As I write this…my cat is aggressively purring on my lap. I think he likes it. Because guess what? Steve and Loki are gonna have to have a sex talk. Not now. But they're gonna.

Trust me…THEY GONNA.

Steve's too responsible not to. And he's horny like any other sixteen year old boy. Plus Loki's booty is fly. *Ms. New Booty plays in the distance*

*sighs* I'm tired. And stressed. Damn stress wearing me out…

Disclaimer: Does not own Marvel Universe

Warning: Just some face sucking

Comments/critiques are welcomed!

Of course when Loki agreed to sleep on the couch he didn't realize he'd be sleeping on the oldest couch in the universe. He barely slept, the draft in the house made his toes blue, and his back felt like Thor had tried to fold him in half. Loki knew he wasn't going to sleep either way. He never slept well in houses he didn't know.

The family was up early though which was also awkward. They showered him with 'good mornings' and 'did you sleep well's'—the whole package. He was polite, despite wanting to admit that he didn't know they made couches in hell. Loki slipped away as quickly as he could once breakfast was started and padded silently up the stairs to climb into bed with Steve. He was startled at first but he didn't seem to mind. Besides he was warm. Loki would have to remember that when he struggled falling asleep tonight. Their cuddling didn't last long though since the boys—Michael and Charlie—were apparently given the instruction to start banging on doors to wake everyone up.

Steve gave them each five dollars to give him and Loki five more minutes.

Once everyone was up and dressed and full of pancakes—and coffee in Loki's case—they dispersed to various vehicles. Lydia—being the annoyance she was proving to be—insisted on riding with Steve which resulted in her sitting between him and Loki in the truck. Not a lot of words were said.

It felt like forever before they got to their destination and by the time they did Loki was tired again already. Everyone seemed to congregate to decide what it was they wanted to do. At one point Steve pinched Loki's butt resulting in Loki giving him a shove. For someone acting as if they weren't anything more than buddies Steve was certainly taking some liberties.

Loki wasn't sure what he wanted to do today. He figured sticking close to Steve was a better option than any. But he wanted to try and find something for Steve for Christmas. Yes, he could always wait until he got home, but he'd feel guilty about it by then. Not that he didn't feel guilty already… Steve was—well, he was starting to sum up as perfect. It was hard to compete with perfect (or with a man who though he was the embodiment of perfection). Either way Steve was—amazing and Loki, well, wasn't. At least that's how he was feeling.

"Steven, darling, are you sure you got enough sleep?"

"Mama, please, I'm fine."

Lydia brushes Steve's hair from his face, Steve pulling from her to try and walk towards the display window. She clings to his arm, Loki rolling his eyes and looking over the contents of the shelves around him. While he would prefer to hover over Steve that position was obviously preoccupied. Luckily he'd brought a book.

"Good grief, Lydia," her sister laughs, pulling her away from Steve. "Leave the boy alone and come help me look at these dinner plates. You know I always want to buy some from this woman I just never know which ones would look better on my tablecloth…" His aunt gives him a wink.

Steve sighs and looks around. Loki catches his eye and they both smile, turning away.

The crafts in the store were nice. Everything looked handmade and it smelled like an art store. Loki could tell why Steve chose to come in here first. There were easels, stacks of papers, and paints all up and down the aisle Steve had been pacing. His eyes kept falling on the paintings and easel displays in the window. Of course only Steve would get that "kid in a toy store" look in a place like this. His cousins—Sophie and Tara?—round the corner of the aisle and grin, poking Steve in the back as they corner him at the window display.

"Look at you ogling that drawing easel."

"Aren't most guys your age more interested in ogling lingerie mannequins?"

"Shut up," Steve laughs. "It's real wood though…and polished, that's a nice feature, I don't know why you guys have to hound on me about it."

"Maybe because you stare at the thing every year?"

"Yeah, but—the aluminum ones always fall over and the cheap ones always break…" he sighs, rubbing the back of his head. "At least this one is durable. And when it gets worn down I use it as a display!"

"Oh yeah? So when are you telling your mom about becoming an artist?"

"When you tell your mom about that guy you've been sleeping with."

The younger sister laughs, covering her mouth. "Steve, you're so mean…" She pushes her sister away, the girls walking towards Loki. "I swear…he looks at the same things in this store every year. I don't think there's anything he loves more than that easel."

