OH WOW HELLO EVERYBODY.

It's been a while...

Like-a while a while. Sorry about that.

I guess sorry's not good enough though, huh? Well I'm finally moved and settled. I have a job. The wifi is back (one of the main reasons I couldn't update). And I'm semi-enjoying life. I'm enjoying one of my roommates anyways. The other one can kiss my ass.

Anyways here's an update! And don't worry it's not the only one, I have more on the way. I'm just trying to get back in the flow of things, you know? These idiots are fifty chapters in and I want to die. But it's all for the sake of my readers. I love you all and I'm sorry it took so long. You can thank Livi for pouting about me not updating lol

Warning: Sexual themes and language (of course)

Disclaimer: Does not own Marvel Universe

Comments/critiques are welcomed!

"Stop biting me…" Steve mumbles with a scowl.

Loki laughs breathlessly in his ear, nipping at the lobe. He watches out of the corner of his eye as Tom leaps and claws for Steve's hands that were resting comfortably on Loki's waist. "Me or the cat?" Loki teases, his teeth grazing over Steve's jaw.

"Both."

"Mmm…you like me biting you though."

Steve flushes and laughs shyly, his thumb kneading Loki's side. "Well…yes, but—OW SHIT-"

He wrenches his hand away, sucking the large claw mark Tom had left on his finger. Tom looks innocently between the two of them. He mewls and climbs onto Loki's lap defiantly. Loki sighs and picks him up, climbing off the bed.

"That wasn't nice, Thomas, Steve needs some attention from me as well." He opens the door just slightly and nudges him out, Tom sprinting down the hall. "That's it, go bite Thor."

Loki could feel Steve watching him. That was happening more and more now.

It felt nice being the center of Steve's world. Steve who seemed like he'd do anything just to keep Loki happy and a part of his life. However…Steve was doing it for Loki's best interests. Loki was doing it for his own. He felt a little guilty about that.

But he couldn't feel all that guilty. Not really. Because things right now felt amazing and wonderful and his heart wouldn't stop racing every time he looked at Steve. It was annoying, yes, but also perfect. He'd opened up a raw piece of himself, exposed everything to him, and Steve was still here. Wanted to help him, be there for him—any inhibitions about Steve being a joke were no longer dwindling.

"He'll learn biting is rude when he's older," Loki hums, climbing back onto the bed. He holds his hand out for Steve's. "Let me see."

Steve gladly complies, Loki running his fingers soothingly over the mark. It had stung at first but Steve didn't seem all that bothered by it. Loki draws his hand to his mouth, kissing the cut, Steve's hand twitching. He smiles to himself. A bit of mischief gleams in his eye. Loki places his lips against Steve's finger and runs his tongue over the cut, sucking lightly.

He glances at Steve's face, satisfied with the results.

Eyes watching him intently, mouth slightly agape—under Loki's control. Loki draws away with a grin, Steve snapping out of his stun. "My," he hums. "I hope we aren't thinking anything naughty."

"It's hard not to with you."

Loki chuckles shyly. "W-well, I—I don't know about that…" He gets a little anxious when Steve moves closer, eyes locked on him. "I was thinking maybe we could go on another date this Sunday…if you're not…not… Ohhhh…"

Steve picks up Loki's hips and drags him onto his lap, Loki noting the way he could so easily move him. That was really hot. His heart rate had already elevated, Steve's hands moving slowly up and down his sides, his head leaning in to steal a kiss.

Loki digs his fingers into the fabric of Steve's shirt, wishing desperately for it to disappear—but he wasn't ready. Not quite yet.

Didn't mean he couldn't imagine it though.

Steve's fingers muss through Loki's hair as he kisses him. His tongue flutters against Loki's lips and he hums, parting them for him. Steve takes advantage of that, pulling Loki closer, one arm wrapping around his waist to hold him still. Their lips dance and lock together, Steve tilting Loki's head to deepen the kiss. An electric current tingles through Loki's body. He could feel the want. Could feel it spreading and heating the air around them.

Their lips part and Steve's mouth attaches just under Loki's jaw. He sucks—hard—and Loki could feel himself pull taut, the suction radiating through his body and settling in his lower stomach.

"Nnh," Loki gasps, breathlessly.

They flop down on the bed, Steve knocking the breath out of him but Loki didn't care. He pulls Steve's face back to his and shoves his tongue into his mouth this time, Steve shifting slightly to lie comfortably against Loki's bony hips.

