A little Captain America and Loki later! Enjoy.


For the past few hours I had been wondering around the dense concrete jungle of Manhanttan. Aimlessly and hopelessly lost. I was sure I walked around this same street 3 times already. But I didn't mind, as long as I could keep myself distracted from whatever happened. For the first time in a long time, none of the shitload of S.H.I.E.L.D. people were around. I just enjoyed the rush and flow of the city, of people, sights and sounds. When I was small, I told myself that I would study hard, graduate from an Ivy league University, get the highest paying job around and get a huge two story penthouse in Manhattan, overlooking the city's skyline. And look at where I am now. I'm pretty sure everything about me has been wiped clean by S.H.I.E.L.D., so I have no past, no future. And nobody could do anything about that, because well, they're with the government.

Eventually I made it to Central Park. It was nice being there. In contrast to the streets, it was quieter, only the birds and rustling of leaves, and I followed the path deep into the park.

'Ms Thorne!'

I stiffened as I heard somebody yell behind me, stopping briefly in my tracks. I considered running, but the person had already caught up next to me. I could hear the footsteps. The next thing I know, the Captain America guy is in front of me, panting slightly.

He starts -'I thought you'd run.'

'I was considering that. What do you want?' I said flatly, beginning to walk away. He was still by my side.

'Do you even know Manhattan? Clint said-'

'You're still not answering the question.'

'I –I couldn't just let you get lost here.'

'Right. Sent by S.H.I.E.L.D. then.' I turned left, walking down another path, and I quickened my pace.

'Ms Thorne! Camila, wait-'

The guy just didn't want to leave, and I didn't want to be delivered back to Stark Tower by their errant boy. He was blocking my way now, right in front of me.

'Look, I'm NOT going back there and you're not going to make me-'

'I'm not!' Captain America says exasperatedly. 'I was just worried that- worried for you, alright?'

I stopped, scrutinizing him. That seemed genuine – and believe me, I can generally tell.

'I'm fine, I'm okay and you can go.' But I wasn't. My voice trembled on the last note. Distracting myself from what happened didn't seem to make me forget. And worst of all, I was so rattled, he could tell. Those concerned eyes were staring at me with such intensity, I didn't know what to do.

'I don't know. I don't know what happened last night- I can't remember. And if that- that Loki guy did something to me, then' my voice was trembling so bad I had to pause for a while before continuing – 'then I'll never know, because I just can't recall anything.'

It was really bad. I hate crying and still I do, too easily at times. But waking up to be carted off to a clinic where they were trying to check if you were raped? Too much.

'And I told them that nothing happened and they wouldn't believe me, so they-' I was interrupted again by my sobs. I was sobbing so hard that I was shaking. Because I tried to tell the doctors and the red head lady, but they were convinced some other way and my legs were strapped somewhere for them to remove my jeans and underwear and to touch around. To check. Fucking disgusting.

He offered a tissue or two, and stood there hesitant to do anything. Eventually he petted my head, with that small apologetic smile, awkwardly. Can't blame him though. He was some guy that dressed in the American flag to me, and I was a whiny, crybaby of a teenager to him. What to do?

It's amazing though, how genuine his concern seemed. If this was another infiltration scheme of S.H.I.E.L.D., I was going to kill them. Honestly.

When I managed to gather myself, and I could breathe calmly, the sky had turn dark. Well, grey with clouds. I must have taken quite a while, and I felt bad for the man just standing beside me patiently. Because I know that if we switched positions, I wouldn't spend a second dealing with someone breaking down. I would have just walked away.

Both of us looked up to the sky, taking in the moment. Just two strangers in a big park about to be rained in.

'Sky's dark.'

'Mmm-hmm. We should- uh get back to' –what do I say? Stark Tower?

He noticed my hesitation, his gaze shifting from the clouds down to me.

'How about a burger?'

'Huh?'

'I know a place.'

That was how I came to know the man behind that American Flag suit. Name? Steve Rogers. Backstory? A soldier from a special unit that survived a lab test and was frozen for over 70 years. Yeah, sounds a little bit on the fishy side. I asked him some questions, and he was a little vague in anwering. That's when I saw his certain sensitivity to things.

'What's it like, fast forwarding to 70 years later?'

'Um, well… different sums it up.'

'What about… friends and family?'

'That's hard to say.'

After that I didn't try to probe into the past anymore, as much as I was curious. It was a thing that went both ways. He didn't try to ask much about my past and I stopped trying to dig into his. Mutual respect.

Andddd… I also discover Shawarma. Their cheese burger is good.

You know, just sitting in that dingy restaurant after the whole commotion of recent events, like any ordinary person, and finally being able to have that trip I originally planned for around Manhattan, though in a rather unexpected way, I wanted to raise my glass – 'To the small things in this crazy life.'

Instead I just watched the gas bubbles of the soda in it sizzle, leaving it there on the table. It was too soon to toast to anything, or for anything.


On the way back to Stark Towers we passed a bookstore, and I got myself a few books. Okay, Steve got me a few books. In total, plus the meal, I owe him 59 dollars.

