It seemed like the school day dragged on and on. Natasha hadn't realized she had stopped focusing to her English teacher, until the bell rang, snapping her out of her trans. Loki had noticed her strange behavior, but decided not to question her about it until later. The two walked together to their lockers and then to lunch.
"So would you want to come over to my house and work on the English project tonight?" Loki asked, the two had finished getting their lunches and were walking towards the courtyard, the weather was nice out, the late September day was a nice change to the warm summer.
"I'd love to, but my dad wants to take me out to dinner." Natasha replied sadly. Her eyes held unshed tears and her heart ached at the knowledge of knowing her father would be gone again. She had so hopped he would stop traveling and just stay at home for a while.
"Ok. Um…do you want to work on it Friday night?" Loki asked, hoping to not sound too desperate for the redhead.
"I can't sorry, I'm meeting the girls after school and we're all going over to Jane's for a sleepover." Natasha replied.
The two made it to the rest of the group and sat down beside each other. Loki was placed beside Tony and Natasha was on his other side. Natasha sat between Loki and Jane.
The rest of the table hadn't noticed them sitting down and the two continued to eat their lunch in silence, preferring to listen in on the others around them. When the bell rang and the teens dispersed back into the classrooms Natasha headed towards the library to start working on her English assignments, Loki went to the garage to do some extra work.
When the last bell finally rang, Natasha basically ran outside of the building, they had moved cheer practice during their gym time, and now the day was finally finished. Natasha had showed, changed, and basically bolted for the door.
Once she opened the double doors of the school, she was met with the cooling New York night air. As Natasha sat down by the front of the school, she began to wait for her dad to pick her up. He had some business meetings in the city and said he would pick her up after school, so where was he?
"Hey Tasha, do you want me to drive you to your house?" It was Jane. The two had been through so much, but even she didn't know what was going on with Natasha and her father.
"No thanks Jane. My dad will be here shortly. Thanks though." Natasha replied, giving her friend a warm smile before she Thor walked up beside his girlfriend and the two left the school together.
As the night was growing darker, the air was getting colder, pretty soon the street lamps would be on. But Natasha still sat, waiting for her dad to show. Finally her phone went off, checking it quickly, hoping it was her father with news on where he was.
Hey wildflower can't make it tonight. Rain check for tomorrow night?
-LTC. I. Romanoff
Natasha sighed realizing she had actually been looking forward to dinner with her father. Although she hadn't realized how much until he sent the text. She wanted to cry and scream, why had he not texted her sooner? She had waited an hour and a half since school let out. She growled inwardly to herself, realizing she would have to walk the three miles to her house. Sighing she picked herself off the bench and began walking towards the parking lot.
As the red head teenager passed the auto shop, she noticed the lights on signaling that it was still open, curious she walked inside the garage and noticed most of the cars inside with their hoods down.
"Hello?" Natasha called, looking around for the dark haired teenager she was hoping to find.
"Natasha? Hey down here." She heard the soothing voice of the one and only Loki Odinson. She walked towards a lifted up black 1970 Dodge Charger. Underneath in only a white t-shirt with stains, dark washed holey jeans, and his old worn out Chuck Taylors laid Loki. his long hair was messy and surrounded his beautiful green eyes, and he was currently underneath the raised up vehicle.
"Hey down there. What are you doing?" Natasha asked, grabbing one of the other skateboards and sliding down to join him underneath the car.
"I'm just working on this. The owner dumped it here, and my boss said I could keep it if I can fix it." Loki replied, he had oil and grease all over his face, his hands were dirty and he was sweaty but to Natasha he looked handsome as ever.
"Ok, so what's wrong with it?" Natasha asked. She didn't like cars, nor did she understand the basic mechanics of them, but she wanted to talk to Loki and this seemed to be the best way.
