she whispered, sobering. He settled between her legs, placing a sweet, promising kiss upon her lips. But he froze, slowly pulling his lips from hers. "What's wrong?" Holly asked, hand reaching up to caress his cheek.

"They're here." He said, eyes freezing over as he sat up, adjusting his trousers.

"Who?" Holly asked, her hand on his arm, eyes searching his nervously.

"The Avengers. Your precious heroes." He sneered, quickly getting up. She cringed at his tone. He was relapsing. Fast.

"Surely there's a way for me to convince them that you've done nothing to hurt me?" she stood quickly, placing her hand on his arm. He hurried for the door, his demeanor immediately changing. "Loki, let me talk to them." She chased after him, dress flowing behind her. He was silent, his helmet appearing on his head out of thin air, his scepter suddenly in his hand. "Loki," she started, placing her hand on his arm again.

"No!" he shouted, spinning to face her. Holly recoiled. "They're not going to take you away from me." He lowered his voice, his hand gently cupping her cheek. Holly could see a trace of tears in his eyes. "No one is going to take you from me." He leaned down and placed a soft, passionate kiss on her lips. "I promise you."

Holly nodded, squeezing the hand that caressed her cheek. He placed one more kiss on her forehead, and then his warmth disappeared.

Loki hurried out of the palace to find the Avengers awaiting him in the courtyard, scepter in hand. He was prepared to defend himself and his love, as well as his actions.

Agent Romanov already had her gun pointed at him. "Hand her over, Loki. We can end this the easy way."

"She is not leaving." He said slowly.

"Brother, let her go." Thor said. "End this madness." Loki shook his head. Those words haunted him.

"You do not understand. You will never, ever understand." His voice shook as he spoke to his brother. Thor's eyes studied him closely, then widened in realization.

"You love her?" he whispered in disbelief. Loki swallowed, diverting his eyes from the stares of his "enemies." The doors opened behind them and Holly appeared, stepping to Loki's side. Her hand settled on his, pushing the scepter towards the ground. The silence was chilling. No one spoke. No one moved.

"Loki, please." She whispered. He watched her warily with the wide, scared eyes of a child. "I will go with them."

"No," he shook his head in disbelief. "No, absolutely not. No." Tears collected at the base of her eyes as she looked up into his eyes.

"Loki," Holly spoke again, squeezing his hand. "It will all be okay. Everything will be fine."

"Holly, please do not do this." He dropped his scepter, reaching for her desperately. She stood her ground, holding both of his hands.

"I love you, but I need to go with them. I will come back for you. I promise." She whispered, bringing her lips to his hands. "You have my word." His head bowed in defeat. Holly took a daring move, leaning up to place a kiss on his lips in front of everyone. There was an eerie silence, followed by a classic quip courtesy of Tony Stark.

"See? Reindeer Games has literally got game."

Holly looked back at Tony, raising a disapproving eyebrow. Loki stood his ground, sending a glare Tony's way.

"I will be back, Loki." She whispered, releasing his hands and heading for the group. Thor stayed back with his brother, his hand on his shoulder. Loki felt his heart rip from his chest, as she looked back, eyes trying to reassure him. With one final look, she disappeared.

"I'm not your hero, but that doesn't mean we're not one in the same.

A/N:

This chapter is inspired by the song "I'm Not Your Hero" by Tegan and Sara.

Hey everybody! Thank you so much for reading my story. It means so much to me that you've taken the time to read and review. This is the final chapter of this story, but there will definitely be a sequel! I am currently working out the logistics but I believe it will be called "Love They Say."