By mid-afternoon, we reached the steps at the entrance to the Stark Tower. Unlike in the morning, now there were smartly dressed business man wandering in and out of the building. They regarded me with quizzical stares. Steve still managed to convince me to enter the building. Maybe I was just tired or resisting.

Steve briefed me on the location of the main lounge and brought me to my room. Yes, my room.

S.H.I.E.L.D. had left all my stuff in grey boxes, in corner of the room. Steve wanted to help. I said no. There has to be a line between my personal things and my … collegues? Neighbours? I don't know what to think of the Avengers.

After unpacking, I didn't want to stay in the room. I wanted to exercise my freedom here, see how far I could push the boundaries, and I began my self guided tour. First stop, for food. The only place I saw that resembled a kitchen was the counter in the main lounge and so, off I went.

The lift doors slide open, and upon stepping into the main lounge, I immediately recognize the mane of dark hair and the lean build, standing

'You.' I accidentally said out loud.

He turned swiftly, from where he was standing, overlooking the city.

'You.' He echoes quietly, registering me.

'Have you recovered from the drink? You… took in quite a lot.'

'The drink? What did you do with it?'

He frowns in confusion.

'The drink?'

'The drink.'

'If you are implying that I poisoned the drink, I can assure you I am guilty of nothing.'

'Well guilt is just a feeling.'

'Anything that they have accused me of doing, I am innocent.'

'You didn't do anything?'

'No.'

'What happened after…' I trailed off.

'You were tipsy, and you went into a deep slumber.'

'And?'

'Your friends came.' He said this particularly coldly. 'Immediately.' He added.

A tense silence.

Then I moved behind the counter, opening the fridge to look for foodies. I was well aware that he was watching my every move.

'There is no more drink.' He calls out behind me.

'I'm not looking for alcohol, damn it. I'm looking for food.'

'There is no food there, miss.' His smooth voice just right by my ear. I spun around. In mere seconds the guy had walked from around the glass panels to the counter, peeking into the fridge behind me. And without a single sound.

'GOD. What the hell is up with you?'

'I am merely telling you there is no food. And you do not have to address me by that.'

'What?'

'I may be a god but, -'

'WHAT?' I laughed, and he frowned again in confusion.

'That's just ridiculous, you.' The fact that he was taking this seriously, made it even funnier.

'I don't see what humors you.'

'Nevermind that. I'm off to the kitchens then.'

I shut the fridge and backed away to the lift. I pressed the button.

'I don't suppose you know where that is.' The guy is right by my side again.

I turn to him.

'And you do?'


The next thing I know, I have Loki as my tour guide around Stark Towers. He brings the lift to level 78 and it opens to a bare white room with large golden doors at the end.

'This is the kitchen?'

'Be patient.'

He strides over to the doors and opens it, and suddenly, we are surrounded by a crowd of business men and girls in mini, skin tight dresses.

'Excuse me? Where exactly is the kitchen?' I said in disbelief, turning to the guy.

'It is by the corner of this hall.'

Seriously? The place was filled with tables and people. And it was big. This was some conference room. But then I saw the food, in trays on a table at the right side of the room, being brought out from silver metal doors exactly in a corner of the room.

'Well, let's get you your food.' Loki mutters, and enters the damn convention uninvited. I followed behind him, before the doors swung close and I was surrounded on all sides by these business people.

I regretted the decision immediately. Loki fit in, honestly, because what he was actually wearing in the moment, a dress shirt with the sleeves folded up and dark blue pants, didn't stand out too much in this crowd. I didn't even know how he got the clothes. What I was wearing – not even changed out from last night, did not help me keep a low profile.

I was met with more quizzical stares. But people generally left us alone. That is, until we mistakenly walked near the huge dance floor in the middle of the room. Apparently, Tony Stark was hosting a meeting cum buffet cum party. Crazy.

Girls of all kinds swarmed in on Loki.

'Hi, I'm Allison.' One girl on his left chimes. Another one on the right adds in 'Oh my god, I love what you are wearing, so stylish!' and then one more pops in and says 'You are like, incredibly good looking, you know.'

Oh my god. Well look at all these scantily clad girls flirting with Loki. I didn't have to be introduced to them to know that these were the gold diggers coming to parties to socialize and get money off rich idiots.

It was absurd to see Loki rejecting their ahem, advances, but more of them just swooped in and he was swept away, literally dragged him to the dance floor. I was left there, kinda lost.

They were doing all kinds of crazy dance moves, with Loki practically standing there as if rooted on the spot. Seeing that he wasn't going to join them dancing, some of them took turns grinding against him. And the whole time he's just trying to escape them, with that forced embarrassed smile on his lips.

Oh, my eyes have been burned. I began to make my way to the kitchens by walking around the dance floor, but surprisingly, Loki caught up with me just as I reached the buffet table.

'Pardon my short absence.' He mutters, looking straight ahead, eager to leave the room.

