Chapter Nineteen

Friends with Benefits

Golden hued days blended, weeks fluttered past as idly as stray birds caught in the wind. Alex barely noted the passing of time, the churning tide of the Asgardian seasons. Her journal burst with activity, yet no dates adorned the crinkled pages. Days were spent exploring every nook and cranny of the Asgardian plateau. No market place had been left untouched, no shop unvisited. She had even skirted around the ends of the same swathe of trees that had cruelly robbed Jane of her chance for immortality.

While these experiences were ever vivid, they could barely compare to the sinful indulgence of night. Alex could barely breathe as she recollected an incident several nights before, when Loki had sucked and licked wine from her flushed skin, dribbling the dark liquid into the cleft of her sex before removing it with a deft flick of his tongue.

Every brush of his fingers was like fire, the lewd words that left his tongue only providing fuel. She knew it to be an illness; one that ought to stop, but many days had passed since she ceased fighting her dark inclinations. Loki only enjoyed it more if she struggled against him. In these instances he would usually take her from behind, fingers digging into her hips, filthy groans spilling from his lips. She liked him this way, and so she struggled frequently.

Yet despite the sights and the sex, Alex found herself missing the tiny things about home. The smell of books in her apartment, the crass noise from the pub across the street, early morning runs along the foreshore of Lake Burley-Griffin, fresh espresso coffee, desserts at Ruby's, huge slices of American-style pizza on the lakefront with colleagues. It was pathetic really. Even on Earth she had spent little time in Canberra, but strangely, Asgard reminded her of the city. The architecturally unique buildings, sweeping gardens, striking fountains. Canberra even had a lascivious nature, playing host to the largest adult shops in Australia.

Her mind awash with these thoughts, Alex slipped out of bed, sweeping Loki's arm away from her hip. It had been many months since he had ventured to his own chambers, preferring instead to occupy a small portion of hers. Several drawers now contained his underclothes and the pants in which he underwent his punishment. His armour gleamed in the corner, the more casual style hanging beside her Asgardian gowns in the wardrobe. To some, the arrangement may have seemed domestic, but Alex thought of it more as practical.

Loki's sleep was not disturbed, and for this she was eternally grateful. Had his eyes flittered open, she knew she would soon find herself beneath him.

Her laptop hummed to life, welcoming her with a happy, albeit loud, spring of noise. Alex snapped back to Loki. He continued to sleep.

She did not know why she was drawn to her computer. These days she used it solely for her correspondence with Fury, the files carried down to Midgard via the ever helpful Thor. In a way, the entire operation seemed like some sordid conspiracy. But her latest report was written. Thor had taken it that morning. It had been one of the few moments when Alex had seen him truly happy. His infectious grin lit up the surrounding area, ecstatic that he would be spending the next few days with his beloved Jane.

Idly, Alex opened a word document. As a child, she would weave tales of wonder, of heroes and demons, goblins and princesses. Such frivolities had taken her mind from the throes of everyday. But now inspiration of a different kind hit her. She wondered idly how Loki would feel, being her muse. Would he be horrified? Or would it bring a mischievous quirk to his lips? Would his appreciation come in the form of several minutes doting by his delicious tongue?

The cursor blinked on the fresh page, a temptation. Slowly, her fingers lowered to the keyboard, when... bleep!

The beep was loud, but fortunately not loud enough to wake her lover. A small notification box popped up in the left hand corner. Skype.

But surely not? There was no internet. Upon arriving in Asgard, she had not bothered signing out of her social applications. What was the point? Gently, she clicked on the notification.

Tony "Lady-Killer" Stark: Agent Beckett, testing, testing, one two three.

The small wodge of text flashed for a moment. Alex shrugged, typing a response.

Alex: Stark, what the hell?

Tony: Finally established the internet. Awesome, huh?

Alex: Yes, but how?

Tony: Don't flower me with too much gratitude, Alex dearest. My head might explode.

Alex: Hahahaha, too late for that. How is this possible?

Tony: Lots of complicated things involving the bi-frost, the position of the sun, cables, Jarvis, my amazing brain, you know. What matters now is that you can play on facebook and tweet Tom Hiddleston, or whatever you young people do these days.

Alex: I have never tweeted anyone in my life. Who is Tom Hiddleston?

Tony: You have got to be fucking kidding me. Even I know who Tom Hiddleston is! In fact, he's coming to my party on Thursday night.