"The engine wouldn't start, I checked the hood but it seemed to be in pretty good condition for the age of the car. I'm just checking down here, making sure everything's ok before I try again." Loki said as he continued to examine the underneath of the car. Natasha sighed, he seemed to be distant, and maybe talking to him during his work hours weren't the best.
"If you're busy I can talk to you later." Natasha offered, prepared to leave.
"No it's fine. I just thought you would be at dinner with your father." Loki said. He seemed to spit out the word father with venom. Natasha knew some sketchy details about his father situation and couldn't blame him for hating his. Thor, besides his mother, was the only one who often treated him with the respect and love that he deserved.
"No he texted me a few minutes ago and canceled." Natasha said quietly, almost letting the unshed tears fall down her checks. Loki noticed her change of mood and silently kicked himself for making her cry.
"I'm sorry. I didn't know. Do you need a ride home?" Loki asked, watching Natasha steady her breathing before answering.
"Yeah, I do…" Natasha replied softly, turning her head to look at the dirty Loki in all his glory. "Thank you." Natasha continued softly, shifting her body slightly to face Loki's more. Loki noticed and slightly shifted his towards her as well. He noticed the Tanzanite necklace fall down in front of Natasha's sternum and couldn't help but smile at the dark stone, the light making parts of it shine.
The two moved out from under the car, Loki standing up first to help Natasha up. He grabbed his backpack and went to the bathroom to clean up a bit. Natasha waited patiently out by the front desk, sitting on a stool. It suddenly occurred to her to reply to her father's text.
No prob. Hanging out with Loki. Don't know when I'll be home. I'll grab something to eat before going home.
-Tasha
Natasha sent the text and waited for Loki to reemerge. He did a few minutes later, changed into an AC/DC band shirt and a different pair of jeans.
"Ready?" he asked smiling at the read head. Natasha nodded and followed him out into the cool night air. She still wore his leather jacket, and he noticed how she hugged it closer to her once she stepped outside.
They reached his car in no time, and soon were exiting the school's parking lot.
"So, do you want me to drop you off?" Loki asked, stopping at a red light and waiting for Natasha answer.
"No, I haven't eaten yet. Do you want to grab a pizza and work on our English assignment?" Natasha asked.
"Sure, I know this great pizza place." Loki replied, driving through town and turning left instead of right. The two drove down the street till he pulled into a shopping center with a Wal-Mart, a doughnut place, a café, Starbucks, and some other small shops.
"Where did you find this place?" Natasha asked, looking at the small restaurant inside the plaza.
"I found it when I used to work at that gas station over there." Loki said, pointing towards the Shell station. Natasha nodded and followed Loki inside.
"Table for two please." Loki spoke to the hostess who eyed Loki up and down. She frowned at the sight of Natasha next to the taller teenager, but motioned for the two to follow her towards the back of the restaurant. She placed their two menus down in front of the two seats and walked away, giving Natasha a glare, and eyeing Loki once more.
"You know she was totally into you?" Natasha asked casually, as Loki pulled out her seat and helped her in, which didn't go unnoticed by the hostess, who constantly looked towards their table.
"She is entitled to her opinion and interests, but I have no intention of fueling her desires." Loki stated, almost angrily at the thought of another girl. Natasha noticed it but didn't push the issue. Unfortunately for the two, their waitress eyed Loki for a few moments before taking their orders and leaving.
"I thought you were going out with your father?" Loki said after a few quiet moments between them. He saw the flash of hurt in Natasha's eyes, and instantly regretted mention her father. But the emotion was only visible for a second before disappearing completely from her face.
"We did. Something came up at work, couldn't make it tonight." Natasha said in a cool voice, trying to sound like she didn't care, but she did, a lot more then she wanted to.
"I'm sorry if I upset you." Loki responded, sounding genuine.
"It's fine. He's got so much going on in his life. Besides I blew him off once this week so I guess we're even now." Natasha spoke quietly, a bitter tone in her voice.
