Alright, everyone, I've officially fixed this chapter! I won't make anymore changes, I promise. Chapter 25 is on it's way!

ALL OF THE STOKI MOMENTS I CAN'T A:KLJDKLSGJSDLJGS:DLKJ!

Disclaimer: Does not own Marvel Universe

Warning: Probably language...AND CUTENESS!

Comments/critiques are welcomed!

Loki gives Steve a playful shove. They'd ended up skipping art again, slipping out one of Loki's secret doorways and walking around the empty football field. The grounds were still wet so none of the gym classes would see them together. Loki steps up onto the bleachers, Steve following him and helping him up when he steps onto one of the seats, walking along it. Steve keeps up with his pace—he didn't want Loki to fall. He follows him closely until they decide on a spot to sit, Steve pulling out his sketchbook.

Teachers didn't plan anything the day before Thanksgiving break. Most students travelled to see their families and others simply didn't show up. Steve found himself bored, doodling in class, not really paying much attention to the sparse words that were shared. He was however doodling Loki. Mostly his lips…he couldn't stop thinking about them. Loki thought he was a good kisser and the thought made Steve's ears burn red. Loki kept to himself though. He gave Steve the passing look but there was no smile, no attempt to make conversation, and Steve understood. Things between them were fine but Loki didn't want anyone to get the wrong idea. They didn't sit together during lunch, they didn't speak during classes…things were as if Steve had never attempted to get to know him at all. Things were—Steve hated to say it—normal. At least they would've been… Loki's "interest" in him seemed to have grown since his discovery of Steve's secret living arrangements. They valued their privacy and since the pictures of them were still going around it was best no one knew they were talking again.

While they weren't interacting in public, Loki called him—yes, Loki called him—after Steve got home from work. Even though Steve was exhausted and worn out from working as many hours as he did, he could talk to Loki for hours during the night. They didn't talk about anything personal or prying unless Loki got curious and poked at Steve for answers. Most of what they talked about was Loki's reading or people they'd met during the day. Things they saw that sparked their interests or what the weather was going to be like, if it was going to snow soon. Steve actually liked these kinds of conversations. Loki seemed a lot more open to discussing his day than anything else and Steve was too. It was actually nice to have someone who could listen the whole night to Steve letting out his frustrations about a bad day or a rude customer.

He was embarrassed to admit it, but—Steve could barely wait to get home from work just so he could talk to Loki. There was something about talking to him all night that kept the little flame in his chest alive and burning. Yeah, despite Loki being an ass about everything that had happened, Steve hadn't stopped liking him. Sure Loki was a bit—okay, a lot—defensive but Steve understood why. When the world turns its back on you for so long, one couldn't help but build barriers.

"So…does your family even celebrate Thanksgiving?" Steve asks. He watches Loki from the corner of his eye, sketching quickly.

Loki hums. "Frigga tries to. She enjoys cooking large meals for people."

"Sorry, was that racist?"

Steve receives a funny look. "What do you mean?"

"I—I just meant…" he flushes. "You're not American. I mean you are but you're not—not from here…" Steve looks up when Loki laughs, holding up his hand and shaking his head, taking a deep breath.

"Oh, Steven…you truly are an amusing subject." Loki stretches out his arms, leaning back against the bleachers behind them. "I realize that this Thanksgiving is considered an American holiday, however, Frigga believes it to be in her best interest that she blends in to your…rather crude culture. She does her best to enjoy the simple things." He closes his eyes with a sigh. "And what of you? Do you join the rest of your family in celebration of giving thanks?"

He forces a small smile, continuing to throw down sketch marks. "We usually do, yes, but…mama—my mom—isn't really uhh—up to travel this year. She hasn't been feeling so well…"

Loki nods. Steve was lying through his teeth and he was sure Loki noticed. Steve's mother wasn't up for travelling, that part was true, but she'd been fighting with her parents—his grandparents—for nearly two years now due to her recent changes in employment, housing, and health. This was the first year she decided she didn't want to deal with them during the holidays. Steve was disappointed, sure, but fighting with her had become a moot point. She had a lot going on and stressing her out wasn't going to help anything…besides she was still picking at him about the scrawny skeleton-looking kid Steve had hung out with on their stoop. His mother didn't like Steve having a social life, especially if she didn't know the person or couldn't keep a close eye on them. Honestly Steve was surprised she'd let him go to the dance with Carol. If she knew he was on the phone with Loki every night she'd probably flip her shit. Not that it would stop him…talking to Loki was one of the most relaxing things he'd done before going to sleep every night in a while.

