#Natasha: wait you’re talking about Loki

[worstloki]

Thor keeps telling the Avengers old stories about his baby brother and everyone assumes Thor and Loki have another sibling that’s small but no Thor is talking about the guy who invaded New York

[just-aake]

Detecting Love Part 2

Pairing: Natasha Romanoff x fem!reader

Summary: Sequel to Detecting Love. Can a spy who's been trained to lie her entire life show the person with the power to detect lies the truth what it means to be loved?

Warnings: fluff, light angst, hurt/comfort

Words: 5171

Natasha Romanoff lies.

Now, that’s to be expected, considering she is one of the greatest spies in the world. Ever since she was a child, she has been trained to be able to deceive everyone she meets.

Lying comes as easily to her as breathing, and deception is woven into every fiber of her being.

A charming smile here. A flirty wink there. 

Sweet words flow from her lips like honey.

Making everyone fall in love with all of the different false personas that she created for herself.

With a life and a past as shadowed as hers, it makes sense why she never even dared to imagine finding a person who can tolerate, let alone embrace, someone like her.

Then, she met you.

With your unique power to literally see through lies, you can detect the truth from her even when she’s at her most convincing. And despite learning about who she was and how she is, you accepted her unconditionally, not just as a friend, but as a partner.

For Natasha, being with someone who can truly see her is scary, and yet, that feeling is also better than breathing itself.

The two of you have been dating for several months now, and Natasha has never been happier.

Even if she sometimes occasionally struggles to express her affection openly in public.

As the two of you stroll through the compound, her eyes drift down once again in contemplation to your hand swinging casually at your side.

As if sensing her silent deliberation, you suddenly ask her curiously.

“Do you want to hold my hand?”

Natasha straightens at your question and faces forward, responding promptly in an even tone, “No.” 

Now that is sure to sound honest to anyone else who heard it, but you’re different.

Natasha makes sure to trail back slightly behind your line of sight in an attempt to hide the glow she knows you’d probably see around her.

You don’t comment on her evading action, but a faint smile tugs at the corners of your lips as you maintain your pace toward the Avenger’s personal elevator.

The two of you stand side by side, waiting for the elevator to arrive when Natasha suddenly feels the back of your hand lightly graze her fingers before quickly pulling away.

She narrows her eyes in suspicion at you, but you maintain an innocent expression, your gaze fixed on the decreasing numbers above the elevator doors.

Facing forward once more, Natasha is about to dismiss the action as an accidental touch when she feels it again – the fleeting brush of your hand against hers. 

This time, she doesn't hesitate to shoot you an accusing stare. Yet, you continue to feign ignorance, your expression a perfect mask of innocence. 

A couple of seconds pass before your hand makes contact with hers for the third time. 

Before you can retract your hand, Natasha swiftly catches it and intertwines your fingers with hers before letting out a defeated huff.

You don’t utter a word about her actions, but a subtle smile curves your lips, exposing your amusement at her reaction. 

With a soft squeeze of her hand, you pull her into the elevator, the door closing shut behind the two of you.

It's moments like these that remind Natasha why she fell for you — your ability to see past her lies, even the most trivial ones.

Once the elevator door slides open to the private floor, the two of you are met with sounds of a heated argument between the Asgardian Avenger and his visiting brother.

“I know you did it, Loki! This is not the first time you’ve taken and hidden a treasure of mine!”

“Oh, would you stop being so dramatic? We're talking about a mug, not some enchanted artifact.”

You raise a questioning brow at her, silently asking her whether you two should come back at another time, but Natasha shakes her head resolutely in response, not willing to let anything prevent her from missing her morning coffee.

As the two of you walk past the brothers, Thor finally notices the new presence in the room.

“Y/n!” he calls excitedly. 

His hand lands on your shoulder, catching you in place between the two of them which in turn pulls your hand from her grasp.

Thor’s other hand points accusingly at his brother.

“Is Loki lying about taking my mug?”

Realizing that you’re being dragged into the middle of the argument, your eyes dart to Natasha for help, only for her to give you a thumbs up in encouragement as she takes a sip of the coffee that she just poured from the freshly made pot.

The other Asgardian crosses his arms and snickers derisively at his brother.

“Do you really think that this simple mortal can expose the literal god of mischief? I didn’t take your stupid mug, and she can’t prove any—”

“He’s lying,” you answer plainly, seeing the red aura surrounding the Asgardian.

Loki shuts his mouth in surprise, blinking at you for a moment in disbelief, before pointing at you with a disdainful look.

“I don’t like her,” he states bluntly.

“Ah ha!” Thor exclaims victoriously. “You did take it!”

The two continue with their arguing as you discreetly sneak away to Natasha’s side.

