disclaimer: i do not own marvel
Chapter 8
The hospital wasn't too bad, especially if your former lodgings had included a box and a jail cell with a hard, stone floor. For the first time in nearly 20 days, Loki ate a real meal. Of course, the cheese looked like plastic and the bread felt like a sponge, but the hospital's hot meals were more than edible. For some foreign reason, he actually enjoyed the carrots and peas he was having tonight. This was his last meal before being released from the hospital to go his own way. He knew Heimdall was watching him. He was always watching. He was probably even amused at the sight of the great God of Chaos and Mischief struggling to get the last peas on his fork right now.
Loki would never admit it, but ever since this morning, he'd been feeling lost. He wanted to find comfort in his own anger, but all he felt was a dreadful boredom. For the past few days, he'd been "confined" to his room, waiting until this slow healing process finished. Sometimes, people stopped by. There had been a doctor in to examine his leg and a young nurse with black hair who changed his bandages on a regular basis. She also tended his shoulder.
Loki treated her the same way he'd treated Vicky, that girl in the doughnut store. Just like Vicky, the nurse could not resist him. It seemed like the woman named Pepper had a much stronger will than most Midgardian women.
Loki charmed the nurse and learned that her name was Cassandra – Sandy to her friends – and she insisted he use her more personal name. He assumed he looked horrible with his dull blond hair. The stubble on his face had also grown into a small, soft beard. Ugh. However, apparently Midgardian women had low standards. The moment Loki gently touched the nurse's hand, holding her finger lightly before letting it slip out of his palm, she turned around with flushed cheeks.
He asked her for something to read, a few books or interesting study material. She complied with a dreamy sigh. Before he knew it, she was back with a stack of magazines. If the material she'd brought him was interesting study material, then no wonder they acted so foolish. They read rubbish. He told her that the items she brought weren't pleasing to read, albeit in kinder words. She inquired about his taste in reading material. Loki contemplated the question. What would be useful to learn? If he was to learn Midgardian knowledge, it had to be something advantageous. Then it hit him.
I can no longer speak the all-tongue.
He appeared slightly shy as he looked at her in embarrassment." Languages." He put a bit more assurance into his next sentence. "I would like to learn a foreign language, and perhaps recent history or geography."
She looked surprised at his request. After all, what kind of homeless man had a thirst for knowledge?
He managed to keep up the slightly embarrassed look. According to the magazine this is supposedly considered cute for men. He looked down and fumbled with his hands. "I am aware that this is a strange request," Loki looked up earnestly at her. "You don't have to do this if it causes you trouble."
"Oh no! Don't worry about anything, Locke." She and some of the other nurses had started using "his" first name. It showed that they had a certain amount of trust and affection for him. She nodded to him in agreement. "After all, this might be your opportunity to study."
A broad grin spread across his face. God, I hope she gets out soon. "Yes, you're absolutely right, Cassandra." She almost giggled when he said her name.
"I told you to call me Sandy." She blushed. "I'll be back around lunch. Don't go anywhere!"
It's not like I can, you stupid cow. Sandy closed the door behind her. He sighed, glad that he was finally rid of her.
Loki later got a "get-well" basket from all the nurses on his hospital floor. It was Cassandra's idea, of course. At least it wasn't filled with mindless magazines. Instead, it had a French study book, a pen and paper to take notes, a thick book containing recent world history and events, and a novel of decent quality called The Stand. The books kept him entertained, relieving him of his earlier dull boredom. He took pride in the fact that he still picked up languages at unheard speeds. Basic French was now under his control. It was a pity that nobody here spoke it so he could test his newfound speech.
Finally, after five days of staying put, they removed the heavy lump of cast surrounding his leg. His fractured bone had set and could heal on its own now. The doctor gave him a new thinner cast that could be removed for sleeping or bathing. At last, tomorrow, he would be released from the hospital. It was his last evening here.
"Finally!" He caught the last of the peas with his fork. "Defiant vegetables."
"I see you've won the battle, Locke."
Loki did not feel the need to turn. Bob was keeping things from him now.
"I know you're upset because you think I'm keeping something from ya, Highness. And yes, I am. Or at least I was." Bob sat down beside him and did not look the least bit guilty. Instead, he looked happy.
"So tell me, what was so important that it couldn't be said?" Loki finally asked.
"I got a job offering from Miss Potts." Loki raised an eyebrow. How could Bob not tell him such a simple thing?
"I'm leaving New York tomorrow. Ya don't need to worry."
"Why would I—"
"I'll be back, but not for a while. Something about starting at the bottom again."
"Well, congratulations, Bob. I'm glad you got something out of this event." Loki actually felt bothered by Bob's leaving. He was just reluctant in admitting it to himself.
Bob touched his shoulder. "I really will be back, ya know. Just give it some time. In the meantime, keep up with those studies. According to Miss Potts, you're doing well with them."
How does she know?
"Well, I'm off. See ya in a few weeks, Locke, and try to stay out of trouble for me, okay?" Bob left, smiling and waving at him.
This doesn't bother me at all. Why would I need to rely on anybody, let alone a lowly insect like him? He left the hospital's dining hall and went back to his room. Bob's leaving felt like a betrayal, something he with which he was all too familiar. This time felt different from before though; for some reason, he felt even more alone than he had before the accident. He waved the feeling away. It must be some kind of human reaction.
When he opened the door, he was surprised by the person standing in his room, flipping through his notebook with the look only a strict teacher can produce. "Miss Potts, to what do I owe the pleasure?" He smiled smoothly.
She shuffled through a few more pages before she closed the notebook. "You've made considerable progress with your studies. It's quite remarkable for a man of your stature."
"My stature being that of the poor bastard that got run over by Stark?" he countered, both pleased and insulted by Pepper's comment and the fact that she was rifling through his personal items.
