Jane gripped her fingers in front of her, refusing to let them go or else she do something foolish like fidget and grasp at the long gown that draped over her body. "I've considered your offer," Jane said. The Allfather stared down on her, his face one of indifference and then looked up, glancing behind her. Jane didn't dare turn around, she didn't need to.
"May I ask why you linger?" Odin asked.
"Me?" Loki asked with innocent confusion that no one would believe. He lounged back against one of the large pillars, arms crossed over his chest. No one dared appear so disrespectful in the presence of the Allfather. No one except Loki. The man who claimed to be his father raised his brow. "By all means, pay me no mind. I'm simply here to protect my own interests from any further interference on your part."
Odin stared at Loki a moment longer and then turned his attention to Jane. "Have you made a decision?"
Jane licked her lips and nodded nervously. "Thank you for the offer, but I'm going to stay." His one eye seemed to narrow on her and she knew in that moment that he hadn't expected that response. He glanced behind her again and then returned his gaze to her.
"Are you positive Jane Foster? Is this really what you want?"
Jane wondered at his question and she couldn't help but suspect that he was also questioning one of her biggest reasons for remaining. She nodded. "I'm sure."
"If that's your final answer."
"It is. Thank you." She gave a small bow and turned to walk away. Loki pushed off the column with ease and fell into step next to her. The large doors opened ahead of them and they stepped across the threshold into the open marble hall. At the site of Thor standing there she stopped. "Thor." A body brushed against her shoulder and she glanced to her side to see Loki just behind her.
Thor glanced at Loki, noting the small smile playing at his brothers lips and then down to Jane. "My father told me of his offer."
"I'm staying," she stated with as much courage as possible when standing between two brothers who you hadn't realized until the night before had been in silent competition for your affections. Thor opened his mouth to respond, but he was cut off.
"Thor!"
Loki glanced to the open doors where the Allfather sat, waiting, and then looked to his brother again. "I believe you are being summoned, brother." Loki lifted his arm and and pressed his hand against the small of Jane's back to usher her away. She moved with him and as they walked away he glanced behind him, narrowing his eyes just slightly and smirking over his shoulder as his brother stared after them.
"Stop," Jane reprimanded when she looked up at him .
Loki turned his gaze down on her with wide, innocent eyes. "What?"
Looking away, Jane fought a smile and shook her head.
"I think I behaved myself." He led her into one of the smaller corridors and as they rounded the corner he turned to face her and grabbed her hips, pushing her against the wall. She gasped and brought her hands up to his chest. Loki stepped forward, a smile playing at the corners of his lips as he lowered his head and tilted it slightly. "I could have done this," he whispered, his lips close enough that he could feel her breath against his face.
Jane licked her lips and noted the way his green eyes flickered down. "You still can," she responded and noticed the small smile on his lips before he leaned in to kiss her.