She hands you a cup of coffee which you accept with a soft thanks before an alarm on your phone rings, showing your reminder for the day. 

You groan lightly in disappointment, causing Natasha to raise a questioning brow at you as she raises her cup for another sip.

“I have some interviews to get to this morning, so I’ll have to see you later,” you tell her before pressing a quick kiss goodbye to her cheek.

“I love you,” you whisper against her skin.

Swallowing her sip quickly, Natasha turns her head towards your direction, the reciprocating words also on her tongue.

“I—”

But you’ve already rushed away around the corner, disappearing from view. 

“…love you too,” Natasha finishes in a soft disappointed tone, her lips twisting at your action. 

Public displays of affection aside, Natasha has no problem wanting to tell you how much you mean to her.

But for some reason, you always seem to conveniently find ways to escape whenever she’s about to say those words to you.

“Now I’m no expert on relationships, but that right there was some cunning evasion tactic,” Loki comments, smirking at Natasha. “It appears that she’s not really interested in receiving such words from you.”

A slap on Loki's shoulder propels him forward a couple of steps as Thor reprimands, “Stop trying to cause problems for them, Loki.” 

He then turns to Natasha with a firm nod. 

“Don’t listen to him, Nat. Y/n loves you.”

Of course, she knows that. 

You whisper those words against her skin every morning when you think she’s still asleep and then again against her lips when you wake her up. 

The problem is that it seems that she never gets the chance to return the gesture before you find some way to rush away from the room or keep her mouth otherwise occupied and distracted.

A thud on the counter pulls her from her thoughts as Loki leans against the table with a mischievous grin.

“That girl can detect lies, right? Then why don’t you just tell her that you don’t love her, and then she’ll see the truth. That should be easy enough for you. After all, lying is your specialty,” Loki remarks before a smug expression forms on his face. 

“Unless that is, the truth is that you don’t actually love her,” he taunts.