Steve expected him to press, expected him to pick apart Steve's lies, but Loki seemed to understand. He'd seen how his mother was and Steve figured that was the best explanation there was. Loki sits up and stretches again with a sigh. He cranes his neck slightly to watch Steve draw. It made him a little self-conscious since he was drawing him but…maybe Loki wouldn't notice.

"Are you drawing me?"

Of course. Loki notices everything.

He blushes a bit, giving him a small nod. "Yeah…" Steve continues to draw while Loki peers over his shoulder with curious eyes, cocking his head slightly to the side. He wished he wouldn't though. Loki's whole face was perked up, his eyes gleaming like they did when he read. It made Steve's insides squirm. "C-could you not…?"

Loki's face falls slightly before the masks pull it back into its neutral expression. "I apologize. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable." He sits back and stares out at the field, crossing his arms.

Steve sighs. "Don't apologize…" he blushes lightly, "they're just not very good…"

"I do not doubt your skills as an artist they are far greater than my own," Loki gives him a smile. Steve looks away from him, blushing furiously. He didn't like it when Loki was sincere. It messed with his head and it made his chest tighten up. Steve holds his sketchbook out to him. Loki blinks. He accepts his offer, taking the book and observing the markings Steve had made. It wasn't finished just yet but Loki looked at it with interest, his fingers barely tracing down the page. "It's good…but—my eyes-"

"I know," Steve smiles shyly. "They're usually a bit darker…your eyes are my favorite though."

Loki flips through some of the pages, his cheeks blushed just slightly. "I can tell…they're all well drawn though. You capture my likeness." Steve thanks him, looking down at his hands. "Is this your mother?"

He looks up and realizes Loki had flipped a few pages further than he would have liked. "Oh! You umm—you, I—yes…" Loki makes a soft noise. "That's how she looks when she's—when she's not—sick…"

"She's beautiful."

"Thank you."

Steve leans forward to rest his elbow on his knee, and his chin in his hand, staring at Loki with a smile. He really was beautiful. His flawless skin, the contrast of dark hair against pale complexion, those green eyes…Steve could stare at those eyes forever. And he wanted to. It felt strange how fast this had all developed for him. He'd gone from not knowing a thing about Thor's little brother and now all he wanted in the world was for Loki to give him a chance. What if these feelings never went away? Steve would have to live with the few bits and pieces and rumors Loki had left him with. He'd never know what it's like to see his smile every day, to hear his laugh while they talked, to…to kiss him every night. What was so wrong with wanting to spend a little time together? Opening up a little? Steve wasn't exactly an expert but he was willing to give it a chance. Loki shifts uncomfortably next to him obviously noticing Steve's gaze. He closes the sketchbook slowly.

"Please, Rogers…don't look at me like that."

Loki hands the book back to him. Steve makes a face, frowning. He didn't want Loki to feel uncomfortable around him but there was still so much he didn't know, so much he wanted to find out. Loki checks his phone and places it back in his bag. Steve wanted to reach out and take his hand, make him understand—somehow—how much he wanted this to work. Unfortunately the most that would get him would be a punch in the throat.

Steve takes a leap. "Do you…do you ever think about what it would be like? I mean…giving this a chance? We get along really well, Loki, I think it could work-"

"I don't know…"

"We could at least try," he bites his lip. "Things don't have to be weird, we could go on one date, that's all I'm asking for-"

"Steve-" Loki's fist clenches by his side. He takes a deep breath. "Think about how things were when everyone saw that picture. The name-calling, the fights, the threats…that's how it's always going to be. Not because I'm gay or straight or because I like books over the company of others…because they're afraid of me. I'm different." He sighs and shakes his head. "Society doesn't know what to do with different. They're always going to make fun of me, Steven, and I'm willing to live with that, wherever I end up. Just like everyone's going to like you no matter where you go. You have a certain appeal that I lack. I'm sure you can find someone else-"

"But-"

"I appreciate it, Steve, I really do, okay?" Loki sighs and shakes his head, turning away. "You're nice. And I enjoy your company…"

"Loki, please, I've tried everything to get you out of my head." Steve's whole face flushes red as he touches Loki's arm. "I don't know why you think I'm just going to stop liking you though, it's not that easy-"

He turns to him with a sneer. "Because it's happened before!" Steve stares at him. "I end up putting all of myself into something that's petty and pointless." Loki shoves his hands into his pockets and pulls away from him, walking down the stairs. Steve sighs, exasperated, running a hand through his hair. He catches up to Loki, grabbing his arm.

