Eris' POV

It had been six months since the first day I saw Loki in his cell. Everyday I could, I would go to visit him and tell him stories of some of my missions. He had made me promise not to heal people anymore unless it was completely necessary, to which I agreed hesitantly. I showed Loki my other abilities and some of the tricks I could preform with my fire. We even compared battling skills, I always won, even when Loki was trying his hardest to defeat me. He would pout and I would remind him of all the times he cheated at the games we played when I was a child. This usually got him to stop pouting and open back up to conversation. Loki and I were growing closer than ever before, and even though his spirits were significantly raised by my presence, I could feel an air of depression that naturally came with being imprisoned in a cell for the rest of your life. I hated it, it wasn't necessary for him to be so miserable in this cell. He hadn't once tried to escape before or after the incedents with Malekieth and the Aether, there was no reason for him to be imprisoned on Asgard when he was no longer a threat. At least, he didn't seem to be. That's when I decided that I would try to convince Thor and Fury that he would be better off on Earth with me.

"Absolutely not! Are you insane?"

Fury bellowed incredulously. I simply smiled and crossed my arms.

"No, I'm not crazy. Loki no longer poses a threat to Earth or any of the other realms for that matter."

I told him calmly.

"Eris, I know you love my brother deeply and cherish him as a friend, but this is not what is best."

Thor tried to persuade me. I didn't listen.

"Even if he were still a threat, wouldn't it be better to have him here, under our watch? He was able to trick his way out of being imprisoned on Asgard once, it could happen again. At least if he were here, he wouldn't have any means of escaping to wreak havoc all around the universe. Without the Bifröst, he would be stuck here and he wouldn't be able to do any damage."

I replied certain of myself. There was a small pause as they let what I proposed sink in fully. Thor shook his head.

"I, too thought that my brother was docile once. But he is evil-"

"Thor, he isn't evil. He's as evil as a kitten, though he certainly has the potential to be dangerous. If he were with me, he wouldn't even want to escape. He often confessed that the only reason he hadn't put himself out of his misery was because he knew I would be back to see him. For whatever reason, Loki trusts me, he cares for me and he doesn't want to let go of me. If that means staying harmless, then he'll do what he must. Just give me a month. If it doesn't work or he misbehaves too badly, you can take him back to Asgard. But if he does well, he gets to stay with me."

I argued. There was another absence of sound as they considered my words. Fury was the first to look back up at me.

"How do you know we can trust him?"

Fury inquired, narrowing his eyes.

"You don't know. But you know that you can trust me to take care of this. Just give me a chance to prove that Loki isn't who you think he is."

I pleaded, on the verge of sounding desperate. Thor looked to Fury and they turned their backs to me, discussing the danger if I failed to keep Loki under control, I'm sure. I was shaking with nerves and anticipation when they finally reached a verdict.

"You have month, to get him a job, and used to the way of life here in New York. If you can't, then he will be sent back to Asgard. Do you understand?"

I couldn't help the ecstatic grin that spread across my lips at that answer. A similar on mirrored on Thor's face and to a lesser extent on Fury's face.

"Thank you!"

I gushed before literally sprinting out of the building and calling upon Heimdall. Once I was inside of the golden orb of the Bifröst, Heimdall stopped me before I could cross the bridge.

"Do not fail us, my lady. If you do and he escapes, everything will be undone."

He told me in his usual stoic way. I nodded and continued past him. I ran down to Loki's cell, unable to stop smiling. I passed through the force field without hesitation and Loki seemed a little caught off guard when I leapt into his arms. He stumbled back a step from the sudden force but steadied himself quickly with a strained chuckle.

"What's all this?"

He asked, pulling back to look at me, his hands holding me at my waist. I grinned more.

"Okay, so, you don't have to if you don't want to but...I spoke with Thor and Fury,"

At the mention of Fury and Thor, Loki's eyes became suspicious. I chose to leave it be and continue.

"They said that you can finish out your sentence on Midgard as long as you stay under my supervision."

I finished, my hand fidgeting nervously. I glanced up at my raven haired friend to find a look of utter shock on his face. He gripped me by my shoulders gently and stared deeply into my eyes.

"I can leave my cell?"

He questioned, raising a brow. I smiled and nodded.