Natasha glares at him silently, refusing to fall for his baiting provocation. Not wanting to give the trickster god any more amusement, she quickly downs the rest of her coffee and leaves for the meeting room, deciding to try again with you later.

~~~~~~~ ⧗ ~~~~~~~

With the briefing finishing early, Natasha decides to visit your office during this break in between her meetings. Conversations flow around her as she walks past the front desk toward the administrative part of the building.

“I’m sorry, miss, but I can’t let you enter without an appointment.”

“Well, is there any way you can just send a message to Y/n to let her know I’m here?”

Natasha’s head snaps up from her tablet at the sound of your name and curiously turns to the person who said it, only for her eyes to widen slightly in surprise at their identity.

Your ex-fiancée 

Stopping in her tracks, Natasha redirects her attention to the two of them.

“What did you need to see Y/n for?” she asks.

Your ex turns to her at her question, and an expression of amazement crosses her face.

“Oh, wow, you’re Black Widow.”

Brushing off her awed exclamation, Natasha crosses her arm expectantly as she repeats, a slight tone of protectiveness entering her voice.

“Why are you looking for Y/n?” 

Noticing her serious gaze and intimidating demeanor, your ex fidgets with her hands nervously as she responds.

“It’s kind of a private matter with an old case that I need her help with,” she explains.

Despite being the one who broke your heart, your mutual break up with her meant that the two of you are still somewhat friends, and as much as Natasha wants to, she can’t prevent your ex from seeking you out, especially since it seems she needs your help.

With an internal displeased sigh, Natasha gestures with her head towards the direction of the elevators.

“I’m heading over to her office right now if you want to come with me,” Natasha offers, nodding at the receptionist reassuringly to indicate that it’s okay, before walking away without another word. 

Natasha hears your ex scramble to follow quickly after her once she processes her words.

As the elevator doors close with the two of them inside, Natasha pulls out her phone to send you a warning text.

I’m on the way to your office with your ex.

A read message quickly appears under her text, indicating that you have seen it, and then a text bubble promptly pops up as you respond.

?!?!?

“So, do you and Y/n work together often?” your ex asks, trying to fill the silence with casual conversation.

Natasha looks up at her question, tucking her phone away. She crosses her arms and leans back against the elevator walls, adopting an intimidating posture, as she gives her a hard stare.

With a calm yet assertive tone, she tilts her head curtly and replies with the truth. 

“She’s my girlfriend.”

An awkward silence fills the small space after her answer, and your ex’s eyes dart around the enclosed space, seemingly realizing she’s essentially alone with the Black Widow who just revealed that she is in a relationship with you. 

Sensing her nervous energy, Natasha relaxes her posture, offering a more friendly demeanor.

“Relax, if I was going to do something, I would have done it already,” Natasha reassures. 

Your ex nods hesitantly, acknowledging Natasha’s attempt to diffuse the tension. After a moment of contemplation, she gathers the courage to speak up again. 

“So, you know about Y/n and her ability?” your ex asks, her voice tinged with curiosity.

“Yes,” Natasha confirms, adding, “And about what happened between the two of you.”

The revelation hangs heavy in the air, plunging the elevator into an uncomfortable silence once again. 

Honestly, Natasha knows she shouldn’t keep putting your ex in these awkward positions with her responses. 

However, just because you are on friendly terms with her doesn’t mean Natasha has to be, especially considering she never held any goodwill toward the woman before.

Natasha redirects her focus to the digital display above the door, silently cursing and blaming Tony for the sluggish pace of the elevator. 

“I-I honestly did love her,” your ex confesses, breaking the silence once again.

At her statement, Natasha regards her with a raised eyebrow, silently prompting her to elaborate on her sudden declaration.

"I mean, Y/n’s great. It’s just…it got hard to imagine being with someone who always knows if you’re telling the truth or not,” your ex explains with a small sigh, offering a tiny sympathetic shrug before asking. “I’m sure you understand that feeling too, right?"

Irritation flares in Natasha’s chest at your ex’s words, her protective instincts surfacing in defense of you.

"Maybe the fact that she can see someone for who they truly are is what makes being with her so special," Natasha counters, her voice firm with conviction.

The remainder of the elevator ride passes in tense silence until the doors finally open with a ding, signaling their arrival at your floor. 

Throughout that time, one part of the conversation continues to bother Natasha, and she finds herself asking, wanting to know the answer.

“Did you tell her often?”

“What?” your ex asks, blinking in surprise and caught off guard by her sudden question. 

Natasha presses her lips together momentarily in displeasure at the topic before clarifying, “Did you tell Y/n that you loved her often, you know, before your feelings changed?”

“Oh, um, kind of,” she admits, a faint chuckle escaping her lips. “It’s actually kind of funny. Y/n would always have this cute little shy smile whenever I said it, so I ended up saying those words to her a lot.”

The irritation in Natasha’s chest intensifies at her answer, and her feelings must be evident on her face because your ex starts waving her hands frantically in a slight panic.

“But I’m positive Y/n won’t react the same way if I said it now,” she adds quickly.

Instead of responding, Natasha leaves the elevator without another word. 

Your ex’s reassurance does little to ease the irritation that she feels at not yet having been able to say those words to you herself.

The two of them arrive at the door of your office, only to find it locked with the lights turned off.

Just as Natasha is about to text you to ask you about your whereabouts, you emerge from around the corner, skidding to a stop in front of her.

Confused at your flustered state, Natasha gives you a questioning look as she asks, “Why are you rushing?”

You take a couple of deep breaths to catch your breath before answering.

“Because…I didn’t want to…to leave you waiting.”

Natasha feels her heart flutter at your words, her posture relaxing for a moment.

“…wow…you look good, Y/n,” your ex comments.

Natasha’s body immediately tenses again at the reminder of your ex’s presence, and she becomes further annoyed when she takes in the state of your appearance that prompted the remark from your ex.

You are in your usual workout outfit, a standard black tank top, showcasing your body with a gleam of sweat still on your skin, evidence of your workout session.

As if sensing Natasha’s increasing irritation, your ex gestures awkwardly in fear toward the waiting area some distance away.

“I’ll just wait over there.”

Natasha watches your ex walk away with a slight glare in her eyes. 

When she turns back to you, her expression instinctively softens with affection and curiosity.

“Where were you?” she asks.

“My last couple of interviews had to cancel, so I decided to go train for a bit,” you answer with a slight shrug. “You know, since you suggested that I try training whenever I’m bored and have some free time.”

Natasha's lips twist slightly in conflict at your response. She's happy you took her suggestion to heart, but now she's also upset that it led to you appearing in front of your ex in such a state.

Gesturing toward your ex, you ask, “Did she say why she’s here?”

Natasha sighs and shakes her head.

“She only mentioned that it was an old case that you can help her with.”

“Okay,” you say, nodding in understanding, probably already knowing what she’s referring to. 

Then you look at Natasha with a cute tilt of your head. 

“After I finish up with her, do you want to go out for some lunch?”

A small smile forms on Natasha’s face, her earlier irritation melting away at your suggestion. 

However, she knows she might not have enough time to wait and go out before her next meeting.

“How about I go ahead and pick up some takeout first, and then we can have lunch in your office when I return?” Natasha offers as a compromise.

You smile at her in response and press a soft kiss against her cheek.

“It’s a date.”

As you’re about to move past her, Natasha presses her hand firmly on your shoulder, stopping you and pushing you back to your original position.

You give her a questioning look in confusion.

“Did you take my hoodie again?” Natasha asks accusingly. 

Your eyes dart guiltily to your office before you mutter under your breath with a soft pout, “Maybe.”

Natasha nods slightly in contemplation, her eyes glancing at where your ex was waiting and then back to you.

“Put it on,” she says plainly.

You raise a brow at her in confusion and gesture to your body.

“Nat, I’m covered in sweat. I didn’t get a chance to hit the showers before you texted,” you explain.

“That text didn’t mean that you should come here all hot and sweaty in front of your ex like this,” Natasha remarks pointedly, crossing her arms.

A teasing grin pulls at your lips as a look of understanding crosses your face.

“You think I look hot right now?” you ask happily.

“Seriously?” Natasha deadpans. 

Unbothered by her signature intimidating gaze, you pull her closer by the loops on her belt and lean in with a slight tilt of your head.

“Are you jealous?” you tease lightly, your bottom lip caught in between your teeth as you try to hide your pleased grin.

Natasha rolls her eyes, though her lips quirk up briefly in amusement. She knows whether she responds truthfully or not, you probably already know the answer without the help of your ability, so she responds instead.

“Keep it up, and I’ll just come back with one takeout box for myself,” she warns.

You laugh lightly at her response, nodding your head in concession.

“Alright, I’ll put it on,” you promise, before leaning in to press a soft kiss to her lips. 

As you pull away, you whisper, “I love you,” the words brushing softly against her lips.

Natasha’s eyes had fluttered closed at the touch of your kiss, but they snapped open when she remembered she wanted to say those words back to you too.

However, to her disappointment, before she realized it, you had disappeared from her side. 

Turning around, she finds you already in your office, putting on her hoodie.

A mocking chuckle sounds beside her, and she turns to see Loki leaning casually against the wall.

“Oh, you didn’t even try that time,” he taunts.

Without hesitation, Natasha raises her wrist and shoots a widow bite at him. It flies through his body, dispersing the apparition that he had left there.

Groaning in annoyance at his presence, Natasha quickly leaves to go get your lunches before he can reappear and provoke her further.