"I…wouldn't say that," the older sister winks at Loki as they pass by him.

"Tara! Don't suggest things you don't know anything about, you're going to embarrass him…"

Loki rolls his eyes. Like Steve would ever fall for him like that. Right now he was just lusting, like every other guy in their high school.

Why did Steve forgive him so easily? Why did things between them go from being so nice to Loki lashing out every way he could? Maybe it was because Steve had seen him in such a pathetic state…maybe it was pity rather than forgiveness. Loki would rather he hate him than pity him. It wasn't as if he needed it…he knew he was pathetic and he didn't need others looking at him the same way. Especially not Steve Rogers.

Maybe he really was still mad though. After all he was referring to Loki as his…friend. Is that what he meant? If it was why was Steve still kissing him like they were okay? Loki wasn't in the mood for all these cheap tricks and mind games. He was too busy trying to play by relationship rules while at the same time keeping Steve right where he wanted him: from getting the upper hand. This was all a game it was just a matter of who came out on top in the end.

"See anything you like?" Steve smiles, placing a hand on his back. Loki shakes his head. "I'm surprised you came in with us…you could've gone to the bookstore you know. I would've met you there."

Loki shrugs. "I've been in bookstores before." Steve chuckles and pecks his cheek. It was a charming display. Multiple easels and even a small design table were layered on a platform, fake snow and little ceramic houses surrounding them. "Which one do you like?"

"This one here…the French beech wood. Beautiful, isn't she?"

It was beautiful. Steve definitely had good taste. Good size, easily portable, and it was oiled to make it shine. The wood didn't have any water spots either which meant it was well made. He never knew Steve wanted an easel though. It would certainly help with drawing outside or if he ever took classes in college. Loki had a few old easels of his own and he was sure Frigga had a few too but he didn't want to insult Steve's taste with a hand-me-down.

"You-" Steve hums. "You're having fun—right?"

"Of course," Loki glances at him, Steve smiling. "You don't regret bringing me, do you?"

"Never." Steve wraps an arm around Loki's waist and pulls him in for a quick kiss, Loki turning his face away. He furrows his brow and swipes his thumb over Loki's cheekbone. "Is something wrong?" Steve teases with a grin. "Not being shy are we?"

"Wouldn't want your family getting the wrong idea."

He winces, frowning at Loki's tone. "Loki, wha-"

"Hey, Steve, come check some of these ornaments out."

Loki looks at the window display, ignoring the way Steve hesitates to say anything else. His fingers brush against Loki's arm as he walks away. Loki frowns at himself. There wasn't really a need for the tone he'd used, he was…lashing out again apparently. Loki sighs and rubs his nose. He glances at the display. If anything Steve did deserve something nice. Art supplies seemed to be his Achilles' heel. Loki plucks the tag hanging off the easel and looks it over. He hums…not bad.

"You're—not mad at me are you?"

"Do I have a reason to be?" Loki hums. Steve pauses and glances up from his drawing. Loki chuckles, crossing his arms and leaning on the counter. "You know…for an ultra-popular, super attractive, captain of the football team you ask me that a lot."

Steve flashes him a grin. "Attractive?"

"I forgot to add insufferable flirt," he mumbles.

"Still attractive, though, right?"

Loki rolls his eyes. He'd been on cookie duty for a while now. It felt easier to stay out of the way while everyone else did their own thing to get the house ready. Not his house, so he felt in the way. Besides…people popped into the kitchen from time to time but they were all preoccupied with the tree.

Steve—of course—came in to bother him after a while. Sketchbook and all.

"You know…you've been unusually quiet…even for you."

"Oh, I don't know…you know I'm not good at conversation."

"Loki," Steve makes a face, his hand never stopping as he sketches. "You could talk for a living. Hell, I bet you could convince your brother he was half ape for a few days."

"He is half ape."

"Loki-"

"Well, he's half something." Loki turns away. He scrapes the cookies off their tray and places them on the cooling rack.

Steve chuckles and glances at him. "Loki, please don't spin around like that. It's hard enough drawing you while you're still."

"So draw me spinning," he smirks, returning to where he had been leaning before. "Or better yet—don't draw me at all."