"Wait—do you want me to-" Steve tightens his grip on Loki's hips, Loki biting into his neck. "Ah—Loki-"

He could get used to hearing his name like that. Short and breathless with a tone of desperation. It made the heat in his body spread pleasantly.

"Mmmnn, Steve…"

Steve rolls his hips against his and Loki moans against his neck. His hips rut instinctively against Steve's as they press down again, Loki gripping at Steve's hair and nipping at his ear, breathing heavily into it. One of his legs hooks over Steve's hip and Steve runs a hand over the length of it. The heat of their bodies pressed together, Steve's mouth moving against his skin, the smell of the air in the room—Loki was getting dizzy with it.

He tangles his fingers in Steve's hair, his other hand reaching down to grope at Steve's butt, Steve moaning pleasantly. Loki feels a jolt of pleasure when Steve takes control. His hand grips at Loki's hair and tugs his head back, exposing his neck for him to suck and bite at his skin. Loki squirms and gasps. His head and body were both screaming more, more, MORE-

Steve's hand presses against Loki's groin—slightly hard and heated from the thought of their ministrations going further—and rolls his hand, gently at first, his fingers curling into the touch.

Loki's mouth opens with a sharp moan at the feeling. Steve's hand stops. Loki's face felt like it was burning, embarrassed from both the moan and the noise he made when Steve's hand drew away, Steve pushing himself up slightly to look at him. Loki felt his heart pang. Lips and cheeks flushed, hair tousled, pupils wide…Loki did that.

"Too much?" Steve asks, his tone laced with concern. Loki could cry.

The way things had been going Steve could've taken advantage of Loki's little noises and squirming, Loki not bothering to stop him until it was too late. He swallows down the heavy emotions and smiles, placing a hand on the side of his face. Loki teases his hair and grins.

"Maybe just a little."

There was a flicker of disappointment. "I could stop?"

"N-no…" Loki bites his lip. He places his hands on both sides of Steve's face. "I-I mean…maybe just not—that. You could—I mean—I'm sure there's places on my neck you've missed."

Steve smiles, placing a kiss on Loki's temple. "I could do that…" He kisses one of the marks he'd left, Loki's heart fluttering.

Loki awakes breathless and panting, drenched in sweat. His whole body felt like something was squirming over his skin. He throws back the covers and flushes all over.

He'd had—that dream again.

The one where Steve was doing…deliciously wonderful things to his body…

Loki sighs and covers his eyes with his arm. Why? Why did Steve have to make him feel this way? And why did Loki like it? To be fair, Steve had been dropping hints. Subtle ones but they were starting to settle, starting to get to him, and Loki—well, Loki was subconsciously enjoying the idea.

And consciously. His mind flashes to the times alone they'd been spending rubbing against one another, right here, on his bed. Loki wanted him. Badly. His body was practically screaming at him to do something about it. But—with Steve? Loki was too embarrassed. He groans and kicks his legs.

Tom gives him an irritated mewl, climbing off the bed.

He sits up drearily. These dreams though…they weren't doing him any justice. Especially since now that he needed another shower.

And a clean pair of pajamas.

"Alright, butt nugget," Darcy flops down on her bed and grins up at him, Loki setting his stuff down. "I don't know what you want but from the look on your face it's gonna be juicy." He climbs onto the edge of the bed and crosses his legs. "So what's up?"

This was a bit of a last resort. Loki had every intention to talk to Steve but—he was embarrassed. He'd promised to talk out any issues he had about their relationship with Steve it was just that he felt a little uncomfortable with this subject. Besides…what was he supposed to say? That he'd been having wet dreams at least once a night? About him? Loki figured that last part was a good thing. If they were about someone else they'd be having a different conversation.

"You first," Loki stalls. "How's your pursuit going?"

"For Kurt?" she shrugs, pulling one of her pillows into her lap. "Eh, could be better. He's evading me I think. Probably because I'm so sexually intimidating." Loki snorts out a small laugh and Darcy flicks his knee. "Shut up! He's really sweet okay? And I've gotten his number from that Ororo girl Thor used to date so we talk all the time and stuff but he—we haven't gotten around to the whole 'I like you as more than a friend' phase."

Loki grins. "Obviously."

