After Natasha finished the rest of her crying, Loki had carried her to bed in her room. He stayed with her because she refused to let him out of her sight. The next morning was Sunday, and the feeling of loneliness hit her hard as she realized her father had already left, and taken more than his fair share of belongings with him. Natasha and Loki spent the whole day in bed, her going in and out of consciousness as she slept while Loki held her close.
By Monday, Natasha didn't feel like going to school and facing her friends, but Loki's persistent nagging at her finally made her shower, and get dressed. The two arrived a couple minutes late, and Natasha had to explain to Fury of her current situation. Of course after visiting Fury's office, Maria, Pepper, Jane, and Peggy were all waiting for her, she was forced to tell them about her father's leaving and Loki staying with her Saturday and Sunday night. Of course that sparked some comments from Peggy, who didn't approve of Loki but had to keep her mouth shut. Soon the rest of the guys and Loki joined them and Natasha explained to them her situation as well.
That night, Natasha and Loki decided to go to the Silver Diner, and ate a pleasant meal in each other's company. After dinner the two walked hand and hand out of the restaurant and Loki drove them home.
Soon September was over, Loki and Natasha finished their English project, and Loki moved out of his parent's home. Instead of buying a new place, Natasha offered to let him stay with her. Soon Halloween was upon the group of teens. Tony suggested they throw a Halloween party and dress up and everything. Loki was a pirate, Thor was a huntsman, Clint was Hansel, Steve was a World War II soldier, Tony was Sherlock Holms, Bruce was a mad scientist, Peggy was a nurse, Pepper was bride, Maria was Gretel, Jane was Snow White, and Natasha was a female pirate. The whole gang partied all night.
The next month passed quickly too. Soon it was Thanksgiving break and neither Natasha nor Loki knew what to do. Natasha had no family to invite over, and Loki refused to go back to his parent's home. Natasha's birthday was also coming up soon, and Loki had heard from Tony that Jane and Pepper wanted to throw her a party. Loki happily agreed to help them with the planning.
It was finally the last day of school before Thanksgiving break. Loki was talking with Tony and Clint while Natasha was talking with Steve and Thor. Both Steve and Thor were like brothers to Natasha, they cared for her and Steve and Natasha had known each other from before. Soon Peggy and Jane joined Natasha, Steve, and Thor.
"Hey honey." Peggy yelled towards Steve as she embraced and she gently kissed his lips.
"Hey babe." Jane said to Thor as she hugged her much taller boyfriend and the two stood wrapped in each other's arms as Natasha stood awkwardly alone.
The group of teenagers began to talk and soon was joined by Loki, who surprised Natasha by wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his chin on top of her head.
"Guess who." Loki joked as Natasha tilt her head back to look up at his bright eyes smiling down upon her.
"Hey stranger." Natasha smiled back; placing her hands over his around her waist and tilting her head back to smile at Loki.
"We are all still going back over to our place and hang out?" Loki asks, winking at Thor and Jane, who smile back mischievously.
"We'd love to, but we can't. Sorry. We'll catch up with you guys later." Peggy said before Steve could object, pulling him away by his forearms.
"Ok so it's just going to be us four then?" Natasha asks, looking at Thor and Jane then up at Loki. The other three teenagers nodded, knowing well that the rest of their group was already at Natasha and Loki's home preparing for the party.
When the group of four arrived at Natasha and Loki's home, they walked into the dark house, and suddenly the lights turned on and the rest of their friends jumped up and surprised Natasha.
"Surprise!" Shouted everyone in unison.
"Wow! Oh my gosh you guys did this for me?" Natasha asked, breathless at the sight before her.
The entire house was light by Christmas lights strung all over the walls and around the entire first floor; there was a large banner (with Christmas lights surrounding it) hanging from the stairs that red, "Happy Birthday Natasha" in big writing. There was the smell of food and desserts coming from the kitchen.
"Surprised?" Loki asked from behind the stunned Natasha.
"Yes! You did all this?" Natasha asked, looking around the room once more.