"I'm drawing you whether you like it or not. Now don't burn those or Santa won't come."

Loki snorts, placing a new tray in the oven. "I don't think either of us have been nice enough for Santa to come this year."

"What do you mean?" Steve grins.

"Oh…I don't know, Rogers, what do I mean?" Loki leans closer to him, his fingers brushing against his wrist. "I doubt Santa would approve of some of those times we've spent in the back of your truck…" Steve flushes, his eyes burning a hole in his sketchbook. Loki grins. "All those times sucking face or groping my butt-"

"Loki," Steve chuckles. He tries swallowing the lump in his throat. "Please…"

"And I don't think anyone but me can appreciate those little noises you make when I kiss your neck with my fingers buried into your hair-"

"Loki…" Steve hisses at him. He looks towards the living room where his family was laughing. The two boys had been sitting in the doorway but they were too preoccupied to pay attention to either of them. Steve sighs and sets his sketchbook down.

That's right. Loki frowns and crosses his arms defensively. They were just friends. His stomach felt like it couldn't twist itself any tighter than it already was. He kind of wanted to hit him. Ask Steve what was so wrong with him that he had to act like things were okay when they weren't. Loki knew it was probably a little hypocritical but what did he care? Steve most likely knew by now that he wasn't especially good at sharing. Maybe Steve should be practicing what he preached.

He must have been fuming off his negativity because Steve was watching him with that look. That one that meant he knew Loki was upset but he wasn't sure if he'd given him a reason to be upset or not. It made him feel like he was opening up too much. Like Steve was already getting a better read on Loki than Loki was on him. Loki hated that. He hated that Steve was gaining so much knowledge. Damn this whole equal exchange relationship. Loki didn't sign up for all these feelings. He covers up his face and rubs his eyes, trying to get Steve's out of his head.

"…Loki?"

"Don't look at me like that!"

Steve shifts back, surprised by the sudden tone. "Like what?"

"Like that! I don't need you staring at me like I'm broken!" Loki sneers. He turns his head away, ignoring the way Steve's eyes were staring at him so bitterly. Loki didn't need this. If Steve wanted to act like he wasn't guilty of anything then fine but Loki wasn't going to just play along.

"Loki, I-" Steve sighs, pouting his lip. Loki ignores him. "Look…I know something's wrong. I'd rather you talk to me about it than just let it fester."

He reaches out for him and Loki pulls away with a scoff. "I prefer festering…" Loki grabs his coat from where he'd slung it over the chair and pulls it on.

"Wh-what are you doing?"

"I need a cigarette, okay? My stomach's been in knots all day. Cover for me I guess…"

Loki pushes the sliding door open and slips outside, closing it behind him. He walks a little ways over the terrace to a bench and sits down, in snow unfortunately. It had been snowing off and on all day. Loki shoves his hands in his pockets and sighs. He didn't even have any cigarettes left…Frigga took them from his room. Something to add to his to-do list… The door opens and closes, Steve walking up to him with that sort of all-knowing face he seemed to have whenever Loki was trying to avoid him.

"Is festering really worth freezing to death out here?"

"Of course not," Loki scowls. "My festering keeps me warm."

A smile plays at Steve's lips. "Babe…I know you're a little out of your comfort zone…but everyone's told me they like you. They're just worried you're not having any fun."

"I'm having fun…I liked the shops today. And the food is pretty good. I can't bake at home for some reason so accomplishing that has been a hoot!"

"I wish you wouldn't act like you're okay if you're not…" Steve looks down and bites his lip, scuffing his shoe in the snow. "My—my mom didn't say anything to you…right?"

Loki blinks. He looks up at him, Steve staring and moping at the floorboards. Loki rolls his eyes. If anything Steve was the one who kept making faces like he wasn't having fun. Not that Loki blamed him, his mother hounded over every little thing. He thought Frigga was annoying.

"No, Steve, your mother's a doll." Steve makes a face at him. "All seriousness aside though…I—I don't know…I'm just feeling like us-" he motions between the two of them, "-isn't exactly feeling like…us. You know?"

"I—uhh-"

"I'll take that as a no…"

Steve sits down in the snow next to Loki. He concentrates on a thought for a moment before placing his hand on Loki's thigh, giving him a small smile. "You know I don't follow your riddles very well…maybe you could give me a hint?"