Darcy throws a stuffed animal at him, Loki dodging it. "We haven't even gotten to talk about the fact that he checks out my ass and how I want to sit on his face but not in a friends with benefits way."

She blinks and Loki realizes she's staring at his arms, Loki self-consciously tugging on his sleeves.

"So uhh—what's with-?" Darcy motions to his hands.

"Oh! I—I got a cat."

"Really? Since when? Frigga actually said yes?"

He bites his tongue. "She picked it out for me. Said it was because I was doing so…well." It sounded a little farfetched but Loki was actually behaving himself more than usual. Steve was probably to thank for that. He hands Darcy his phone to show her pictures.

"Awww…he's so little." She scrolls through his phone and hums. "Wow, Steve must come over a lot. Either that or he's really into cats."

Why? Why did he lie? Why couldn't he just say it was Steve's Christmas present for him? Loki mentally kicks himself. Because that sounded weird and sentimental and Darcy wasn't stupid.

Loki snatches his phone back from her and attempts to contain his blush, thankful there wasn't anything inappropriate on there. Not that there would be, but- "He just really likes animals…plus Thor is constantly hounding me to play with him too so you know." He clears his throat. "So this Kurt guy. Have you actually been dropping hints or is he just oblivious?"

"Germans must not flirt the same way we do."

"Darcy, I don't think that has anything to do with it."

"You think he's gay?"

"I didn't say that nor was I leading into that at all." He rubs the scratches on his arms, some of them itching like crazy. "I'm saying that maybe you need to be a little more blunt. Like you usually are? When you flirt you're so subtle it's like you're a completely different person. Just tell him you like him."

Darcy shakes her head. "But I want him to tell me so I can tell him. I just want nice things. Things all girls want…like the fall of the patriarchy, a guy that treats me right, and orgasms."

"You think sitting on Kurt's face is going to bring down the patriarchy?"

"Don't tease me, acting like you're so great! Just because you're getting some and I'm not." Loki makes a face and turns away. Darcy raises a brow. "Oh? Trouble in paradise?"

The room grows quiet, Darcy's iPod dock the only thing breaking the silence.

"N-not exactly…" Loki lowers his head, glancing around the room as if someone was going to hear. It wasn't like the entire school was going to rush her door the moment he opened his mouth but—Darcy needed to understand she couldn't just bring this up casually. Like she had at Natasha's party… He'd meant to say something about that. "This doesn't leave your room."

"Ohhhh risqué," Darcy bites her lip to contain her excitement, shifting to lie on her stomach. "Spill."

"I mean it, Darcy."

"Of course, Loki, talk to me."

He takes a deep breath. Loki meant it. He didn't want this leaving her room. In fact after this he wasn't so sure he wanted to discuss it at all. Loki trusted Darcy—usually—but it didn't mean he didn't feel weird talking to her about Steve. She didn't know it was Steve but that's what made it weird.

"This guy I've been seeing…we haven't—I mean we don't really-" Loki makes a face when Darcy raises a brow, his point not coming across. "We haven't done anything. Sexual."

She blinks, letting out a small chuckle. "What, are you joking?" Loki shakes his head. "Okay, so what's the problem? You've done stuff before, it's not like you're going in there blind or whatever."

Right. Loki kept forgetting he'd made up some kind of story about how he'd had his virginity taken in the back of Tony Stark's Lamborghini. Why? He couldn't say. But thinking back on it now he was probably high and agitated about something. Besides it was a little late to explain he'd made all that up to make himself seem more interesting. Or—whatever the hell he was doing.

Plus Darcy might hit him for lying to her like that for so long.

"Look, I—I really like this guy…" Loki wrings his hands together, blushing. "And I know that—that he's interested that way but I just-" He trails off with a sigh.

"Can't get it up?" Loki stares blankly at her. Long enough to make her uncomfortable. "Is that a no?"

"Darcy-"

"Okay, okay, is it physical or no? Like are you physically attracted to him?"

Loki laughs dryly. "Yeah, I'm—pretty sure of that." Flashbacks of his reoccurring dreams and—the locker room—were stirring his insides pleasantly.

"Is it…an emotional thing? I know being emotionally attracted to this guy was bothering you. Do you think that's giving you performance anxiety?"

"Performance anxiety? I don't know, I don't think that's the issue…" He rubs the back of his neck. "Look, I'm really into the idea of him doing stuff…to me, but I—I'm worried about him not…I mean…forget it."