"I can leave Asgard as long as you are by my side at all times?"

He continued to interrogate me. I giggled and nodded once more. Loki grinned more than I'd ever seen him do so before.

"When can we leave?!"

He asked excitedly.

"Immediately, if you wish."

I replied, my cheeks were starting to hurt from smiling so much but I couldn't stop. Loki hoisted me up, his arms wrapped around my thighs to make it seem like I was taller than him as he held me and spun a little. I giggled as he set me back on the ground and quickly cupped my face, kissing me on my lips for a brief moment. I felt my whole face go hot but played off my embarrassment when he pulled away.

"Thank you...so much."

He whispered, his forehead pressed against mine. I smiled.

"It's my pleasure. Come on, let's leave this place."

I murmured, a little caught up in the moment of closeness between us.

"You truly are a Valkyrie in disguise, aren't you?"

He chuckled, taking my hand in his and facing the forcefield of his cell. The undulating gold stopped moving, indicating that we could both pass through unharmed. We walked to the Bifrost where Heimdall waited for us with an unreadable expression. His eyes followed Loki closely before he spoke.

"Behave yourself."

Was all he uttered before thrusting his sword into the floor to open the portal that would take us to Earth. I offered my hand to Loki with a smile as we neared the opening. He smiled too and grabbed my hand before we were pulled into the vortex. All I could see were the bright colors and lights around us-it was warm and slightly dizzying as we propelled through space. We came to a sudden halt on Earth and I fell flat on my face into the dirt. I groaned and pulled myself to my knees, wiping off the wet earth from my face. I heard Loki snickering behind me and sent him a burning glare over my shoulder as I stood up.

"I'm not quite used to the Bifrost yet."

I muttered, brushing the dirt off of my jumpsuit. Loki grinned and took my hand.

"I can clearly see that, darling."

He chuckled, making my heart skip a beat.

"Lead the way."

He whispered into my ear. Odin's ravens, help me...I just nodded in response and began to walk away from the park and towards a street sign. I sighed, thankful that we were only a block from my apartment. I sent a quick text to Matthew to let him know what all had happened and that I was back safe and sound. We climbed up the front steps and I fumbled for my keys before unlocking the door. I let go of Loki's hand while I scoured my hand along my wall in search of the light switch. I flipped the switch and came further into my home.

"Well, this is it. It's kinda small but I think you'll come to-"

I was stopped mid-sentence when the trickster god wrapped his arms around me in a warm embrace. I was still getting used to the newfound affection he was displaying but I returned it happily.

"I think it's perfect, thank you for letting me stay here."

He said, sounding so sincere it was strange almost, but I ignored it.

"I wouldn't have it any other way."

I told him. There was a knock at the door and I ran to answer it. I knew it was late in the evening and as I passed my dinning room table, I picked up my gun-just in case there was trouble. I slowly unlocked the door, my gun trained to shoot any potential threat behind the door. Who stood before me though simply laughed off the fact that I was pointing a loaded pistol in their face-it was just Matthew. I sighed and dropped my defensive stance.

"Matty, what are you doing here so late? You almost gave me a heart attack."

I grumbled, putting my gun back where I'd gotten it.

"Well, I texted, saying I was on my way over. Also, you almost shot me, so I think we're even."

He quipped with a teasing smirk. I rolled my eyes but I couldn't help but smile as he embraced me and kissed my forehead. Our voices must've coaxed Loki out into the living room, because I noticed my boyfriend staring past me with a very puzzled look on his face.

"Is this him?"

He asked in a whisper. I smiled and nodded. I walked over and guided Loki by his arm to my boyfriend. Matthew was obviously shorter than the god, but only by a couple of inches.

"Matty, this is Loki. Loki, this is Matthew."

I introduced the two in a very awkward way. I could already feel tension filling the room. There was a jealous gleam in the god's eyes as they glared at mine and Matthew's hands-currently intertwined. Loki raised his dark brow, sizing Matt up in a very blatant fashion.

"He's rather unimpressive."

The Aesir muttered dully. My lips tightened into a thin line as I saw Matthew look at me, confused.

"And just like that, you've got your first timeout."

I growled, dragging Loki by his ear over to a corner in the living room.

"Ow ow ow! What did I do?!"

He whined, turning his head to look back at me with puppy dog eyes.