Loki scoffs and stands, swatting him away. "You called us friends, Steve!"

"We're…friends though."

"Not the kind of friends you told them!" he snaps, motioning towards the house. Loki crosses his arms. "I thought you said you told them about me and the next thing I know we're friends."

"I did tell them about you-"

"Oh really?"

"Yes, just—not in that context."

Loki groans, throwing his hands in the air. Steve stands with a sigh, grabbing his arm only to be swatted away again. "Don't touch me! I have nothing else to say to you…"

"Loki, wait-"

"Just stop! I'm not in the mood."

"Loki, I-" Steve runs a hand through his hair. "I didn't tell them you were my boyfriend, okay? I just wasn't sure if you wanted me to…we've been keeping this from everyone else, you know? Besides, I didn't want you to be overwhelmed…"

"Nice try, Rogers," Loki sneers. "But you're not a very talented liar. And I can tell when you're just telling me what I want to hear. If you're ashamed of me-"

"Never!" Steve grabs his shoulders and pulls him around to face him, furrowing his brow. "I would never be ashamed of you, alright? I-" Steve flushes, his sigh coming out as a puff of air. "I'm not ready to tell them, okay? I got a little nervous too…if you couldn't already tell my mother's not exactly thrilled about me having any friends at all."

Loki felt…a little more relieved. But there was still a knot tugging at his stomach telling him that wasn't the whole story. "Steve…for as much as you pester me to not keep things to myself," Loki sighs, pushing his hands away. "I really wish you'd take your own advice-"

"There you are."

Steve's mother keeps the door open, stepping out on to the terrace and crossing her arms tightly against the cold. Loki makes a face and rolls his eyes. He walks away from Steve as she approaches them, shoving his hands back into his coat.

"Steven, it's absolutely freezing out here!" she frowns, cupping his face in her hands. "Wouldn't you rather be inside with your family?"

Loki's mouth twitches.

"Mama…Loki and I were just—talking. We didn't want to disrupt anyone."

"Nonsense!" she smiles and loops her arms around his. "Whatever it is you're talking about surely you can discuss around the family?"

Steve hesitates, his voice getting caught in his throat. "Well, I—Loki needed some air. So we ended up talking out here, that's all."

"There's air inside the house, dear," her eyes flicker to Loki with a frown. "Of course, it's not imported."

"Oh yes because I only breathe the freshest of imported air," Loki scowls.

"Mama," Steve pulls his arm from hers and sighs. "Please, be nice? Loki's a little out of his comfort zone, he just wanted a few minutes to take a deep breath, okay? I'll be right back inside, we won't be much longer."

Loki mumbles. "…imported air…"

Lydia narrows her eyes at Loki, Steve ushering her back inside and closing the door behind her. He sighs and rolls his shoulders. "She doesn't-"

"Oh, don't defend her," Loki snarls, crossing his arms. "Even if you did tell your family that I wasn't just your friend it's not like you'd be all over me like you normally are. Arm's length apart, right?" Steve frowns at him as Loki stands. "Let's just go inside…maybe I'll feel better after stuffing my face-"

Steve pulls Loki's face into a kiss. Loki hesitates, grabbing at his coat to push away. He sighs and hums, unclenching his fists and sliding his hands up to place them on Steve's shoulders. His eyes flutter closed. Steve wraps an arm around Loki's waist and places his other hand on his hip. Loki tilts his head just slightly as Steve kisses him, his arms wrapping around Steve's neck and Loki kissing him back with as much fever and force as he can muster. Steve takes that as a challenge. He pulls Loki even closer, his hand gripping at Loki's hair as he tilts his head the way he wants. The noise Loki makes vibrates between them and Steve growls lowly in his throat. His tongue runs over Loki's lips, Loki letting out another whining noise.

They break the kiss, both of their breath coming out heavy. Steve smirks at him. His hand runs over Loki's hair. Loki flushes and looks away. He tips Loki's chin up to look at him, his fingers brushing over his cheekbone. They were cold but Loki's face felt warm. Steve lowers his head to brush his lips against Loki's cheek.

"Did that make you feel a little better?"

Loki hums, teasing the nape of his neck. "Yes, I just wish you'd been doing more of that."

