Mischief, pt. 1
Complicated charts, books, notes and illustrations were tacked up all over the study. Natasha, walking by with a large bundle of scrolls, saw a map of the nine realms pinned to one wall with several arrows and questions attached, as well as a brass clockwork replica of the Asgardian universe ticking away in one corner.
She stopped, realizing at once that Loki was up to something. No wonder he kept disappearing to that room after meals, locking himself in for hours! If he was going to attempt a takeover of another realm, she would smack him upside the head into next week…
"See something interesting?" His cool voice was right in her ear.
Natasha sighed. "There aren't many people who can yadda yadda yadda." Looking up in Loki's annoyed glance, she added, "It's your business, and I didn't mean to pry. The door was open and I couldn't help seeing the map and all the other stuff. But if you attempt any mischief, you know I am going to break my foot off in your ass."
"I know. It's nothing too horrible, darling, trust me." Loki smoothed a curl off her forehead. "Where were you doing with those scrolls? Anything interesting?"
That night he took her as if it were their last time together. She knew something was up – Natasha could feel it in the way his gaze never left hers, his arms locked around her at the end, holding her as tightly as though she would fade away into nothing.
She sighed. Eventually he would tell her, and until that moment she would simply have to wait.