~~~~~~~ ⧗ ~~~~~~~

“So this is the one lie detector that you can’t beat,” Fury comments with intrigue, as he examines your file.

Natasha closes the folder promptly and takes it from the table in front of him, stating firmly, “Her name’s Y/n, and no, you can’t have her. She’s just going to help review the list of potential recruits for you. Nothing else.”

She gives him a pointed look, stressing, “Especially not any SHIELD interrogations.”

Leaning back in his chair, Fury chuckles amusedly and raises a brow at her.

“Protective, are we?”

Before she can affirm the lengths she would go to minimize the risks you have to take, the door slams open, and you stroll in, giving her a wave and a charming smile. 

You stop in front of her, taking her hand suddenly in yours and giving it a light swing. 

“Ready to get started?” you ask. 

Natasha’s eyes narrow in suspicion. Something about your behavior was off and unlike you. 

She examines your expression critically, and then in one swift, fluid motion, she grabs your wrist and upper arm, pivots on her heel, and shifts her weight, seamlessly flipping you over her shoulder. 

With a resounding thud, Natasha slams you down onto the meeting table, the impact rattling the room.

Fury whistles lowly with a slight wince, a mixture of sympathy and admiration in his tone.

“Tough love, huh?” he remarks to her.

Natasha rolls her eyes at his comment and shakes her head, reaching to her side to grab something. She takes one of “your” wrists and snaps a golden cuff onto it. 

Immediately, the figure on the table shifts from your face and form to Loki’s. 

His eyes glare at her as he gathers his bearings, giving a slight grunt of pain when he moves.

“As if this woman knows anything about love,” he scoffs, standing up from the table with a groan.

Fury hums curiously at the sight of the trickster god, turning to Natasha.

“Who let him in here?”

Natasha sighs as she crosses her arms, replying, “Unfortunately, Thor and he are on friendly terms at the moment.”

Loki raises his hand and waves his finger at her in reprimand.

“Exactly. Now, is this any way to treat a guest of yours?” he taunts with a smirk before his eyes drift to the cuff on his wrist. His expression falls in recognition. “Where did you get this?”

A smirk forms on Natasha’s face as she answers, “Thor lent it to me when I asked. Since I know better than to just take his things.”

The cuff in question is an enchanted artifact that temporarily blocks the magical abilities of the wearer as explained by the god of thunder.

Loki scoffs in disbelief, placing one hand on his hips while waving his other wrist at her. 

“Hilarious, now take these off,” he demands.

Natasha’s smirk remains fixed as she shakes her head.

“I don’t have the key,” she admits, tapping her chin thoughtfully before revealing, “It must still be with Thor. But I’m sure you’ve already apologized to him for earlier, so you’d have no problem asking him to release you.”

Loki scowls, his expression darkening with disdain, and then he swiftly turns toward the exit.