"Well…" Steve kisses his jaw, his breath tickling Loki's skin. "Maybe we can do a little more of that if you come visit me tonight."

"You're terrible."

"Still attractive."

Loki was uncomfortable. It was cold on the couch and it was lumpy and narrow and he couldn't quite curl up on it like he was used to doing. He was in a house he didn't know, he was anxious, and tomorrow morning he was only going to end up waking in a panic the moment he heard someone come down the stairs. Otherwise it wasn't too terrible. Everyone was very polite and there weren't very many of them so Loki didn't feel as out of place as he had feared. These people were important to Steve so Loki had to treat them as neutrals…which they were. They had no quarrel with him. Well…his mother, Lydia, she didn't seem too fond of him but that was alright because Loki didn't like her either.

She was a bitch.

He sighs, climbing off the couch and maneuvering himself through the dark. Loki was cold. And he wasn't going to spend another night tossing around on an 80 year old couch trying to get comfortable just because Steve's mother was paranoid about two boys that were friends sleeping together in the same bed. If Loki wasn't trying to come off as collected and quiet he'd probably give her a piece of his mind. Besides…Steve had invited him. He pads up the stairs and down the hall, hesitating at the door. Loki wasn't sure if he should knock or not. The last thing Loki wanted was to end up in the wrong room. He opens the door, slowly, and slips inside, breathing a sigh of relief about it being the right room.

Steve quickly shoves his phone under his pillow. "I-I was g-going to bed, I swear-" Loki chuckles and walks a little further into the room, Steve's face relaxing. "Oh…hey, baby." He smiles, the anxiety in Loki's stomach starting to melt away. "You doing okay?"

"It's freezing downstairs," Loki rubs his arms, pulling down the covers. "I'm going to sleep in here with you."

"O-oh…" Steve blushes, letting out a nervous laugh. "O-o-okay."

"Is that not alright?" Loki pauses as he climbs onto the bed. He smirks. "You were the one who said you might get a little lonely…"

"N-no, no! I mean—I don't mind. Just uhh—let me…" he shifts, grabbing something off the floor. "Pajama pants…I wasn't—I mean I'm wearing boxers, I just-"

Loki laughs lightly and climbs under the covers, averting his eyes to save Steve the embarrassment of having to pull pajamas over his form-fitting boxers. He would've told him he didn't mind but Loki was afraid that would come off too suggestive. Steve lies back down and pulls the covers over them, Loki wriggling closer to him.

Steve pulls him closer and rubs his arms. "How did you already survive a night on that couch?"

"I ignored it for a while," Loki hums. He was fighting the urge to touch Steve's chest. The shirt he was wearing wasn't leaving much to the imagination. "But then I realized I'd be vulnerable whenever your family decided to come down."

Steve laughs. "You're not scared of my family, are you, babe?"

"No…" he smiles.

"Good…they do like you, you know."

He scoffs. "What's to like?" That came out faster than Loki had anticipated. Steve frowns and brushes his hand over his cheek.

"Loki…you're incredible. They'd be crazy not to like you…" Loki makes a small noise when Steve presses his forehead against his. "You know…I was getting kind of lonely up here by myself…" He smirks. "I'm glad you came up when you did."

"Y-yeah…" Loki blushes. "Me too."

Steve runs his fingers nimbly over his side and hums, smiling at the way Loki shivers.

He couldn't recall ever being this close to Steve, not counting fooling around in the back of his truck. The way Steve was looking at him though…it was a look he'd been getting a lot from him lately. Steve was wanting a little more than rough kisses and clothed rubbing of bodies, getting heated up just enough that it caused a spike of pleasure and adrenaline, as if to alert them that a line was about to be crossed. Loki was rather familiar with that look.

"I'm…" Steve clears his throat, pulling Loki even closer. "I'm glad you came with me…"

"Y-yeah…"

"You know…" Steve bites his lip. "I do still feel bad about our misunderstanding from before…" He smiles and rolls his eyes when Steve leans in, his lips brushing just against his. "I was hoping I could make it up to you."

"You're insufferable."

He grins. "Is…that a yes?" Loki rolls his eyes again and nods.