Soon their waitress returned with their order, making sure to lean in close to Loki to set his plate down. When Loki didn't even look at her, let alone her very full bust, Natasha giggled out loud, causing the waitress to send her a glare, which Natasha giggled harder at. Loki laughed at Natasha's cuteness.
"I'm glad you're enjoying yourself." Loki said in an amused voice, causing the waitress to turn red and walk off in a pout.
"I'm sorry Loki, she's trying so hard to catch your attention and you're not even flinching. Most guys would be all over that by now." Natasha said, trying to ignore the slight ping of pain she felt at the thought of Loki hitting on their waitress.
"Well I don't find her at all attractive. Beside who knows how many guys she does that for on a regular basis?" Loki said, Natasha understood his point and didn't press the issue.
They finished their meal with a light conversation about their English assignment, before paying and leaving. Natasha attempted to grab the check but Loki insisted. Natasha was ready to tackle him when he said she could pay the tip, winking at her with a smirk on his thin lips. Natasha agreed and left three dollars for their waitress.
The exited the waitress with Natasha walking in front of Loki, with his hand on her the small of her back. Natasha still pissed their waitress and wanting to throw something in her face, stood on her tip-toes, Loki's height causing a slight problem, and kissed Loki's cheek. Right in front of the waitress, who watched them intently at they were leaving. She had her bags in her hand and she appeared to want to follow them, but seeing Natasha show public display of affection towards the dark haired teen, made her think twice.
Loki blushed slightly at Natasha's action, but he liked the way her lips felt against his skin, he wondered what it would feel like to kiss her lips. He knew she did it to spit the waitress; he smiled internally at the thought of Natasha being jealous and protective. Loki liked the fact she considered him hers. He wrapped his arm around her waist and the two left the restaurant that way, with their waitress glaring daggers at Natasha's back.
"So where do you want to go?" Natasha asked, smiling and blushing from their close contact. They reached Loki's Jeep in no time and he helped her into the passenger seat.
"Where ever you want to sweetheart." Loki said, emphasizing the last word. Natasha blushed and her heart skipped a beat at the thought of being his sweetheart.
"Well, it's only 9 so want to head back to my place? I can make us some popcorn and we could watch a movie?" Natasha offered, excited to get to be spending time alone with Loki.
"Sure thing." Loki responded, driving out of the parking lot and back onto Main Street.
The two reached her house in no time, and Loki helped Natasha out of the car as she opened the front door with her key. She noticed only the back lights were on and head the sound of footsteps in the kitchen.
"Dad!?" Natasha called out towards the back of the house. Dropping her stuff on the floor beside the door, she walked back towards the kitchen, Loki right behind her.
"Hey honey! Didn't realize you'd be home so late." Ivan said, preparing himself some popcorn. The History Channel was on; it was a documentary about World War II and talking about the guns of the day. "Want to join me?" Ivan asked, back towards the two teens as he put some butter on the popcorn.
"Sure. Can Loki stay too?" Natasha asked, causing Ivan to turn around and notice the tall, dark, and handsome teen standing beside his daughter, with a protective gleam in his eyes.
"Sure. Didn't know he came home with you. You two grab a seat, I can make more popcorn." Ivan said, placing another bag in the microwave as the two sat down on the couch and began watching the documentary. "You know you can switch it to whatever you want? I think 'Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron' is playing on a different channel. Check the guide, we can watch that." Ivan's voice yelled over the sound of the microwave and the popping corn kernels.
"Sure thing dad. But we don't have to if you don't want to. We kind of crashed your movie." Natasha said, looking through the guide and finding the movie.
"It's not a problem. I'd rather watch that movie over the documentary. You know it was your mother's favorite movie right? You two would watch it for hours when you were a baby." Ivan said, coming over with two bowls, one for the two teens and another for him.
"I know mom always loved horses." Natasha said, looking over at the picture of her mom and her childhood horse "Steel".