"Well with a little help." Loki motioned towards the rest of the group.
Soon the entire group was eating pizza, sodas, and celebrating with music and dancing. By the time the party ended, most of the house was trashed and the entire cake had been eaten (courtesy of Steve and Thor who's stomachs weren't full from dinner).
The next morning Natasha and Loki had to clean up the mess (courtesy of Tony and Clint) that now inhabited the kitchen and dinning room. Luckily they were finished by noon, and the couple ate breakfast out on Natasha's deck, they had a beautiful view of the countryside that was beyond the county lines.
"So what is on the agenda today?" Loki asks, looking at Natasha while finishing the leftover pizza.
"Well we could go in to town and go grocery shopping. We are low on milk and I'd like to pick up something for Thanksgiving. Maybe we could do a salad or something." Natasha offered, writing down their grocery list on a piece of paper and handing it to Loki to add his wants.
"Ok. Would you want me to go to the store alone or do you want to come?" Loki asked, looking over at the redhead seated across from him.
"I can come too. I've also got to go get a job, I realize that my dad's probably not going to support me anymore since he left." Natasha spoke with bitterness at the mention of her father. Loki understood the feeling of hatred towards a parent, but he never felt like Odin had abandoned him and left him to his own devices.
"Alright. Where do you want to work? I'm still working at the school's auto shop but I can get a better or even a second job too." Loki offered, he didn't Natasha to work. Since their first date, the two had been dating. They hadn't officially went out on a second date, instead they ate at home together and watched movies as a couple. Their friends considered them in a relationship and they even changed their Facebook statues as "in a relationship".
"You don't have to get a second job. I was offered a job at 'Silver Diner' that I think I'm going to accept. Besides if the two of us work we'll be able to live off that. Besides my dad paid for the house in cash so there's no mortgage, and even if we get kicked out I'm sure we can find a place together, maybe closer to the city." Natasha said, thinking of their future together.
"Alright. I can drop you off before I go to work, then pick you up when I'm finished." Loki responded, handing the piece of paper back to his girlfriend.
"Loki it's ok. I have a license, and a car. I can drive myself." Natasha responded. Ever since her father left, Loki had been driving the two everywhere. She hadn't even used her Suburban since she met Loki. The dark haired teenager had been her ride everywhere.
"Well I'd prefer to drive you myself, then it ensures that I'll have a chance to see and talk to you." Loki retorted, smiling his mischievous smile in her direction.
"Loki what's the real reason you don't want me to drive myself? I'm not going to get hurt. I've had my license for a year and I haven't been in a single accident. What's there to worry about?" Natasha asked, looking directly into the green eyes of her boyfriend. Loki looked away at her from intense and concerned eyes and took a deep breath.
"I'm just worried. What if your father returns and tries to take you back to Arizona with him? I don't want to think of what would happen if I ever lost you. I'd just feel better knowing you're safe and I can only know that for certain if I'm the one driving you." Loki replied, honesty in his tone and genuine concern in his eyes as he looked back at Natasha's blue eyes. All he saw was tears of happiness in her eyes as she smiled back at him.
"Loki don't you worry about a thing. You'd never lose me, and definitely not to my father. I'm yours." Natasha replied, wiping a few tears from her eyes before standing up and straddling his lap. Loki placed both his hands on her waist and smiled back up at her.
Slowly but surely, Natasha leaned down as Loki leaned up and their lips met for the first time in a sweet kiss full of passion. Soon their tongues became intertwined in a battle for dominance. The only reason to pull apart was to take in much needed oxygen, but soon their mouths were once again locked together as one.
Only the sound of Loki's cell phone going off brought them out of their heated tongue-battle.
"Hello?" Loki asked annoyed, upset that he had to separate himself from Natasha's soft lips.
"Hey Loki sorry if I interrupted your sleep. It's Tony. I was wondering if you wanted to come over? I'm having all of the guys over for a boys only party." Tony said in his usual happy voice mixed with sarcasm. Loki took a heavy sigh, Natasha was still on his lap looking at him with curious eyes and he hated to leave her alone.