Alex: You're having a party and I'm not invited?

Tony: Thought it might be a little difficult with you being on a different planet and all.

Alex: Bi Frost.

Tony: Yeah, because Odin is really going to let you use the bi frost just so you can come down here and flirt with Tom Hiddleston.

Alex: Who the fuck is Tom Hiddleston?!

Tony: You really live in a box, don't you?

Alex: No, I live on the opposite side of the galaxy. Besides, it sounds to me like you have a bit of a crush on this Tom Hiddleston... does Pepper know?

Tony: :S

Alex: Was that an emoticon Tony? My estimation of your IQ has dropped significantly.

Tony: :S

Alex: Hehehehehe. Apart from the awesomeness of internet access (thanks by the way!), is there any other reason you are hassling me at 3.30am in the morning?

Tony: Oh yeah, that.

Alex: ?

Tony: The gang are coming up to visit. Thought you may like to know.

Alex: Awesome. Any reason?

Tony: Sussing out Thor's pad for one. Oh, and nicking some blood off Loki.

Alex: Blood?

Tony: Twenty questions much? You'll find out when we get there, all top secret and shit. Can't really talk about it on skype.

Alex: Right.

Tony: Do Australians speak in words that are more than one syllable?

Alex: Racism is not a virtue, Tony! Okay, I look forward to seeing you. Can I sleep now?

Tony: Yep. Enjoy the internet. Don't forget to check out Tom Hiddleston on google. He does this thing with a moustache...

Alex: Enough with the-

Tony: And his Owen Wilson impression is hilarious!

Alex: Do you ever actually work, Stark?

Tony: Nighty-night Agent Beckett.

Alex smirked, signing out of Skype. It was only then, she noticed the silent figure standing behind her.

"Who is Tom Hiddleston?"

"Loki, I seriously have no idea." Alex's smirk morphed into a grin. Loki's stance and voice were stained with jealousy, his fingers digging into the soft flesh of his palms. Alex ignored him, flicking her fingers across the keypad to shut down the laptop.

"So Stark wants my blood?"

A cocked eyebrow was all he received. "All of Midgard wants your blood, Loki. But yes, in the literal sense."

"Not all of Midgard," Loki purred, uncurling his fists. Alex rose from her position, onto to find herself bent over the desk, mere millimetres away from her slumbering computer. Large, open hands scooped up the lacy folds of her nightgown, exposing her bare arse to the night air. The window was open, and the cool fronds of breeze felt intoxicating on her exposed flesh.

Loki languidly drew his tongue along one plump cheek, biting the dampened skin hard, before proceeding to the next. Her legs were wrenched apart, exposing the shameless deep pink cavern of her core. Loki thrust quickly, unexpectedly, the force causing the edge of the desk to bruise her soft skin.

"You are mine, not his!" Loki snapped, his thrusts quickening in momentum. "Say it!"

Alex's voice emerged a short whimper. "I am yours."

oOoOoOo

Several days later, Loki found himself nestled within his mother's chambers. His brother had returned from Midgard, the residual joy from his liaison with Jane Foster somewhat stifling. The God of Thunder was sprawled across an ornate loveseat, partaking heavily in the platter placed before him. Frigga and Loki had chosen harder seats, picking at tiny morsels of the food Thor chose to leave them.

"I do not understand why you will not bring Alexandra to our dinners, Loki." The disapproval in Frigga's voice was palpable. Loki scowled.

"It is hardly appropriate for me to bring my mistress to dine with the queen."

Thor chuckled. "Mistress, brother? I was under the impression Alexandra was your, how did Lady Darcy put it, fuck buddy."

"Thor!" Frigga spluttered in her wine. Loki erupted with laughter.

"I have clearly been a negative influence on you, brother, or perhaps that was Miss Lewis?"

Thor laughed. "It matters not! You should bring Lady Alex. I enjoy her company."

Loki winked. "Not so much as I, I suspect."

Frigga allowed a smile to grace her features, albeit a small one. "I do not understand how I came to raise such lewd sons. Perhaps Alexandra could dine with us next week?"

"Splendid," boomed Thor, guzzling yet another tipple of wine. "I look forward to conversing further with your delightful fuck buddy, brother!"

Frigga winced, causing Loki to interject. "I think it best if we find another term to describe Alexandra's and my... relationship. Perhaps, friends with benefits?"

"That will do," the queen sighed, partaking deeply of her cup. "I shall look forward to it."