"She sure did. Now shush the movie's starting." Her father said, quieting his daughter and getting comfortable in the recliner set beside the coach.
By the time the movie ended, Loki was sound asleep on the couch with Natasha basically lying on top of him, their legs intertwined on the couch. Her father had fallen asleep in the recliner. Both bowls of popcorn were empty and resting on the floor. Ivan was the first one to wake, with the light of the TV and the sound of a commercial waking him up. The two teens however were much deeper sleepers and stayed asleep, Natasha clutching Loki's shirt in her small fist and snuggling closer to him. Loki's arms were wrapped tightly around Natasha's shoulder and waist, and he was slightly snoring in her ear. Her father smiled slightly inside, Natasha looked so much like her mother when she was asleep. Ivan also couldn't help but notice the similarities between Loki and himself at their age. He sighed. He decided they should sleep, it was 2 am and they had school. He walked over to the sleeping couple, kissing his daughter's forehead before turning off the TV and walking upstairs to his room.
When Loki woke up, he felt very warm, despite being in a t-shirt and jeans. He also noticed a weight on top of him. When he looked up he saw what the weight was, it was Natasha. She was sound asleep still; heading resting on Loki's left shoulder and her small fists were gripping his shirt tightly. Her right check was lying near his heart, and their legs were intertwined.
"Morning sweetheart." Loki said, when Natasha's eyes began to flutter open and her grip on his shirt lightened slightly.
"Hey. You stayed?" Natasha asked. She had fallen asleep before Loki, and she still hadn't realized she was on top of the Odinson.
"Well, you seem not to want me to go." Loki said, nodding his head towards their current arrangement. Natasha's checks turn the color of her hair as she unfasten her fist from Loki's shirt and got off the couch, allowing him to stand up and join her. Both silently wish they hadn't left the warm embrace of the other.
Soon Ivan walked downstairs dressed in his Army uniform.
"Morning honey, Loki." Ivan addressed the still sleepy teens. "School's in an hour, Loki you can barrow my shower if you'd like." Ivan offered, starting a pot of coffee and walking out the door to get the newspaper.
"I'll go get ready. Do you need any help with turning on the shower or need help finding towels?" Natasha asks as she leads him upstairs towards her father's room.
"No thank you, I'm sure I can manage." Loki replies, smiling inside at her worries.
"Well then I'll see you in a bit." Natasha said, walking back towards her room and hopping in her own shower.
When she emerged she changed into a pair of black jeans, her booties, and a plain red t-shirt from Gap. She also wore Loki's leather jacket on top and continued to wear her mother's birthstone necklace.
"Hey, do you need a change of clothes?" Natasha asks, knocking slightly on the bathroom door in her father's room.
"Um, sure. I didn't intend to spend the night." Loki replied; opening the door to reveal him; wet hair and body with a towel draped loosely around his waist.
His chest was muscular, more then Natasha expected, but not the point of Thor's or Steve's. His long hair was all wet and he had to move a few strands behind his ear and out of his face. If Natasha thought she was drooling she hid it quickly and focused on his face, instead of his chest.
"Ok. I think you and my dad are similar sizes, I'll grab something that'll work for you." Natasha replied, after giving him another once over then turning her back to bring him a white t-shirt and a pair of jeans.
"Thank you Natasha." Loki said smiling down on the much shorter teenager. Natasha blushed but smiled back, reaching up and moving a piece of wet hair from his beautiful face.
"No problem. We should go soon or we'll be late." Natasha replied, walking out of the room and closing the door.
Soon the two were completely dressed, Ivan drove to work and Loki drove Natasha and him to school.
Ok sorry for the delay. Got kinda busy this week! Well here it is chapter 5! I'll probably be taking a little break since it's the Christmas holidays, but I'll try and upload if I can! Thanks for all the followers, favorites, and reviews this fic is receiving! It really is a motivator! Thanks so much! Merry Christmas!