Chapter 4- Loveless Returns:
There was no way for him to deny it. No way at all…so what was he to do? Should he ask that human- that woman out? He has seen people to do it before…Perhaps that is best, but how can he do it? What if Soro doesn't like him back? So what if she doesn't…it doesn't matter…
Loki sighed heavily, he needed to do this. He walked to Soro.
"Soro," he said gently, "I need to speak with you."
She turned around. Ms. Lavender watched the two of them from her desk, a knowing glint in her eyes- she knew that her two employees would end up together. She knew it because she was a romantic at heart- even though she was older. She knew it because of the way Soro acted too. She's known Soro for years, and not once as Soro smiled that much, nor as Soro's eyes gleamed that way. Ms. Lavender knew that it was a good idea to hire Arthur. Ever since she hired him, Soro actually shows up for work. She is usually dancing for money and when she doesn't get, she steals it from the observers- not that Soro knew that Ms. Lavender knew that. Him and Soro were both tricksters as well. They were so perfect together.
"Soro," Arthur said smoothly and Soro looked up as he continued, "Would you like to join me for dinner, on a date?"
"No."
Arthur's eyes widened and Soro looked away. Ms. Lavender's jaw dropped.
"I…I'm sorry," Soro said.
"I understand."
Arthur's jaw clenched and his fists tightened. Soro bit her lip, and then took her employee card, clocked out, then left the store without another word. Ms. Lavender sighed,
"She really does like you."
Arthur didn't pay attention. He just left.
Loki sat alone in his house in anger. He looked at the clock- 11: 57, almost midnight- and then he looked at the drink in his hand. Those mortals said that this drink was alcoholic, yet he didn't feel a thing. He growled and through the glass bottle at the wall. Then his television began to…ring? Leave it to those idiotic agents to bug the place and convert the television into a communication device like that idiotic Stark technology.
The screen turned on and the S.H.E.I.L.D. logo twirled on the screen only to split as the screen changed from black to multi-color and then to show Nick Fury's face…along with Thor's.
"Well, isn't this a pleasant surprise," Loki said with narrowed eyes. Thor smiled,
"Brother! I see you fare well."
Loki rolled his eyes, yet another lie from my so-called brother. Loki knew that he looked terrible- his hair was messy, his clothes were out of place and wrinkled. Nick Fury narrowed his one eye,
"This is a routine checkup. The reports said you were going well for yourself, getting a job."
Loki grumbled,
"Well indeed."
Soro walked into the bookshop the next day nervous and a bit hung over. She was nervous because she might see Arthur again. She hung over because…well, she felt so bad and guilty that she went to a bar, got drunk…and had a one-night stand with a random guy. Luckily, she had went to a bar a few towns over. No way would she let anyone she knows see her drunk. She was wearing her long sleeves and sunglasses…she may or may not have gotten into a fight or two at the bar. Though, the other guy came out a lot worse.
She slowly walked into the bookshop, but she didn't see Arthur anywhere. She looked around.
"She isn't here, dear."
Soro jumped and saw Ms. Lavender reading. Ms. Lavender sighed,
"Dearie, why would you do that to him? You know how much he cares- if an old hag like me can see it then I know damn well you can."
Soro blinked. Ms. Lavender never cursed, ever. Soro bit her lip,
"I don't know…"
"Then you better figure it out soon then, before he leaves for good."
After work, Soro walked out of the shop tiredly. She was out the door, sighed, and then headed back in.
"Ms. Lavender?"
"Yes, dear?"
"Do you know Arthur's address?"
Thirty minutes later, Soro looked up at the big mansion…well…it was like a mansion anyway. It was huge. Who knew Arthur had that much money? Not that it matters… Soro walked about to the door. She was about to knock, then stopped. She took a breath of courage then knocked,
"Arthur!"
Loki shot up from bed. He could've sworn he heard-
"Arthur! I know you're there!"
He scowled, and got up.
When Arthur opened the door, Soro blinked. He had bags under his eyes. He looked hung over…and a mess…His hair was messy and his clothes were wrinkled…well…what clothes he had on anyway….he was only wearing pants…giving Soro a good view of his abs and toned chest.
"Nevermind," Soro said blushing. Arthur sighed,
"You came all the way here, you might as well tell me."
Soro winced at the harshness of his voice, causing her sunglasses to fall off. Arthur's eyes widened,
"Soro?"
She didn't look at him. He grabbed her arm,
"Soro, who did this to you?"
He looked at her eyes- her two swollen, black eyes and the bruises on her face that she tried to cover up.
"No one…"
"Soro...very well, if you won't tell me then I won't ask…as long as they are taken care of."
Soro bit her lip,
"Arthur…about your offer…"
"Yes?"
"…I want to say yes…and that I am sorry that I rejected you…I just…I was scared…"
Arthur blinked, of all the reasons he thought as to why she wouldn't date him- fear was not one of them. He grabbed hold of Soro.
"I can promise you, Soro, you have no reason to be scared…I would never hurt you…"