Chapter 5

Loki's POV

After Raven had extricated Thor's arm and hammer after breakfast, we studied – or attempted to study because we ended racing again to what I have deemed our place: our own little hide out that over saw Asgard on top of the palace.

I noticed the sudden shift in my emotions over Raven; they were not longer on how she was like a new toy that Thor could just not have but in the short time I have known her she had become my best friend; a position no one has taken willingly in the past couple of years. Yes, the Warrior Three and Sif were supposedly my friends but they just "liked" me, more like tolerated me because I was Thor's little brother. And best friend did not even cover what I wanted to have with Raven. I coveted her every look, I craved her seldom smirks and I loved her attitude. I completely saw myself being able to spend the rest of my life by her side.

Sometime before she had arrived, I would have probably said that love was a thing for the weak – a fool's game. However, since I realized I have been playing it, I would try my best to be victorious.

As we stared at the sky above, I turned to Raven to assess her feelings on the matter.

"Raven?" She replied with a hum. "Do you think love is an important emotion? Or do you think it is for the ones that are incompetent?" She turned to me, contemplating me for a couple seconds before answering.

"I think all emotions are important to be an effective human being." She looked down after her comment. "Do you know the reason I'm always so monotone and impassive?" I wished I did but I did not want to go prying through her head for the answers. With anybody else I may not have even blinked an eye at the opportunity of obtaining the upper hand but that was different with Raven; so I just shook my head, giving her a reticent no. "It's because my powers and abilities are controlled by emotion. The more I feel the more energy I unleash. If I become upset, I could destroy everything around me." I opened my mouth to interject, I had seen her be more emotional but she put a finger to my lips to stop the interruption. "I know what you're thinking but if I completely suppressed all my feelings, one day you'll get extremely happy and cheery Raven or even timid Raven; and every time I have demonstrated emotions in this realm, it's like my powers and emotions aren't even connected. I haven't destroyed anything – yet. This doesn't mean I'll start showing more emotion, it's still a concern of mine that I'll exterminate those I love because of some silly emotions."

"Aww, Rae. You love me?" I said facetiously, trying to alleviate our conversation of the tension the topic had brought. I chuckled, I bet she was blushing and as I awaited her command to shut up, I realized it was never going to come. Seeing my mistake when I stared into her eyes, the conflict swimming freely in them, I tried to change the topic again.

"All-father is hosting a feast in your honor. He believes you can be a powerful ally to Asgard. I believe he is also commemorating you by giving you permanent residency in Asgard. Is that not great?" I stared in disbelief as her eyes became more muddled with her conflicting emotions. I could not believe how much I messed up things; we went from awkward conversation to another one just because of me. Go me.

RxL RxL RxL RxL

Raven's POV

"Permanent?" I couldn't stop myself from asking. I guess I had somehow unconsciously realized I was staying and repressed it when Heimdall and I had our conversation but it just clicked. I was staying in Asgard indefinitely, forcing me to make it my new home.

"Well, yes." I heard Loki's concern and I bet that if I had enough courage to turn and look at him I would be able to see it painted across his aristocratic features. But I was too immersed in my own despair that I did not concern myself over how I was making him feel. If I stayed here permanently that meant I would never see my friends again. I would never fight crime with them; I would never go eat pizza after a successful mission with them again. It was just too many negative thoughts in my head that I didn't notice that Gray Raven had taken the wheel of my mind and I only grasped that I was silently crying when Loki put me in his lap and started wiping my face of the water invaders.

"Raven, it will be fine." Loki comforted me while wiping my eyes. "I hereby promise you that I will work assiduously until I find a way to get you home." He faltered. I looked up at him, noticing the pain in his eyes when he thought of the implications of that sentence. That would mean he would send me back: I would be in my universe and he would be here, where he belonged. Those indications didn't sit well with me; I would have to leave Loki behind and even though we hadn't known each other that long, I felt like I knew him already. He was like me in so many ways but so different in others. I wanted to stay and learn every single habit and gesture he made. I analyzed my feelings and Purple Raven was always there, sighing Loki's name constantly. There was only one time that she had done that and I ended up hurt with a dragon trapped in a book. But I didn't feel like Loki would hurt me; at least I hoped he didn't. And if he did I would forgive him because…I was in love with him.

"I do." I managed to say through my wayward tears. I knew it would confuse him but I couldn't help myself.

"What?" Loki uttered perplexed.

"I do." I reiterated as I accumulated enough courage to look him in the eye. "I love you." I could see the happiness shining in his eyes. I knew he felt the same when he held me tighter and responded with the same three words that would change our lives forever.

A/N: Sorry it took me so long; I had to watch a couple of Suburban Shootout episodes to get inspiration. If you don't know what that is, then look it up and enjoy, you're welcome. Okay I am so sorry for the length of this chapter, they will get longer because next chapter we'll be magically transported to a little before the Thor movies started and it will beautiful. Thank you for everyone that is reading this story. I also love everyone that leaves a review, favors or alerts this story. You guys give me all the push that I need to sit down and actually write this story, so thank you.

KhaalidaNyx: Thank you for your lovely review. I like that you loved what Raven did to Thor, I was afraid that someone would say it was out of character for her. As for the Titans…you have to wait and keep reading the story to find out. I promise you it will be worth it. At least I hope it is.

Discb: Thank you for your review and I did look up TheGearsKeepTurning and I actually started to watch a couple of his videos.

Nickie: Thor did deserve it and yes, Raven is a badass. You're in college? Woah, that's so cool. I understand how school can take up most of your time, mine does. And Russian and Japanese are awesome languages. I was actually going to learn Japanese but I picked Chinese instead and when I get to college I will be taking Korean. I already know a little bit but I can't write it to save my life.

Psychic Soul: Thank you, stick around and see where I take this story for yourself, hopefully it'll be good.