Steve presses his lips against his—gently at first—then tipping his head just slightly so that their lips fit better together. His arms wrap around Loki's waist and Loki's around his neck, simply enjoying the way it felt to be kissing again. Loki's leg rests over Steve's hip so that he can pull him closer.

Loki hesitates, Steve of course drawing back when he does. "Wh-what about your family?"

"We'll be quiet, okay?" Steve grins.

He rolls them, Steve keeping his body slightly elevated as he kisses him. Steve's tongue presses against his lips and Loki parts them with a small moan. Loki grips at his shoulders and runs his hands down his back, enjoying the way his muscles seem to ripple as they move. Steve kisses up his jaw to his ear, nibbling on the soft flesh of his lobe. They both let out small sighs. His fingers were so warm against Loki's skin they felt like they were going to burn, like they were burning him now. Loki's hips jump slightly when Steve sucks on the soft spot just below his ear, Steve pressing a little further down and grasping his hips.

Loki moves his hands back up the front of Steve's body and around his neck, his fingers twining into Steve's hair. He tugs at Steve's ear with his teeth, enjoying the little breathless laugh he makes. Loki kisses down his neck. Steve grins and buries his face into Loki's hair. His hands rub up and down Loki's sides. He makes a groaning noise when Loki attaches his mouth to his throat. Steve's hips roll roughly into his, pressing him against the mattress. Electricity sparks through his body. Loki's stomach was starting to tighten. His mouth catches Loki's and his fingers dig into his hair, sucking on his bottom lip and tilting Loki's head to the side.

The room was starting to spin. Everything smelled like Steve. He was growing sensitive to everywhere Steve touched him, his ears and face starting to burn from the blood rushing through his veins. Loki's hands press against Steve's chest, Steve running his hands over his hips and grabbing his ass, pulling him taut against his hips as they roll against him. It felt amazing—better than amazing—Loki just couldn't find the word…but-

"Mmm…Loki."

The small moan against his ear made Loki's hands clench to fists on Steve's shirt. Loki's body goes both numb and tense, Steve's fingers beginning to tease just under his shirt. His body had pressed harder against Loki's and was rubbing against his in such a way that Loki didn't want it to stop but that was only because his voice had gotten caught in his throat. He felt like he was going to panic.

Loki liked Steve. He liked Steve a lot. But he wasn't ready for this. Foreplay, sex, confessions, seeing one another naked, being completely comfortable with one another to do any of those things—it was not something Loki did. Loki had spent a few years now trying to establish that it wasn't who he was and he wasn't about to let someone like Steve Rogers cloud his judgment. He wasn't the kind of person that deserved sappy stuff like that and letting Steve do as he pleased was only going to make things worse. No matter how good they felt…

"Steve-" Loki makes a weak sound. "Steve, please—stop." His hand wanders lower than his hips and Loki's mind begins to panic. He pushes against Steve's shoulders and grabs at his shirt, tugging slightly. "Steve—stop."

Steve lifts himself to hover over Loki, to ask innocently if something was wrong. Loki was too embarrassed to say…and he didn't like how Steve's expression changed in an instant. It was like he'd made a mistake and the way Loki was probably tensed beneath him he was sure it was a look he warranted. He just didn't want to see it. Steve hadn't done anything wrong.

"Loki-" Steve flushes as he pulls back, Loki's body starting to relax. "Loki, I'm sorry, I didn't—I didn't mean to-"

Loki shakes his head. "It's—it's fine, Steve."

"Loki-"

"It's fine, really, I just—I'm tired…and—and your family's—I just want to go to sleep…"

He shifts onto his side and curls up.

"Loki…I wasn't going to take it any further, I swear," Steve whispers. Loki's stomach tightens into a ball. "Loki…please, don't be upset, I didn't mean to push you-"

"Steve, really, I'm fine," Loki keeps his voice as even as he can. "We just got a little heated, that's all. I just want to go to sleep, I—it's late, I'm just tired."

A heavy silence falls over the both of them. Steve's eyes were still burning into the back of him, Loki could feel it, and he knew Steve wanted to keep reassuring him that he wouldn't push him into doing anything he didn't want—just like the saint Steve Rogers was. He releases the breath he was holding when Steve shifts to lay down as well. Loki clenches his eyes shut. Somehow he knew he'd messed up. He just—wasn't exactly sure what had happened.