"No, being a jobless man without a home."
Touché.
"I have a job offer for you, Locke. It's similar to Bob's. But I noticed over the last few days that you have many more qualities than I originally thought."
"Flattering words for a woman who spied on me. You could have just asked."
She smiled at him. "It's my job to know everything. I do my job well."
"It seems you do, Miss Potts. I suppose my congratulations are in order for a job well done."
"Thank you," she replied cheekily. "But I told you, the reason I'm here is to offer you a job." She paused momentarily as she set his notebook down. "However, I think I need to reconsider it."
Loki grinned. "Am I overqualified? What a shame. Really." This woman was playing games. Well, he was well-versed in playing his own and responded in kind.
Pepper laughed. "Actually, yes. And I think you'll want something more challenging than what I originally had in mind. So, I have a new deal." Her eyes gleamed mischievously.
Loki couldn't help but listen.
"Oh god, this nightmare doesn't end!" Tony regretted the day he'd agreed to Pepper's demands. Damn that evil woman. She'd even managed to get Fury in on this ordeal, not that getting Fury to agree to such a thing was hard to accomplish. Nick seemed to hate his guts more than usual lately. It didn't help that he and Bruce weren't finding anything on the anomaly that originated from Asgard. The only thing known was the point of impact. No other traces were found.
Tony was now subjected to several ridiculous conditions. So far he'd listened, but only because he owed Pepper after everything he put her through. She'd even made him a list, and as he was now holding it he was happily breaking Rule #2.
1. No leaving Stark tower. So far, so good.
2. No drinking. Yeah, right. He rolled his eyes as he sipped his scotch. Nice try there, Pep.
3. No parties. But I live, therefore it should be celebrated.
So far, he'd managed to stay home, trying to be a "good" boy, but he completely ignored Rule #2. It would take much more than recent events and Pepper combined to keep him away from alcohol. Staying home also meant he could work on his suit. He decidedly did not do work for S.H.I.E.L.D. 'Fuck them' was his general opinion on that right now.
He also called the tow service after the accident. He wanted his car back despite its appearance. Presently, the wrecked vehicle lay in pieces down in the lab he'd momentarily transformed into a makeshift workshop. He might try to make something decent from the pieces because right now, it didn't even look like a car. It was just junk and metal covering the floor. The drink in his hand served as extra inspiration while he contemplated what to do with the car.
"Any ideas, Jarvis?"
"Plenty, sir."
"And you're not sharing them? I'm severely wounded by this. I thought you were a better friend." Tony had no problems calling a machine he created a friend. Jarvis couldn't betray him like other people, so no harm could be done.
"Sir, you could provide a better example if you cleaned the living room carpet. I warned you last night not to spill your drink on it due to its white colouration. Yet somehow, you did so anyway."
"Spoilsport," Tony muttered sullenly. Okay, so maybe some harm could be done.
"Well, you did do it, sir."
"Just have somebody else remove the stain. Whose idea was it anyway to buy white carpet?"
"Yours, sir."
God, why did I want white? It's a terrible colour that doesn't hide anything.
As if sensing his question, the A.I. said," You were drunk at the time, sir."
"Well that explains everything. I want a new carpet that's red. It goes well with my radiating personality and good looks." He emptied his drink. "Now, please tell me my dinner is almost here. I'm starving."
"It hasn't arrived yet, sir, but may I advise on ordering less pizza in the future?"
Tony shrugged as he put down his drink. "Hey, I'm hungry. You can't blame me for ordering five pizzas."
Jarvis paused. "Sir, the delivery boy just dropped off your pizzas. They are on their way up."
Tony thanked his own brilliance for installing a food elevator that went directly to his penthouse. He hated cold food and waiting for somebody to bring it up. "Perfect. Put on a good movie. I'll be downstairs." He left his empty glass on a workbench. Dummy would get it sooner or later. Right now he only cared about having his hunger satiated.
If Jarvis had a mouth, the A.I. might have grinned at Tony's words. The movie started playing.
"Jarvis, what is this?"
"The Lion King, sir, and your dinner."
"Okay, I like the dinner. I should, I ordered it after all. But would you care to tell me why The Lion King, of all things, is playing in my living room?"
"Worldwide, it is considered either a good or a great movie. I thought you might enjoy the change, sir."
"Very funny, Jarvis. Now put on something decent." He took a clean glass, deciding on a brandy instead of whiskey to go with his pizza. He slouched into the couch and grabbed a slice of pizza with his free hand.
"Sir, Miss Potts is here," Jarvis announced.
"Shit, my drink!" He looked around for a place to hide it. Fuck it. I'm busted anyway.
"Anthony."
"This is not what it looks like."
She crossed her arms. "So you're not drinking while stuffing yourself with pizza and watching The Lion King?"
"Ok, so this is… exactly… what it looks like."
"Can you not eat and talk at the same time?" she asked disgustedly.
He swallowed his food before replying. "I can, but it's a waste of time, Pep." He lifted his drink, wanting a good sip before Pepper got it in her head to take it away from him. That's when he noticed there was someone else coming up on the elevator. What the hell?
"Pepper, why did Jarvis not tell me about my other guest?" He was not happy about this, not happy in the slightest. The only person that could order Jarvis to not tell him something was Pepper.
"He's here on my invitation."
"He?" Tony shot her a glare as he reached for his second box of pizza.
"Your new personal assistant, of course. I found somebody with all the right qualifications."
Tony nearly choked when the man came into view.
The newcomer drawled smoothly, a smirk barely evident in his voice. "Good evening, Stark."
wow, i got allot of reactions on the last chaper, you guys made me blush. Really, i'm feeling them feels (lol)
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thanks to my beta's Sinister Banana and swordmisstress