"Sure. Let me just talk it over with Nat, then I'll get back to you." Loki said, ending the call before Tony could make a comment or reply.
"What is it?" Natasha asked, curiosity in her tone.
"It was Stark. He wants me to go hang out with him and the rest of the guys." Loki replied in a stoic tone.
"Why don't you go?" Natasha asked, her fingers subconsciously playing with the ends of Loki's hair.
"Well I don't want to leave you here alone." Loki replied honestly.
"I'll be fine. I've lived by myself for years, I'll be ok." Natasha responded, kissing his lips lightly before placing kisses on both cheeks and his forehead. "Go. Have fun." Natasha continued, smiling down on him. Loki smiled back and kissed her firmly on the lips.
"How did I get so lucky to have you?" He asked, Natasha smiled at his words and kissed him harder.
When the separated Loki dialed Tony's number again and told him he'd be on his way.
"I should go upstairs and pack." Loki said, looking down at his phone and the time.
"Ok, I can help you." Natasha responded, dismounting his lap and taking his hand and pulling him up and leading him upstairs towards his room.
Since Loki had moved in, he had taken one of the spare bedrooms. It was just down the hall from Natasha's and it was plenty large enough, he had to share a bathroom with her father's office located on the second level.
"Ok that's about everything." Loki said, once he finished his packing. He looked towards Natasha sitting on his bed. He still had piles of unpacked boxes in his room, and the only boxes unpack were clothes, bathroom supplies, and his bed.
"Ok. Have fun, call me when you get there and call me before you leave." Natasha said, walking down the stairs with him and standing beside him as he loaded his Jeep for the overnight trip.
"I will. I promise." Loki said, kissing Natasha lovingly on the lips.
"I love you." Natasha said as Loki slid into the driver's seat. He stared back at her wide-eyed and surprised.
"I love you too." He responded, smiling from ear to ear and getting back out to kiss her harder, wrapping his arms around her waist and bringing her close to his body as possible. Natasha happily welcomed his embrace and wrapped her arms around his neck, standing on her tiptoes to match his height. The two finally pulled away when Loki's phone went with a text from Tony.
"I best be going." Loki said, frowning at the text but smiling back at Natasha.
"Alright, I'll be right here, waiting for you." Natasha responded, kissing him one last time as he slid into the car and shut the door. He rolled down the window before he backed out of the driveway.
"Here. I want you to have this." Loki said, he reached into the glove box and pulled out a ring. It had his birthstones in it and was engraved, "Loki Thomas Odinson". "I want you to have this. It's a ring that my mother and Odin had made for me when I was a child. I want you to have it." Loki said as he took Natasha left hand and placed the ring on her ring finger. It was a little big, so Natasha took it off and slid it onto her mother's necklace. The gold clashing with the silver.
"I love it. Thank you." Natasha said, admiring the gold jewelry resting above her heart. She leaned in and kissed Loki on the lips once more. Soon Loki's phone was going off with texts and calls from Tony on where he was. They both rolled their eyes at Tony's messages and Loki backed out of the driveway. Natasha waving from the driveway as he tore off down the road and out of sight.
Alone by herself for the first time in months, Natasha walked back into her house and locked the door. She made herself a cup of hot chocolate and dialed Jane's number.
"Hey Tasha what's up?" The voice of her longtime friend asked from the other end of the line.
"Hey. Loki's out with the guys so I was wondering if you wanted to come over? Have a girl's night?" Natasha asked. She was flipping through the TV while she talked to her friend.
"I'd love to. What time do you want me over?" Jane replied.
"Come over in five minutes?" Natasha asked, she stopped at the news channel and her mouth fell open.