“It’s no wonder that girl doesn’t want to accept any love from the likes of you,” he spits out angrily.

Natasha’s lips twist downward at his words, but before she can respond, a knock on the door interrupts the tense moment. 

Taking a calming breath, she calls out, “Come in,” already knowing who it is.

You open the door at Natasha’s invitation, only to dodge out of the way as Loki storms past you out of the room, muttering angry curses under his breath.

Turning back to Natasha, you notice the telltale red aura fading from around her and wonder what was the lie that you assume she had just told him.

As you approach her, Natasha’s contemplative, sullen expression quickly shifts to a neutral one when she catches your concerned gaze.

Before you can question her about it, Fury claps his hands firmly, looking between the two of you.

“Alright, let's finish this quickly then.”

~~~~~~~ ⧗ ~~~~~~~

Seated on your sofa, Natasha hugs a cushion pillow closer to her chest, seeking comfort as Loki’s harsh words echo in her mind.

Is it just a coincidence that you manage to avoid her every time she’s about to say those words to you? Or is it possible that the truth is you don’t actually want to hear those words from her?

You place a bowl of popcorn on the table in front of her, snapping her out of her spiraling thoughts as you finish explaining what your ex needed from you.

“So, I just need to submit my notes on the case so that the court can close it out,” you explain.

Natasha hums absently in acknowledgment, but her mind drifts back to her insecurities.

Was Loki just messing with her or were all of your previous evading actions really on purpose?

Unable to bear the uncertainty any longer, Natasha decides to settle this once and for all.

As you take your seat next to her and start the movie, Natasha initiates her plan. She quickly maneuvers herself over your lap, straddling you as her hands rest on your shoulders, pressing you firmly against the sofa with her body.

Your hand automatically rests on her waist and begins tracing light patterns against her side, but your lips twist into a small pout of confusion as you remark, “As exciting as this is, I thought this movie was your favorite.”

Natasha closes her eyes briefly, internally groaning at your adorable words and how incredibly in love she is with you. 

If only you could hear it from her for once.

Determined to not fail this time, she tries again.

“I lo—”

Her words are cut off, swallowed by you, as you pull her down into a deep kiss. 

Instinctively, she melts against your body, sliding her hands to caress the back of your neck, pulling you closer to deepen the kiss as she gets lost in the feeling of your lips moving against hers. 

Then, realization hits her, and she snaps her eyes open and pulls away. 

“Hold on, I’m trying to tell you that I—”

“I know,” you interrupt, your hand covering her mouth to stop her mid-sentence. 

That’s when Natasha sees it.

The fear in your eyes.

“I know,” you repeat, giving her a look of understanding before swallowing nervously. 

You close your eyes as your head drops to your chest, a sad chuckle escaping from you. 

“You know, in all my life, I have never been afraid to discover if someone was lying to me,” you admit, shrugging lightly. “I’ve always known that people can lie, so it’s never really surprising or hurtful when it happens.” 

You let out a weary sigh and look up to meet her gaze with a sad smile. 

“Except for that one time.”

Natasha knows what moment you are referring to — the night your powers revealed that your ex no longer loved you.

The memory flashes in your mind, vivid and raw, as if it happened only yesterday. The betrayal, the heartache, the crushing realization when the red aura appeared around her after she uttered those fateful three words to you.

Your attention returns to the woman in front of you, the one who helped heal your heart. The one who now holds it. 

The one who also has the power to hurt you in the exact same way, even though you know she won’t.

“I love you so much, Natasha,” you say with breathless adoration and honesty, but your expression pinches in fear as you continue, your voice trembling slightly. “But I don’t think I'm ready to hear it from you yet. Just…not those exact words.”

You sigh sadly, understanding how unfair your words are to her, and your chest tightens guiltily as you apologize, “I’m sorry. Look, I’d understand if you want to leave.”

You look away from Natasha, your mouth pressing together tightly, fighting the urge to cry. 

The silence stretches out in the room before Natasha gently cradles your face, bringing your gaze back to her.

“You make me happy,” Natasha declares firmly.

You give her a confused look at her words.

“Wh-what?”

Ignoring your question, Natasha continues, asking meaningfully, “Am I lying?”

Your eyes observe her for a moment, but you don’t see any indication of a red aura appearing.

“No,” you answer in confusion.

Natasha nods before continuing, “I don’t mind that your powers reveal truths about me, like the moments when I want to hold your hand or when I’m jealous.”

She tilts her head at you in question.

“Am I lying?” she asks again.

Still not seeing any red aura appear around her, you shake your head at her in response.

Natasha rests her forehead against yours, letting out a deep breath, before continuing, “I’m afraid that one day…” she pauses, taking in a shaky breath to prepare herself for what she’s about to admit out loud. 

“…one day you’ll wake up and decide that because of who I was, who I am now is not enough for you to stay with me anymore.” 

Your eyes widen in surprise, and you go to reassure her, “I wouldn’t—”

“Am I lying?” Natasha interrupts, not wanting you to worry about comforting her at this time.

Your eyes soften sadly when you see the vulnerability and fear in her eyes at her words. 

You reach up to cup her cheek, your thumb caressing her face gently in comfort as you whisper, “No.”

Leaning against your touch, Natasha lets out a steadying breath to compose herself for the final part of her point.

“So when I say I can wait…” she pauses, looking into your eyes with a serious and determined expression, making sure you can see the sincerity of her next words. 

“…I’ll wait for as long as you need so that one day I can say those words to you…am I lying?”

You watch her carefully for a moment, but nothing appears to counter her claim. Realizing her intentions to reveal her feelings in another way, your heart fills with love and adoration for her as you answer with a soft smile. 

“No, you’re not lying, Natasha.”

She gives you a gentle grin and cups your face, pressing a soft kiss against your lips before admitting, “That’s because when I’m with you, Y/n, it never feels like I’m living a lie.”

A breathless, awed gasp escapes from you at her words, and you can’t help but pull her in closer, her red hair falling around you like a curtain.

“I love you,” you whisper against her lips, the words filled with genuine adoration for the woman.

Natasha smiles softly at your words and closes the distance between the two of you once again, her kisses tender and filled with all of her unspoken feelings. Her lips move against yours with gentle urgency, conveying everything she can’t yet say aloud.

The warmth of her touch, the sincerity of her kiss, and the way she holds you protectively — all of it reassures you. 

It doesn’t matter that those three words haven’t been spoken explicitly — her actions, her presence, the look in her eyes says it all already.

Natasha may be considered one of the greatest spies in the world thanks in part to her exceptional ability to lie, but even she can’t hide the truth from you.

Without needing to hear her utter those fateful three words aloud, you already know the truth in your heart.

That Natasha Romanoff truly loves you too.