"You've got a five minute sentence in the corner. If it happens again, it'll be doubled."

I told him, crossing my arms assertively. He frowned and faced the corner sullenly. I fought the laughter bubbling up inside and walked back over to Matthew.

"I'm sorry, kind of a bad first impression. But in his defense, his brain-to-mouth filter doesn't always work."

I chuckled, embarrassed by Loki's behavior. Matthew just smiled and shook his head.

"Well, he's not wrong."

He admitted with a shrug. Before I could open my mouth to scold him, Loki spoke.

"Thank you!"

He said from his corner.

"That's ten minutes, mister!"

I yelled back at him. Loki banged his head against the wall with a small thud and a cruse under his breath. I turned my attention back to Matthew.

"You really shouldn't encourage his behavior."

I scolded halfheartedly. He laughed a little and nodded.

"Well, I just dropped by to give you the documents and disclaimers so if you die or whatever S.H.I.E.L.D doesn't get sued-so I'll see you tomorrow, alright."

He explained, handing me a thick, cream colored folder.

"Oh, well, that sounds lovely."

I muttered, taking the folder from him and leaned in to kiss him for a short moment.

"Goodnight."

I whispered, smiling as I pulled away.

"Goodnight."

Matt said before leaving. When the door closed, I turned on my heels and marched over to Loki.

"I can't have you insulting my boyfriend, you have to be nice."

I chastised him angrily. The god turned to face me fully, crossing his arms with a smirk.

"Oh? And why is that?"

He challenged cockily. I growled in frustration.

"Because! If you act up and keep being so rude, they won't let me keep you here anymore, and I don't want them to take you away from me again!"

I nearly shouted, feeling tears well in my eyes as my throat began to tighten. The thought of losing Loki again was just too painful. Loki sighed and pulled me into his arms, holding me for a while before speaking.

"Hush now, I'm not going anywhere."

He assured me, petting my hair soothingly.

"So, then you'll behave?"

I inquired, looking at him expectantly. He heaved another sigh.

"Yes, I'll be a good boy."

He said sarcastically. It wasn't a very satisfying reply but it would have to do for now. I looked over at the clock above my stove. It was almost three in the morning.

"Dear lord, it's late."

I hissed to myself, rubbing my eyes tiredly.

"Alright, time for bed."

I mumbled, coming over to Loki.

"But we've only just arrived."

He argued.

"That may be, but it's also three in the morning. Besides we have a big day ahead of us."

I replied with a small smile. The raven haired god sighed and nodded, following me into my bedroom. I dug through my closet, looking for Matthew's spare pair of pajamas and pulled them out with a cry of victory. I extended them to Loki with a smile on my face, to which the Aesir simply raised a questioning brow.

"They're pajamas."

I explained, shaking them for emphasis. Loki looked from me to the pajamas, then to me again, and the pajamas once more.

"Am I supposed to know what that means?"

He inquired, looking thoroughly confused. I giggled a little.

"You wear them to go to bed."

I told him. His brow furrowed slightly.

"That seems quite unnecessary."

Loki dismissed stubbornly. I rolled my eyes.

"Well, it's all a part of assimilation, honey. When in Rome."

The god gave me a blank stare to convey his lack of understanding.

"Do as the Romans do."

I finished, somewhat irritated. Loki's eyes narrowed.

"If I am correct, I believe the place we dwell in now is called, 'New York'."

He said, looking around my apartment. I sighed and shoved the pajamas into his hands.

"It's a common saying. It means that when you're in a new place, do what the inhabitants do to fit or blend in."

I informed the clueless man. He gave just a nod in understanding. I showed him to the bathroom so he could change, hearing a loud commotion in there not five minutes later.

"Eris,"

I heard his muffled voice call from the bathroom. I sighed and walked up to the door.

"Yes?"

I asked, opening the door. What I saw was almost too funny-Loki, god of mischief, all tangled up and confused by a pajama shirt. I started to snicker, earning a growl from the Aesir.

"I did not call you here to mock me, help."

He snarled, only making me laugh harder. I began to untwine him from the piece of fabric and realized he hadn't even managed to button it. I shook my head in disapproval.

"A powerful god, taken down by simple Midgardian apparel."