"And what I'm just supposed to pretend that part of you doesn't like me either?"

Loki glares at his hand on his arm before looking up at him with a frown. "Yes, Steve, I enjoy your company, and yes I find it very distracting how physically attractive I find you at times but it doesn't mean this is going to be anything more than a friendship. When I said you struck my interest I didn't mean I wanted to go steady. You're a nice guy, Rogers, but you're too nice for me."

Steve hesitates. The knot in his stomach was tightening and this was not a fight he wanted to pick with Loki just yet but the words kept slipping out. "I'm…too nice? What the hell does that even mean?"

The amount of tension Loki could hold in his body language was unnerving. Loki clears his throat, Steve waiting patiently. He was sure he'd heard Loki say something like this to him before but he never questioned it. Obviously the filter for his mouth was broken. "Asking the more difficult questions today, aren't we?"

"You don't have to answer-"

"No, it's fine," Loki sighs. He takes a moment before he answers again, Steve's stomach twisting. "You're too nice for me, Steve. And by that I mean—I'm only going to bring you down. It's just like their reaction to us kissing. Those idiots idolize you to be someone who could never associate with something bad or rotten. Something like me."

Steve takes a moment to process what he's saying, furrowing his brow. "Someone."

"What?"

"You're not a thing, Loki. Saying that you are only gives them the upper hand." He pauses to make sure Loki's still willing to listen. "And why do you think you're going to bring me down? What if nothing's wrong with you or…what if I make people see that we're equal? You know…bring you to my level instead?"

Loki snorts. "Don't be ridiculous, Steven…"

"Why is that ridiculous? You assume I'm capable of change, why aren't you?"

"Because you can't fix me, Rogers!" Loki snaps, his breathing heavy as he pulls his arm away from him. "Why do you insist on believing that you can? You having a pity crush on me isn't going to change anything!"

"It's not a pity crush!" Steve raises his voice and fists his hand by his side. "Stop assuming that you know me. People change, Loki, it doesn't mean that you will or won't, it just means that you can!"

There's a heavy silence. Steve furrows his brow. Fighting with him wasn't going to get Steve anywhere. Loki was too stubborn.

"It's getting late, Rogers."

Steve watches as Loki turns on his heel and makes his way back down the bleachers. This was how it was going to be, wasn't it? A fight for one of them to be right, the fight going too far, one of them getting mad, and then eventually one of them apologizing starting the cycle all over again…but if Loki did agree to go out with him…would it be any different? Steve sits back down on the bleachers with a sigh. He could spend hours dissecting and studying Loki's mannerisms and he'd still remain a complete mystery. Of course…that was unfortunately what kept him coming back.

Steve collapses on his bed with a sigh.

It had been a long day. After being bored to death in school he'd worked eight hours at the restaurant which was for some reason a lot busier than usual. Not to mention Loki confusing him. And denying him yet again. All Steve wanted was a chance…of course he didn't want to push Loki though. If it wasn't going to happen…then it wasn't going to happen no matter how much he wanted it to. He grumbles when the cat climbs onto his back and settles itself on the curve of his spine. Steve didn't have the energy to move it. He reaches for his phone to check his messages. Normally once Steve messaged Loki that he was off work he received a call or at least a message of some kind. His inbox was empty. Steve rolls the cat off of him and onto his back with another sigh. He could hear his mother's television in the other room. She was most likely asleep or passed out…but if he turned it off she'd make a fuss about it. He shifts around on the bed to rest his head on his pillow and sits up slightly to pull his shirt and pants off, settling his arms under his head.

Loki probably wasn't going to call him tonight though. Steve had crossed a few lines today, the grabbing of the arm was not something Loki welcomed and he was surprised he hadn't been hit. Why did he have to be so stubborn though? Part of him was interested, Steve could tell, and it didn't have to be on the same level as Steve's for it to be something. Loki didn't give compliments very often so admitting he thought Steve was a good kisser…Steve had to figure Loki wouldn't admit that unless it was something he'd been thinking about. But why was he thinking about it? Was it because he wanted to kiss him again? Steve knew what that was like…Loki tasted so cold and fresh, like…mint gum and ice water. If he could have that all to himself…

Steve's startled awake by his phone. He rubs his eyes and checks the time. Why would anyone call him this late? He sits up and looks around the room, grabbing his phone off the nightstand. His mother's TV was still blaring in the background. Steve checks the number and laughs to himself, answering it.