~~~~~~~ ⧗ ~~~~~~~

a/n: Thank you for reading and for all the love that you all gave to the first part! I hope you enjoyed this one too!

[unholyhelbig]

“You’re supposed to be dead.” was so strong felt like you hit me with that sentence I even forgot the title can’t wait for next part!!!

Center picture Cred: Jadiakallisti

Title: The Beast You've Made of Me [Part 3/7]

Ship: Female!Reader x Natasha Romanoff x Wanda Maximoff

Wordcount: 4,695

Summary: When reader wakes up in her own grave, she's suddenly aware of a past that spans lifetimes, but she's not the only one. Two Avengers are tasked with keeping readers past a secret, or at the very least, controlled.

Warnings: Blood, fatal injuries, mentions of death, containment, and horrible grammar because I don't proofread

[a/n: Sorry for the delay on this one. I promise I'll hit you guys with less tragic backstory and more plot soon! ]

[ Part one | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five | Part Six | Part Seven ]

Main Masterlist | Read my stuff on AO3 | Leave Requests

The word sounded foreign to you. Asgardian. The first syllable was doable, the start of something and the end of something in one fail swoop. It was the second syllable that threw you off. Guardian. That wasn’t something you had ever been, nor did you want to be. The two women that frequented your holding cell, now they were guardians.

You were never one of those superhero junkies. Not like the rest of the world. They were infatuated with the Avengers and even more so with the media coverage of them. The main six would do their due diligence and go in for interviews, the occasional ribbon cutting on new Children’s Hospitals.

It was the C and D list heroes that gave you the ultimate ‘ick’. There were reality television shows that highlighted their daily lives and social media accounts that reported on their flings and lack thereof. Of course, they’d home in on the Avengers too, but they circled like vultures, and it was the main reason you had seen the phrase ‘Asgardian’ in the first place.

Thors Summer Body.

Jesus Christ, they called it the Asgardian Abdominal Workout and you had scoffed at the stupid title and graphics on Instagram while you wiped the neon orange Cheeto dust from your fingers onto the front of your shirt.

You didn’t know what they meant for you, but you paced the length of your holding cell while you thought about it. It was day three and you were getting stir crazy. So much so, that when Natasha entered with your lunch for the day, you threw yourself against the glass.

Both of her eyebrows went sky high, grip tightening on the plastic tray. “Whoa, okay. Good afternoon to you too, Kitten.”

“Why do you do that?” You asked.

“Do what?”

“Act like you’re not intrigued by me.”

She was the only one who hadn’t resulted to the poking and prodding, and endless tests that had been run on you. Of course, Wanda was more likely to stick around for a conversation. She’d spend hours with you, just talking, staring at you while you slept. Your mind had chosen to be a challenge, and that excited her. It was more of an emotion than you pulled from her wife.

