Life in a Gilded Cage
Chapter 13
Loki sat outside the plastic bubble cage SHIELD had set back up to hold his sister. He'd been there for days now, neither sleeping nor eatting. Watching Fury and Barton trying to get information out of her, she never responded, never said a single world. Now and then her eyes would cast his way pleadingly, and then she would go back to staring into space like she was in shock or something of the sort.
Loki just didn't know what to do for her or how to fix this! There wasn't a magic he could think of that would help her here and he wasn't so good at the mortal way of fixing people. He didn't know much about talking not in that sense of the word. If you wanted him to silver tongue his way into a fortress or escape a guard then fine, but otherwise. Well Loki he had no friends and barely any family to speak of. Only Thor and that was a love/hate relationship on the side of the God of Lies.
There wasn't a soul in the universe that he was close to and that was a very lonely place to be. He had had no choice but to grow used to his position and status. Now though this child of the ice plains if only he could help her, he would have real family again. Someone to love and to love him return so he couldn't give up on that not ever.
Loki lent back on the wide bench, his eyes closing in tiredness, even a God needed to sleep now and then. He was still so damn weak, and hated himself for that. Showing a failing of his infront of his enemy was not something he enjoyed.
Although it was hard to think of these men as enemies now. The birdman, spangles and iron ego had all helped him so very much. Broke him out of that nasty dark cell, given him a place to stay, clothing to wear. Broke their fast with him, taken to defending him to Fury. Could it be he was actually gaining friends?
No that was a stupid thought!
Who could ever want to be friends with the broken monster that he was?! He wanted it too badly for it to ever be real. All he had ever wanted was to be accepted and loved by someone, anyone really. He wanted his father to love him, to accept that he wasn't a warrier, but a great mage instead. He sighed, dream like that would never come true, so why even try hoping anymore?
As Loki drifted in and out of awareness he felt strong hands on his shoulders. He started at the touch nearly openning his eyes, but the fingers probed gently, rubbing and easing the tension in the aching muscles. It must be a dream Loki pondered. No one would treat him in such a friendly mannor. Not here, hell not anywhere. Still it was an extremely pleasent fantasy, not at all like his usual nightmare filled slumber. With a contented sigh the God relaxed into the administrations. Letting the stress slip away as those strong hands worked their own form of magic.
A noise started Loki back to awareness, someone had slammed a door in the distance. He blinked sleepily,no change on Mercy she was still pretty catatonic. He closed his eyes again and realise that the touch restarted on his shoulders snapping him back aware. He saw Steve Rogers sat next to him, "What do you want?" He demanded coldly.
"I brought you some coffee, but its a bit cool now. You seemed so stressed, I was just trying to make you feel better." Steve shrugged, "That's what friends do for each other."
"Since when were we friends? The God of Lies has no friends!" Loki flumed.
"And isn't that a damn lonely place to be in?" The Captain asked gently, "I've heard your nightmares, on earth we call it shellshock. From seeing too much in battle and not being able to cope with what you have done. Been there myself, still trying to dig myself out of it. I bet you have never had a single friend your whole life. Let me be one to you now, please. You need to start trusting someone some day, so why not me? Why not take that first step right now?"
The God hestitated, "Why would you want to befriend the likes of me? I tried to destroy your miserable world, to kill you more then once. I could kill you right now in a second if I wanted to. All of you stupid self important Midgardians! Your SHIELD doesn't protect you from a God's wrath!"
"That was a very long time ago Loki, for you at least. You paid for your crimes, I accept that. If you had really wanted us dead then or now you would have done it! Yet you stayed your hand, there's a reason for that. You spared that girls life, you saved Rogue, you helped us, you defrosted out friends. I refuse to believe that your soul is completely lost. I think you can be helped, and I want to be the man who assists in your rehabilitation. We aren't so different you and I. We have both done things that we can't forgive ourselves for. Both have no family and few people there for us. I understand you Loki, the others might not but I do. I don't believe you are a bad person." Steve answered.
For once Loki didn't have a smart arse come back to that long speach. He was too touched by someone finally actually givinga damn if he lived or died. He sat back down and accepted the rapidly cooling bitter coffee, sipping it and pulling a face at the taste. "My thanks." He murmered.
Rogers nodded knowing that his words had been heard and accepted. "So a kid sister huh? Did you know you had siblings?"
Loki shook his head. "I thought my family gone when I killed my father to save Odin. It is a little odd to realise I am no longer alone. I won't allow SHIELD to harm her, NOT EVER!"
"Can you help her?" Steve asked.
Loki sighed, "I do not know what to do to help her." He rubbed his tired eyes and sighed.
"Come on let's get out of here." The soldier commented.
"What do you mean little man?" He murmered half heartedly.
"I mean that you need a damn good hot meal inside of you, a long hot bath to relax and a good nights sleep. Then you might be lucid enough to work out what to do next. Come on." Steve commented.
Loki looked at the girl, "But what about Mercy? What if they hurt her?"
"Barton and Stark have both promised to take turns watching over her so you can rest. They won't allow anything to happen to her, trust us Loki. Let someone in for once." He asked.
The God of Lies looked at him for a long moment trying to get a feel for him. There was only honesty in his face. He gave in, "Very well a few hours only." He murmered following
"That's all I ask, a short rest." Steve answered.