Loki falls asleep in his clothes, unwilling to remove the smell of Alexi's blanket as he dozes. He wakes late, the sun shining through his windows, when Wanda knocks on his bedroom doorframe.
"Good morning. You were up late?" Her smile is knowing, the question one she already knows the answer to.
"Oh yes. And I did dance in the moonlight in the kitchen and then settle in to sip hot chocolate under the stars on the balcony while dreaming of things I can only hope are possibilities. It was glorious." He stretches and yawns.
She jingles her keys, "Well it is time to escape the realm of dreaming and enter that of coffee. I, too, was up late, but it was not for anything so delightful."
"Oh?"
"SHIELD business. It seems that there have been a few places where time is looping. Thor says it may be from an Infinity Stone we have not yet encountered. So we are attempting to figure out where it might be. It seems SHIELD thinks I am an expert on impoverished Eastern European nations and so I was looking at far too many maps. I could hardly stay awake. And I need this coffee."
"Bagels sound like a good way to recover from such arduous tasks."
"That they do. But first you must get out of bed."
"Mmmm, that I do. And I must decide what to wear today."
"Something comfortable."
"I do not think I have much that is not comfortable. I see little purpose in making myself miserable with garments that do not fit well."
"Good, then get dressed before I fall asleep on your couch." She leaves the room and he follows her instructions, dressing in all black and braiding back his hair. He grabs his bag and they are off for coffee.
Taking coffee together becomes one of the little rituals Loki uses to settle into Midgard and to see it as his home as the fall edges in. He watches Mrs McGillan's laundry routine change as the days cool, waving to her from his balcony as the day begins. He learns how to cook the new vegetables and grains that he discovers at the local market and he begins to understand just how life in Midgard fits together. And soon he decides he wants to work, to integrate himself more fully into this world. He feels incredibly fortunate that, shortly after, a sign appears in the window of his favourite bookstore.
He reminds himself that there is nothing gained if never tried and approaches the old man behind the register, "Excuse me, but I noticed you have a sign up stating you are seeking help."
"Yes. Are you interested?"
"Very."
"You're in here every week, aren't you?"
"Yes. You have suggested quite a few books for me. Including my very first book of poetry."
"William Blake. 'Songs of Innocence and Experience'. The combined edition."
"Indeed. You have a good memory."
"Only for certain people. And you seem to be one of them. So you want to work here?"
"Yes."
"Have you ever worked in a bookstore before?"
"No, I have not."
"So what's your work experience?"
"I haven't any. But I have spent an inordinate amount of time in an expansive private library and am eager to learn anything you have to teach me."
"You aren't from around here, are you, son?"
"No, I am not."
"Well I'm looking to retire in the next few years. I'm not hiring someone to take this on for a year or so and move on. I want to leave this store in good hands and see it keep going after I'm gone from it. Is this something you'd be willing to do?"
"If you deem me worthy of such a task, carrying on your life's work, then yes."
The old man smiles and extends his hand, "Name's Ralph Whittaker. You?"
"Loki Odinson."
"Norse name."
"Indeed."
"Your folks really into mythology?"
"You could put it that way, yes."
"Well welcome on board, Mr Odinson. I'm going to need some things from you, Social Security card, an ID, your address, when you come in tomorrow. Shop opens at nine. You'll get paid each week on Friday. Today, how about you shadow me and see how this place runs?"
"I would be delighted."
And he is. There is nothing about the day he does not find fascinating. He is a sponge, carefully noting everything that happens in front of the public eye and behind the counter of the shop. There are long stretches where there are no customers and during those times, he watches paperwork, trying to figure out what he will be doing in the future. By the time he leaves for home, all he can think about is how incredible it is that he has found not only a potential love, but also a job that he thinks he can excell in.
He calls Wanda and asks about the documents he needs. She is eager to take a break from her maps and within a few hours, she knocks on his door and hands him an envelope.
"This should be everything you need. An ID with your address. A Social Security number. And even a birth certificate. Thor converted your birthday to our calendar."
"How did you get these things so quickly?"
"I told Tony it was matter of great importance that you be kept from considering a life of mischief. I likely did not have to do even that. It takes little to convince him that you must be kept busy as a matter of global security."
"He still fears me? He could kill me as quickly as any of the others. I am mortal. I pose no threat."
"He is not the most rational of beings. And I do not think he wants to be. But you do not need to worry about such things."
"Thank you, Wanda. Would you like to come in for a few moments?"
"I'm sorry, I cannot. The maps call."
"I will be very glad when this mission is over. We will have to celebrate with tea and cake."
She smiles, "We will. It may take a while, this one is tricky, but we will rest happily when it is over." She pats his arm, "Congratulations on your first job, my friend. I am glad you have found something you think will bring you joy."
"As am I. I hope your work does as well."
"Some days, yes. Some days, I simply wish to live with Magda and forget about all this."
"Why do you continue if you do not love what you do?"
"As Natasha would say, I have red in my ledger."
Loki kisses her forehead, "If there is anyone with red in their ledger, it is I. You must find your happiness, dear sister, and if that does not include the Avengers, then leave. I have only just found you. I do not wish for a mission to steal you from me."
"I will be careful. But I understand." She hugs him, "Thank you for your concern. I need to hear such things. But good night. The maps will not wait."
"Good night."
After she is gone, he sits down at the ash dining table and looks through the documents, familiarizing himself with them. Then he texts Alexi his good news.