Natasha let out a sigh and clicked her way through the passcode. You had half the mind to shove past her, just to get out of this stale air. But, she was the Black Widow, and you knew your odds were slim. So, you stayed put, backing away to give her enough room.

She usually placed the tray on the table and then retreated with less than five words to you. But this time, she closed the door and turned towards you, arms crossed over her chest. The pure strength of her physic intrigued you, made a rosy color bloom against your cheeks.

“I would be lying if I told you I wasn’t.” She sounded out carefully. “Do you know Hawkeye?”

You nodded. He was the guy with the arrows, the only other person on the Avengers that had molded their skills instead of inheriting them. Jenn spoke fondly of him, had helped with a case a few years back that you couldn’t recall. You had been struck by the stomach flu and remember being particularly miffed that you hadn’t gotten to meet him.

“So did Loki. Briefly. He was the first big threat that we encountered as a team and he wormed his way into Clint’s mind, changed him because Clint was mortal, and Loki was a different kind of God. A trickster, and an Asgardian.”

“You’re… afraid of me?”

Natasha laughed and if you hadn’t been so wounded by the noise, you would have found it pleasurable. She closed the distance between you both. She smelled soft, floral. It was different from Wanda and from the nurse who had been in and out, growing bolder the more she worked on you.

“No, sweetie. But don’t be so offended, little intimidates me. I know that like our world, you come from one of your own. One with good guys and bad guys. I just hope that you know which side of the line you fall on.”

You stifled a groan. You didn’t even know who you were, much less if there was some malice deep down in your core. Right now, all you were was restless. While you were a homebody that usually extended to shitty television and greasy snacks. Neither of which was offered here.

Wanda brought you a novel to read, but it was in old English and hurt your head to squint at the words on the yellowed pages. You’d only gotten a quarter of the way through. The rest of your time was spent getting jammed with needles and staring at the blank ceiling.

“Hungry?” Natasha asked.

“Not particularly.”

“Alright then, come on.”

You blinked dumbly at her, narrowing your eyes. This could be some form of sadistic trap, but really, what did you have to lose? You were cooperative thus far. No matter where she led you, it would be better than here.

The floor was startling and cold against your bare feet, your jaw clenching in response to the change that hit your skin. Natasha watched you carefully, two steps in front of you but still with a keen eye.

The two of you took enough turns that you wouldn’t be able to find your way out of the compound, much less back to your holding cell, without her. The walls all looked the same, steel lock protected doors lining either side of the corridors. There were no discerning stock photos to spruce up the place, not even windows. If you knew any better, you would say that you were underground.

The elevator was warmer. Natasha used the keycard on her waist to operate it. You stared down at your feet. They were bruised from your excursion through the cemetery. Your hand reached out to the side of the elevator when it lurched forward, throwing you off your balance.

Natasha reached over and grasped your elbow, keeping you steady. Her warmth was domineering, running through you like a heated iron rod. You decided to change the subject for your own self-preservation. “What are we doing exactly? Because if you’re leading me to my demise, then you owe me a replacement lunch, first.”

She scoffed “Is food all you think about? From what I remember you were wolfing down week-old takeout when we met.”

“It’s not all I think about,”

At least, it didn’t used to be. Lately, you were starving at all times, thinking of your next meal directly after you’d finished your first. It was almost as if you were burning off more calories than you could consume. At first, you figured it was your body’s way to catch up after being buried alive- buried dead- but it persisted.

“uh-huh, you know my wife reads minds, right? Seems like all you think about is food and sex.”

“That’s not, I don’t-“Your cheeks heated up and you covered your face with both of your hands. God, this elevator ride was too long. You would be perfectly content digging another grave and laying in it.

“Relax. I’m teasing you.” She nudged you with her shoulder. “You and me, though, we’re going to be spending a lot of time together these next few days. Fury wants us to run more tests that don’t involve needles and EKG’s. That okay with you, kitten?”

You nodded, tongue officially tied. Each time she called you that, you felt arousal pool in your stomach that was quickly ebbed away by guilt. There was no way that you would allow yourself to be taken by the Black Widow. It was her job to be alluring.

And then there was her wife, the woman that you were equally infatuated with. She had a warmth that emanated from her, but a coldness that could wash over her in an instant. It scared you. It turned you on.

Not only could she hear your less than pure thoughts about Natasha, but she wasn’t shy about letting you know she could. The corner of her lip would quirk up, almost as if she wanted to tease you about the fact and not reprimand you.

The elevator doors opened directly into an atrium that was complete with lush green grass. You flinched, holding your arm in front of you to block out the sudden burst of sun. You’d been imprisoned for the past couple of days, and before that, you were in a different type of prison.