I teased, biting my lip to keep from smiling as my friend glared down at me. I didn't bother to meet his eyes, focused on buttoning the garment. I tried to be as sneaky as possible as I savored every glimpse of his pale, toned stomach and chest. When I finished, I patted his arm and smiled.

"Can you handle the trousers or are you gonna get trapped in those too?"

I quipped, smirking at the small hint of pink along his cheeks. He frowned and crossed his arms.

"I'm quite capable, I assure you."

He retorted, pouting a little. I chuckled.

"Whatever you say, don't hesitate to call for me if you need assistance."

I said, closing the door behind me. I hurriedly dressed myself in my own pajamas-a tank top and a pair of flannel pajama pants and sat on my bed to wait for Loki. He treaded back into my room, uncertain of himself. I refrained from laughing at how helpless he looked and stood, pillow and blanket in arms.

"Alright, so you'll be sleeping on the couch. But only for tonight, I didn't have time to get you your own bed and we'll get that fixed tomorrow."

I promised, walking past him and into the living room. I put the pillow down on the armrest and lay the blanket out over the rest of the couch. Loki looked at the couch with a skeptical expression painted on his perfect features.

"This won't be very inviting, will it?"

He asked rhetorically. I smiled sheepishly.

"I'm afraid not, but like I said, it's just for tonight. You'll have your own bed and room by tomorrow."

I assured him as kindly as I could. He smiled warmly down at me and left a swift peck on my forehead.

"Thank you."

He whispered, his eyes holding me there for a long moment.

"Goodnight, Loki."

I murmured sleepily.

"Goodnight, Eris."

He replied. I smiled and went back to lay in my bed. I let out a shaky breath and closed my eyes, unable to believe that Loki was really here with me-finally. I smiled softly to myself and began to drift into sleep.

Loki's POV

I tossed and turned uncomfortably on the odd thing Eris had labeled as a 'couch'. I sighed in frustration, unable to fall asleep on this lumpy monstrosity. I stood up and walked over to Eris's chambers quietly, trying not to wake her or get caught. I poked my head inside the doorway and looked over to see my old friend sleeping soundly in her bed. A small smile crawled across my face as I just admired her dreaming face for a moment. I ventured further into her chambers, coming closer to her bed and deciding that it was big enough to hold two people, I also decided that she wouldn't mind me sneaking in to sleep next to her. I walked over to the other side of the bed and got under the covers, lying on my side so I could still look at Eris. Her hair was almost black in the dim lighting of the room, her pale skin contrasting with the dark colors around her. I could see the scars on her skin clearly in the darkness of her chambers. She was beautiful like this, relaxed and peaceful, but those scars haunted me. To see how many times she had bore pain for another's sake; it almost made me angry. She gained nothing in return for saving them but she still chose to sacrifice herself for them. I know I can fix this for her, I can use my magic and make them all disappear. I gently glided my fingers over her alabaster skin and watched the green, glowing light pulse beneath my fingertips to heal her scars. I focused all of my energy on her body and the light spread across her entire form as it went to work. Slowly, the scars on her shoulders started to shrink before disappearing altogether. I smiled, satisfied to know that she would no longer feel shamed by her beautiful body. Regardless of the scars, she would always be beautiful-but I knew she felt uncomfortable in her own skin. I wanted to finally give her something to be thankful for. It brought no harm upon me, so maybe she wouldn't be too upset about me invading her bed. Eris suddenly shifted in her slumber and I froze, my breath catching in my throat in anticipation. She turned over and my heart nearly leapt out of my chest in fright that she was awake and would find me. But as her face rested back against the pillow, her eyes were still closed gently, hiding her emerald eyes. I let my held breath out slowly in relief and moved closer to Eris. I carefully brushed back a few stray hairs behind her ear. Why do you torture yourself like this? I asked myself, my lips tightening into a line. Teasing yourself with someone you can never have, you should know better. I thought sullenly. It feels good to pretend, that, if only for a moment, she belongs to me. Eris woke finally, still half asleep, and pressed herself against my chest, smiling sleepily as she muttered something unintelligible, but it sounded faintly like my name. I suppressed a chuckle and wrapped my arms around her, pulling her closer against me. My chin rest on the top of her head and I smiled contently. It's nice to pretend. I thought before slipping under into sleep.