"Broadcasting live from the scene here in Phoenix, Arizona where a terrible military training mission as gone wrong. A team of Army enlisted soldiers was practicing their fieldwork, when a grenade was discharged at the scene. Sources say that the grenade was supposed to be a fake out, prepping the soldiers on a real life scenario. No one is exactly sure the lives lost, or the destruction it caused. The grenade exploded near the weapons storage facility, causing a second larger explosion. May fatalities included some visiting family members, spouses, and fiancés that were at the base to visit their love ones. Some of the lives lost include that of Lieutenant Colonel Ivan Romanoff. Sources say he was in charge of the regiment training in the field during the explosion. More news later. Back to your Kurt."
Natasha's jaw fell open at the sight before her. On the screen it showed the Army base, and the destroyed buildings. It didn't say specifically the number of lives lost or the injured, but all Natasha could see was the image of her father that flashed on screen. Her father was dead. He hadn't even said goodbye. Tears began to form at Natasha's eyes as she still held her cell phone to her ear.
"Jane I'm going to have to call you back." Natasha said abruptly, ending the call. She quickly dialed Loki's number and stood up and began pacing the coffee table.
"Hello?" Loki responded, surprised by the call.
"Loki? I-I. I need you to come home." Natasha said, stammering at her words, unable to shack the shock that hit her like a freight train.
"What is it? Are you alright?" Loki asked, worry and fear in his voice.
"I'm fine. Its just that-I need you." Natasha continued, unable to form complete sentences. "Please just come home now." Natasha said, tears beginning to roll down her checks as she continued to watch the news displayed before her.
"Loki you should see this." Natasha heard Clint say in the background, she heard the familiar sound of the local news broadcasting music and let a few tears roll down her eyes.
"Nat, I'm on my way. Just stay put! Don't answer the door for anyone but me." Loki ordered as he hung up the phone. Natasha just laid facedown on the couch and began to sob some more.
A few minutes later Natasha heard the familiar sound of Loki's Jeep roll into the driveway, and heard the familiar sounds of Loki running towards the door, and the door unlocking as he came inside. She stood up and walked towards the foyer to meet him. They stood a few feet apart and just stared at each other. Natasha had tearstains down her cheeks, and Loki was just watching her. Finally she ran into his arms, Loki easily catching her and felt his shirt become wet from her tears.
After a few moments Natasha's sobs subsided enough for her to speak to Loki.
"I didn't even get to say 'goodbye'. I'll never see him again! And I didn't even get to say 'goodbye'." Natasha kept repeating into Loki's chest as he held her. Soon her legs felt weak, Loki noticed this instantly, and caught her, as she was about to collapse to the ground.
Holding her bridal style, Loki easily carried her upstairs and down the hall to her room. Kick the door shut behind him, he laid he gently down on her bed, helping her under the covers and lightly kissing her forehead.
"Please stay. I don't want to be alone." Natasha said, grabbing Loki's' arm in a death grip.
"Alright. Only until you fall asleep." Loki replied softly, kicking off his shoes and sliding in between the covers next to Natasha. She instantly curled up by his side, fisting her hand in his shirt and letting the other one to rest over his heart.
Loki wrapped both his arms around Natasha's shoulder and waist and let her rest her head in the crock of his neck. He let his chin lay on top her head and just sighed as he felt the tears stream down her cheeks and onto his chest.
"Shh…shh…it's going to be alright. I'm right here." Loki whispered softly into her hair, kissing her head softly and rubbing small circles on her back.
The two fell asleep that way, wrapped in each other's arms, Natasha crying herself to sleep, and Loki speaking softly to her, keeping her safe.
Chapter 7 complete! Thanks so much for the reviews and favorites and followers I've received on this fic! I honestly didn't think it'd be this successful! I'm so blessed for all the fans! Thanks so much! Sorry for the long waited update, I wish I could write and update all the time for you guys but sadly life calls! I'm just going to say that I'm not sure how long this story is going to be, I might complete this one and start a sequel (making this story shorter) or I might just write the whole thing and turn this story basically into a novel (which will take awhile to write, update, and lots of chapters). Feed back for both ideas are welcome and any suggestions for the story as well! Thanks so much! Happy New Years!