"Hey, big guy, how's it going?"

Thor laughs on the other end. "How did you know it was me?"

"Caller ID, buddy." Steve shifts around on his bed, sitting up slightly. Thor didn't call him very often so he was kind of surprised. "What's up?"

"I feel like we haven't talked in a while. You've been busy with work and football's over…I didn't wake you did I? Because it sounds like I did…"

He snorts, grinning. "Not gonna lie, you kinda did." Steve checks the time again. "What are you still doing up though? Parents giving you a hard time?"

"No, not really…they keep fighting though so it's been hard to sleep," Thor sighs. He sounded tired. "I didn't mean to wake you though. Was work alright?"

Steve rubs his eyes, letting out a small grunt. "Yeah, it was fine…" He sits up and stretches, shifting around to sit on the side of his bed. "What about you though? You sure you're okay? I know you've mentioned your parents have been fighting for the past week or so now…"

Angry voices pick up in the background. Thor makes an irritated noise. Steve could hear him shifting around on what he assumed was his bed, some music coming on to drown out the fighting. "Sorry, my friend, they're still going at it…" he sighs. "I think it's about Loki again. Mum's worried about him and dad thinks Loki just needs stricter rules…mum just wants to give him some space. He's not exactly doing well at school right now, you know?"

"Yeah…I know what you mean…what do you think you should do though? Lay down the law or give him space?"

Thor sighs. "Neither is a good solution…giving him too much space gives him the freedom to make poor choices and keeping him locked up makes him want to make poor choices…there's not much we can do. I know Loki doesn't mean to hurt people though, he's never meant to hurt anyone, he just…doesn't think things through. Mum wants him to talk to someone or at least get some help but Loki won't ever go for that…he despises talking to people-"

A loud banging draws Steve's mind away from Thor. He furrows his brow. What the hell was that noise? Steve looks around his room, trying to figure out if the neighbors were just having sex again. Their room was unfortunately right next to his. He couldn't sleep for weeks after they first got married and it didn't help that they both grunted like fucking farm animals.

"Steven?"

"Hmm?" he blinks. "Oh! Thor, jeez, uhh—listen, I gotta go. I think I woke my mom. Talk to you later, big guy." Thor says his goodbyes, Steve hanging up and tossing his phone onto the nightstand. He scrambles out of bed, pulling on a pair of jeans from the floor and stumbling out of his room. There was still a definite banging on what Steve had to assume was on the front door. His mother emerges from her bedroom, wearing a bathrobe with a wooden bat in hand.

"Mom-"

She shoots him a look. "What? Who the hell do you think is banging on our door at three in the fucking morning?"

"Dad's not coming back, he has a family-"

"Didn't stop him before…" she mumbles, storming down the stairs.

"Mama, for Christ's sake, let me-"

As they reach the bottom of the stairs the banging stops. His mother slowly steps towards the door, lowering her bat. "STEVE! STEVE ROGERS!" She looks at him with a questioning look. He watches her stand on the balls of her feet to look out the front window. "STEVE ROGERS GET YOUR ASS OUT HERE! IT'S FREEZING!"

She looks back at him and rolls her eyes. "For God's sake, Steven…" She throws the door open and storms outside with a scowl. Half the neighborhood's lights were on. Steve peeks over her to see Loki standing in the street in a pair of old pajama pants and a sweater. He furrows his brow.

"What the hell do you want?" his mother yells from the stoop. Loki walks towards the gate, approaching the stairs. She scowls at him, her grip tightening on the bat. "It's three in the morning, go away!"

"Mama…" he places a hand on her shoulder, giving her a look. Steve pulls her away from the door slightly and Loki's face perks up a bit. "Just give me a minute, okay? Go back to bed…" She shakes him off throwing them both ugly looks before swearing under her breath as she walks back upstairs, slamming her bedroom door behind her. Steve turns back to Loki. This was way too spontaneous and out of character for him. Either he was drunk or he'd gone out partying with his city friends. Steve leans in the doorway, Loki stepping up towards him. "What do you want?"

Steve's tone was a little short. He could tell from the way Loki's face scrunches up.

"I…I came to apologize."