"No, Loki-"

"It's fine, Darcy, really, I just-"

She catches his hand as he shifts to climb off the bed, smiling at him. "Loki, come on, you don't have to be embarrassed. I'm your friend, okay? You've talked to me about way more embarrassing stuff than this. Besides it's not a big deal. You're probably just nervous. I mean you haven't exactly had the best luck being physical in the past, am I right?"

"Yeah…I guess…" Loki squirms uncomfortably, Darcy releasing his hand. "Once I start putting out they lose interest…just like Stark."

Darcy frowns. She reaches out to tug Loki closer and lays him against her, smothering him. "Don't be sad, friend," she coos, petting his hair. Loki mumbles something inaudible into her breasts. "Look, if this guy is as into you as you seem to be of him sex isn't going to be an issue. It's just going to feel even more amazing, right? Besides…just start slow. It's not like you have to drop your pants and tell him to buttfuck you right then and there." Darcy furrows her brow. "At least I'm assuming, I don't know how gay sex works to be honest."

Loki gasps for breath, pushing on her. "Well both parties end up finishing."

"Ohhhh!" Darcy laughs, ruffling his hair. Loki shoves her away. "Strike one for the heteroes. Good thing I'm bi-curious."

"Darcy…did you enjoy getting eaten out by Romanoff?"

"Fuck yeah, I did."

"Then you're not bi-curious. You're bi."

"Yeah, but only for her." Loki rolls his eyes and sits back up, pulling out his phone. Steve was asking where he was. "Did I help at all?"

He blinks and looks up from his phone. "Yeah. Yeah, of course. At least—I think so." Loki bites his lip. "I just—I wish I had some kind of guideline, you know? About the what's and the when's and the how's of a relationship that isn't completely destructive."

"I can't help you there," Darcy pulls her hair back, fastening it. "But I can say that you'll just know. Like you'll have a moment while you're making out or just eating dinner and eye-fucking each other and you'll just have this epiphany like: 'oh my god, it's time for us to go all the way' or some shit like that. You seem to want to take things slow with this one so just take it slow. Read the signs. Experiment a little. Look at his dick and ask yourself if you really want that shoved up your ass."

"For someone who hasn't done this before you seem to know what you're talking about."

Darcy grins, leaning back on her pillows. "Shut up. Now do you have a picture of your boo, or no? I want to see what this nerd looks like."

Loki hesitates and looks down at his phone. His chest tightens. "No…no I guess I don't." He forces a smile. "Maybe I'll get one next time we hang out."

Steve startles awake and rubs his eyes, looking around. Something had woken him up he just couldn't find what. He sits up and scratches his side, scanning the room with blurred vision. He glances at the clock. A little past one in the morning. Something skitters across the floor and Steve furrows his brow. If they had mice again he'd have to talk to the landlord. He hated doing that. Steve peers over the side of the bed. The cat howls and jumps up making Steve jump and clutch at his chest.

"Dammit—you fucking-"

He blinks and looks around. His phone was buzzing on the nightstand, Steve picking it up.

Loki's name flashes on the screen.

Unusual to get a call this late, even from Loki. School had seemed to go well, Loki was adjusting back into classes as though he hadn't missed out, and they'd hung out in the art room together. Then again…Loki did seem to have something on his mind. Nothing that was upsetting him. It just seemed to be a thought. Steve knew he'd get to it eventually—he just didn't know eventually meant a late night call. Not that Steve was complaining.

"Hey, babe," Steve answers, attempting not to yawn, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah…I just wanted to talk." There's a pause and Steve frowns. "I didn't wake you did I?"

Steve smiles. "No, I was already up. What's on your mind? Do you need me to come over?"

"No, no, that's okay…"

"Don't feel like sneaking any guys in your room tonight?"

He grits his teeth. That came out wrong. That came out very wrong. Bitter tone and everything. Steve curses at himself.

It had been a thought though. A jealous twinge in his stomach the first time Loki snuck him in. He seemed skilled at it, like he knew what he was doing. Practice makes perfect after all and Steve couldn't help but wonder about how many times he'd done this, how many guys had been allowed to sneak in, share late night confessions, steal kisses and press up against him… Loki had never gone all the way but he'd made it clear that otherwise he knew what he was doing.

Loki—thankfully—seems to brush Steve's petty comment off. "If you're inquiring as to how many I've allowed into my room this late you'd be the first."