'Yeah that was crazy and you should know that if you plan to become a rich businessman somehow, that they are shameless gold diggers.' I said, a little more spiteful then I expected to be.

'We have the such back in Asgard. I am not fooled by them. And compared to the ones in Asgard, I would not take them to bed.'

My jaw dropped.

'What the hell? Yucks. Stop. Right. There.'

We reached the metal doors and opened it to enter the kitchen. Everything was a shiny silver colour and made out of metal. Chefs called out the orders and waiters placed them on trays, bringing them out to the conference hall.

'Excuse me sir,' one chef approached Loki. 'You are perhaps wanting to find the washroom? It is on the left side of the conference hall.'

'No good sir, I – we wanted to take a look in the kitchen and of the food being prepared.' He says with a dazzling smile. This guy was good in situations like this.

'Really? And you are?' The chef looks to him.

He pauses, looking hesitantly at me. He recovers and mentions 'Loki.'

'And you?'

'His companion.'

'Well then, EVERYONE, we will be giving Mr. Loki and his companion a tour of how things are done in our kitchens, alright?'

'Yes chef!' They all replied, before returning to their various tasks.

And so this chef showed us around the kitchen. It was fun, tasting the different soups, chefs displaying their impressive chopping, dicing, flipping and plating skills and Mr. Brown (that chef) telling us the secrets of cooking.

'People are always stingy with cheese, but I say, be generous! It does good things to the food.' And he tosses a chunk of it into the pan.

As we made a whole round in the kitchen, about to come to the end of this experience, two big bulky guys entered from the silver metal doors. They immediately notice me and Loki, obviously not in chefs' double breasted white jacket.

'Loki and Cam-' one of them began. Uh oh. I knew what was coming.

'Run.' I whispered, yanking Loki's arm and sprinting the other way.

'THANKS MR. BROWN!' I yelled as I located the exit sign and slammed open the doors, entering the fire exit.

We ran a few floors down, before exiting it, and coming into a corridor, much like a hotel, for it led to luxury rooms side by side.

I ran down more of the corridor, turned left and right before I hit a dead end – well what do you know? A full length glass mirror at the side of the building.

I just scrambled into the guest room by the side, trying to put as many rooms between me and our pursuers. Living room, then kitchen, then toilet, then a dining room. It was like each hotel guest room was a house on its own. I was about to run to the next room before I was yanked hard by the arm.

I was pulled so swiftly into the darkness that everything was a blur. By the time my eyes adjusted I realized I was squeezed in the closet of a bedroom. And by squeezed I mean Loki and I were literally fighting for air in there. My hands were on his chest, his on the closet wall by the side of my head and our bodies were fully in contact, chest down.

'What the hell Loki?!' I hissed, trying to get out.

'Do you want to get caught?'

'What do you mean, do I want to get caught, of course I don't, but not like THIS!' I struggled more against him, hitting the closet door loudly.

I heard muffled voice, coming from the next guest room. They were going to enter this room any moment. Just great.

Loki let me out into the bedroom. It was still dim as the shades were drawn.

'Perfect.' I hear him say.

'Take off your jacket.' He orders.

'What?'

'Trust me.'

I took it off, revealing my rumpled black tee and he pushes me gently but swiftly to the bed. Like a klutz, I landed face down.

By the time I lifted up my face and turned over, Loki was over me.

'What the hell?'

'You don't want to get caught do you? Just. Trust me.'

And he leans forward promptly kisses me. As I struggle even more violently now, his left arm effortlessly pins my two arms above my head and his right arm, pulls my hair out of its pony tail and lifts my shirt up, just stopping at the side of my ribs, exposing my midriff.

The door is forced open with a bang just as I attempt to yell at Loki.

'Mmmmmmmmnnnnn!'

'Oh sorry sir, ma'am. We were just… doing a routine check. We'll leave you be.' One of the two men says, flabbergasted, before shutting the door silently. I could hear them leaving the guest room.

And then I remember that Loki is still over me, holding me down and kissing me.

'MMMMMMMMM!Mmmmmmm.'

Yeah, I have no idea but that last word I tried to say came out like a moan. Urgh.

Aaand his lifts his head, taking in a deep breath and rolling over to the side.

'That was good improvisation' he breathes out.

'Oh my god, they're gone.' I laughed. Then boom.

I jumped out of the bed and put back on my hoodie hastily.

'You!' I hissed furiously.

'Well, we didn't get caught, so you should be thankful.'

'You are disgusting and revolting.'

I turned around to discover he was naked the whole time. Okay not naked. Just wearing briefs naked.

'Argh!' I cover my eyes. 'So are you just going to lie there in your briefs?'

'I had to make the act convincing so they couldn't recognize us.'

'Well can you put on your clothes'

I can hear him get up and putting his shirt and pants on.

'Shall we continue on the tour? As long as we stay clear of Stark's feast halls, we should be able to proceed without any more… incidences.' Loki says, holding the door open.


And it ends like that.

I was too tired to continue this and I felt it was long enough for now, sorry. Please tell me if my writing is draggy! Thanks!