"You couldn't just call me? If you can't tell my mother's already regularly angry and…"

Loki holds up his hand for him to stop, grazing his bare chest. Steve looks down at Loki's hand and back up at his face which was staring intently at him. He was starting to feel a tad self-conscious. Steve clears his throat to get Loki's mind back on track. "Your mother…she has a name?"

Steve makes a face, crossing his arms in an attempt to stop Loki's eyes from luring. "Lydia."

"You'll have to give her my apologies for waking her so late, it wasn't my intention."

"I'm sorry, but…is there a point to all this?" Steve was confused. "We didn't exactly end our earlier conversation on good terms."

He shakes his head. "No, no, I…" Loki sighs. "I have to admit something." Steve quirks his brow but holds his tongue, giving Loki a small nod. The first thing that came to his mind…Loki didn't even have to tell him it was the wrong idea he already knew it was. "Look, I…I'm not a person who gets in and out of relationships easily and I'm usually the one who makes a mess of everything. Before you argue those weren't my only reasons for not wanting to go out with you, okay?"

"I'm pleased to know there are more." The way Loki's eyes narrowed on him in an unpleasant sort of way made a knot twist in his stomach. "Sorry…it's—not exactly something a guy—person likes to hear this early in the morning."

Loki rolls his eyes and places a hand on his hip. "I could always leave you with just that information to process if you'd like?"

"No, please…I don't mean to be short with you, it's just, my mother-"

"I understand," he sighs. "What I came here to say isn't something that popped into my head while I was out drinking or anything like that, it's something that's been on my mind for a few days now…you—despite everything you still look at me like every word I say is fascinating and I'm not saying any of this because I feel guilty, it's because I think it could be fun and you interest me, Rogers, I won't lie about that." Loki takes a deep breath and lifts his head slightly to look Steve in the eye. "I have no interest in emotional romantic attraction because to be quite honest I have no use for it; and after so many years of disappointment I'm not searching for it either. However you do make good conversation and you have…physical appeal so I am willing to give you a chance."

Loki flashes him a smile as if he were to have understood but it was too early for Loki's vague bullshit, he needed black and white. Steve rubs his eyes, growing more and more uncomfortable with the fact that he hadn't grabbed a shirt. "I have no idea what you're talking about, I'm sorry…" This only seemed to amuse Loki more.

"Ah. Well then I suppose I'll keep things simple."

Steve gives him a tired smile. "That would be appreciated, yes."

"What I'm trying to say is that…yes. I would like to go out with you," Loki clears his throat. "Is that simple enough for you?"

"You-" Steve's eyes go wide for a second, his hands dropping to his sides. He could feel his mouth dry up. "You…want to date me?"

"In a way, yes. But only as friends. There's a word for that, yes?"

He forces down a laugh. "You…want to be friends with benefits…with me."

"Yes, I suppose that's correct."

"And you came to my house at 3am to tell me this instead of waiting for morning?"

Loki crosses his arms with a frown. "If you're going to give me that tone then you can just forget it. I don't need to be judged by someone who sleeps in jeans."

"Sleeps in-? Oh! No, I don't sleep in them, I didn't want to come outside in just my-" Loki holds up his hand, smiling that funny little smile of his, his eyes gleaming a bit. Only a bit. "So…if I say yes…we'd be dating and…we're just friends?"

"Yes."

"Are there any other rules I need to follow?"

He ignores the sarcasm and sighs. "Well…I'd appreciate it if no one knew about us. Including my brother."

Steve lets out a laugh and nods. He could agree to those conditions. Thor not knowing…that sounded like good terms when it came to—hopefully—sucking Loki's face off- Loki pulls out his phone to check the time, shoving it back inside his pocket. He gives Steve a smile. "Well, I hope you don't disappoint. I am going out on a limb with you, Steven, I hope you know that." He turns on his heel, walking back down the stairs. "Oh, and—since you aren't doing anything for Thanksgiving dinner Frigga's having ours tomorrow at five sharp. Don't be late." Loki raises his arm to give him a little wave as he rounds the gate. "Have a good evening, Rogers."

"Loki! Wait!" He turns back to him, cocking his head slightly to the side. Steve jumps off the stoop and runs to the fence, grabbing Loki's face before he regrets making the physical contact. He pulls his face to his and crashes their lips together. It wasn't the best kiss Steve had ever done but it was early and he didn't expect Loki Laufeyson to actually go out with him. He pulls away slowly, nibbling his bottom lip and giving him a grin. Loki looked disheveled. Steve liked him that way. "Good?"

"Don't push it."