A/N: Long time no chapter? Sorry guys, I am writing. Slowly. Please do review, it will only take a few minutes and might coax the plot bunnies out from under the bed.
There was a burning pain in my chest as I awoke, lying on a small and unfamiliar bed. Also – I noted as consciousness returned in full – a bitter taste on my tongue, and the feeling as if all my limbs had been turned into jelly. I winced, and opened my eyes to the too-bright sunlight streaming through the window, onto the quaint wooden walls of the room I was in. The room smelt overpoweringly of wood, wax and fresh linen, underlined by the smell of salt – the sea was nearby.
I tried to sit up, but found I couldn't, the pain and weakness being too great. Some type of sound must have escaped my mouth, because a moment after that Loki entered the small room. He was looking as bad as I felt – his hair was dishevelled and bags beneath his eyes marred his pale face. There was no spark in his green eyes, and his shoulders drooped from exhaustion.
"What happened?" I asked hoarsely.
"You were shot." He replied bluntly. "I healed you – and prevented such a nuisance from reoccurring. You have been resting many days. The human city did not fall beneath the chitauri, either." Bitterness embraced his face for a moment. "The portal was closed by S.H.I.E.L.D.'s team."
"How many days ago? How many days have I slept?" I lowered my head back to the pillow, shutting my eyes wearily before opening them again to frown at the god standing before me. "Wait, prevented the nuisance of being shot? It's more than a nuisance for us mortals! What did you do to me?"
He quirked an eyebrow at me, amusement flickering across his face as he promptly informed me, "You have been asleep three days."
"Three days?" I squeaked. "No wonder I'm hungry…" I tried desperately to suppress the yawn that escaped my mouth, failing in my endeavour. Loki smirked, before leaving the room, presumably so I could sleep – again.
"Hey!" I called after him. "I wasn't finished talking! What did you do to me?" I struggled to rise again, unable to, falling into the depths of the bed once more. "Bastard… tell me…" I muttered as sleep began to claim my mind.
His chuckle followed me into my dreams.
When I awoke again, the room was dark and empty. I struggled to rise, making it to a sitting position before stopping, and having to gasp for air. I felt stronger than I had earlier, but the pain was still an insistent reminder in the centre of my chest. Looking around again I noticed a small alarm clock, which read five fifty-three. I'd slept at least another night through. Quietly, I stepped to the door, opening it to reveal a dim hallway, which had two doors branching off it, as well as a small staircase headed down. I opted for the staircase, emerging into an attractive kitchen and dining, which opened up to reveal a small living room. It had a couch, several armchairs, and a coffee table with a lamp, a small desk, a large bookshelf and Loki, who stood in front of the latter, eyeing up the dusty Midgardian paperbacks.
"Not sleeping?" I asked him, leaning against the doorframe. I was attempting to appear casual – really I was feeling shaky after such a trek down the stairs.
Loki turned slowly to face me, face clouded. "I have no need of rest at this moment. Figuring out a new plan is essential. You, my dear, should be resting. Quite a toll was taken of your body."
I shrugged delicately. "I've slept about four days now, there's only so much rest can do. Food would be nice, and a hot shower if this place has a bathroom."
He nodded curtly, and brushed past me to the kitchen. I followed at a slower pace, collapsing into one of the chairs at the table. He was getting me food; I realised, but was too exhausted to be amazed. Whoever would envision that Loki, Asgardian and god, would be puttering around a tiny kitchen in a tiny cottage, making breakfast for a mortal – me?
I didn't have to wait long before he set a plate of eggs and tiny sausages in front of me, sitting down in the opposite chair. I murmured thanks and tucked in, demolishing half the plate before I grabbed a glass of water, looking back up at the god.
"So where are we?" I asked hesitantly.
"I questioned the owner of this residence after our arrival. We are in an area called Sussex."
"Sussex, England?" I asked. He nodded. "Where is the owner of this place, anyway?" I queried him, finishing off the meal.
"He does not inhabit in this particular residence." Loki informed me. "He rents it out to people who require holidays. I encountered him clearing up the garden outside, and persuaded him that we were booked and paid guests."
I nodded slowly. "For how long?"
"However long we need, my dear. Once you are recovered, we can begin again." His mouth thinned, and eyes darkened, as his recent failure was brought to the forefront of his mind.
"Right, do you have a plan?" I began clearing up my breakfast dishes, glancing over my shoulder at the tall man.
"Indeed I do, little one." A large smirk spread across his face. "And then Midgard shall be ours."