Steve swallows the lump in his throat. The first. "R-really? Well, I-"

"Not jealous, are we, Rogers?" Loki sounded amused, which was a good sign. That would've been a stupid fight but it would also end up long and ugly.

"I suppose I can't be jealous of myself."

He could practically hear Loki smiling over the phone.

The only person—well, other than Darcy—Loki had ever allowed to sneak into his room was Steve. That was—it was actually turning him on a little. If Steve didn't already know Loki had his boundaries he'd think that was an invitation.

But he was trying to focus off of that. All good things to those who wait and Steve was being more than patient. He knew Loki's insecurities had more to do with trust than not wanting to. Because he wanted to. Steve could see it in his eyes when they pressed a little further each time. The little noises, the hesitation, the heavy breathing—Steve deserved a medal.

Things were fine like this though. If Loki wanted to act on a nagging feeling Steve was more than happy to comply. If he wanted to wait that was fine too. Whatever Loki wanted.

Besides…it would make the real thing feel even more amazing.

"How's Tom?" Steve hums, settling back down on the bed. He nudges the cat with his foot to move.

"Tom's fine. We were trying the stairs earlier."

"Oh? How was that?"

"He prefers to be carried."

Steve chuckles. He was tempted to ask whether Loki preferred carrying him or Tom actually enjoyed it. "So you're okay, then? You just wanted to talk to me?" Loki pauses. He hadn't hung up, Steve could hear him breathing. His brows knit together. "Loki?"

Loki responds. His voice cracks in his throat. "I guess we've sort of had this conversation before but I thought maybe we should have it again…"

"Conversation?"

"…about sex."

Steve feels his face heat up. "O-oh?" He was probably getting a little worked up over nothing. "Of course, Loki. What about—I mean—what would you-?" Steve hesitates. The words were coming out of his mouth with no control. "Yeah, let's talk about—let's talk about that, that's…I—I uhh-"

"You're cute. I didn't mean to get you excited." His smile was radiating over the phone. Steve could feel it's subtle charm working on him. "There's not a lot to say, really, I just—I wanted to talk about it now before I forgot."

"Well," Steve couldn't help but think maybe this was a conversation they should be having in person but it was fine this way. Loki was probably more comfortable doing it like this. "You know I'm happy to talk anything out. What did you want to say?"

He could imagine it now. Loki sitting in the middle of his nest of pillows and blankets, anxiously stammering over the phone, face flushed a rich shade of pink. Steve did wish he was there. He wanted to kiss the anxieties out of him, flushing his lips the same shade of pink, letting him know whatever he had to say—anything at all—he could tell him.

That bothered him more than anything. Loki being too anxious to tell him things.

"I—I just wanted you to know that I wanted to try some stuff—with you."

Steve's heart thuds in his chest. "Loki-"

"I'm not ready to go all the way but I definitely want—well, I want to try small stuff." Steve opens his mouth again to respond, Loki interrupting. "But not right now. Just—we'll know."

He was so cute. Steve wished he knew that. Misleading as well since Steve's mind had gone in a completely different direction than Loki had. He chuckles to himself.

"What's funny?"

"Nothing, nothing, I just—I think I got a little more excited about that conversation than I realized."

He smiles when Loki's voice cracks again. "I'm sorry to disappoint…I'll make it up to you though. I know how patient you've been with me and I—I appreciate it. Sunday I wanted to go out again so I'm trying to think of some ways to spice our date up a little."

"Will I get to see you naked?" Loki was scowling at him. He knew it. No other expression could be heard by him so well. Steve laughs and runs a hand over his hair. "I'm just teasing, baby. I know it'll happen when we're both ready. But you know…I can't help but think you're going to end up being even more beautiful than I could possibly imagine."

"And you're going to keep imagining if you keep teasing me like that."

"Yeah, but—you'll get to see me naked too."

Loki's silence spoke wonders. He was imagining him naked too. Steve grins.

He wished he was there. Wished he was curled up on the bed next to him, hand absently caressing his side, legs tangled comfortably together. Those green eyes fading in and out of consciousness. Steve would press his forehead to his, kiss his nose gently as he falls asleep, enjoying the way his breathing sounds so relaxed and natural.

"Steve?" He raises a brow and waits for Loki to finish his thought. "Will you stay on the line until I fall asleep?"

Steve sighs and smiles to himself. "Of course, Loki."