You took a deep breath of the clean air, letting it coat your lungs. Your skin instantly warmed. Natasha didn’t’ push you, instead she let you take in the square building around you. There were tinted windows that jutted out in a hexagon shape from the structure, long hallways that lead to move testing areas, living quarters, you were sure.

“I know you haven’t worked your muscles in a bit, but I have some obstacles for you, if you’re up to the challenge, that is.”

“You kidding? I aced gym. Bring it on.”

Natasha’s wolfish smile did nothing to aide your confidence. She led you into the center of the green and squared her shoulders. You didn’t see any equipment around: no vaulting bars, or weights. It was just the two of you and the nature that surrounded. It was only when she lifted up her hands, curling them into fists, that you truly understood.

The Black Widow wanted you to fight her.

There wasn’t much time to contemplate. She moved like lightening, and though you knew she was going easy on you, the crack against the center of your nose didn’t feel like it. You let out a groan, moving both your hands to your face as warmth gushed from the center.

“Jesus Christ, what the fuck!”

“You’re supposed to dodge.”

“You’re supposed to warn me.” You pressed your hands harder against the dripping wound “Oh, I’m going to die.”

Natasha scoffed and let her hands drop from their defensive position. She closed the distance between you and gripped your arm. You refused to budge, making a small noise at the back of your throat. “Oh, don’t be so dramatic. Move your hand, let me look at it.”

You leveled her with an apprehensive look but eventually conceded. Watery rust was against your palms, wicked into your lifeline that seemed oddly to stretch on for way too long. It had already dried, you were almost hyper-fixated on the blood. On it’s stain.

Natasha was impossibly close, you could feel her exhaling against your collarbone, her hand squeezing your face and pushing your head to the side to get a better look. Her eyebrows creased. You focused on the smattering of freckles against her nose and under her piercing eyes. You hadn’t noticed them in the fluorescents of the facility.

“Mm, well, you can heal on your own. Just like Thor.” She gave your cheek two pats and stepped back. “I didn’t hit you that hard.”

“I beg to differ,”

Natasha resumed her stance and you held your hand up as if taming a wild animal. As if that would stop her from advancing on you. From this view, you could see the blood that had slotted through your fingers and ran in interconnecting lines. It was almost like a system of roads, each leading to your wrist and drying in a strange pattern. Beautiful. Familiar.

Your hand was tingling viciously and the world around you had started to pulse. You steadied yourself, focused on the grass under your toes. The soil was damp and cold. The sun was hot and harsh. You knew exactly where you were, but the rushing sound past your ears seemed to want to change that.

“Y/n,” You heard Natasha softly. She sounded like she was suspended in air, or you in water. “Y/n, are you alright?”

1893, Chicago World’s Fair

“Miss, are you alright?” His voice filtered through your thoughts. It was smooth and amplified compared to the crowd that flitted around you. Bodies were slotted close together, different scents of spices and crushed florals mixed with the sweat of strangers.

“Yes, of course,” You assured him, seeing the worry drain from his stare. He held his prize in one palm, hard enough to morph the copper back into its original shape. “My apologies. I suppose the heat is getting to me. Please continue, Mr. Damm.”

He gave you a crooked grin. You’d stopped at his booth out of a version of pity. In truth, your eyes had locked with his across the crowded exhibition floor and you couldn’t pull yourself away. He looked like a nice enough man, standing next to a small box that was made of wood.

Glass was bordering the top half, giving the viewer a good look at the inside mechanics. There was a crank that jutted out of the side and a small slot that was in the center of the wooden base. In a room filled with ships, locomotives, and a real moving walkaway, not many people took interest in a simple party trick.

“Have you ever put a penny on a train track, miss?”

“Yes, of course.”

He grinned harder “Well, that’s a good way to lose a limb, if I do say so myself. Now, I have all ten fingers and all ten toes but there are plenty out there who are risking their lives for something that you can now get with convenience. Do you have a penny, miss?”

With heat rising to your cheeks, you fished into the damp area between your breasts and pulled out a coin, making sure it was dry. You couldn’t hide it’s warmth, but the dress you’d chosen to wear on your mothers’ recommendation was much too tight fitting to carry anything in a proper place.

Mr. Damm did not seem to mind, he simply placed the penny into a small slot on the side of the machine. “I’ve spent years crafting a rolling mill that presses designs into soft metals. Not only that, but it elongates them as well. A penny had tremendous value, but wouldn’t you sometimes prefer something more?”

“I suppose I’ve never thought about it before.”

“Ah, well, come here. Crank this lever and watch.”

You glanced at him for reassurance before doing as you were told. It put up more resistance than you were expecting, but eventually you watched two metal rollers press the copper into a longer, oblong shape. You had to admit, it was a cool sight, especially with your ability to control the speed.

Eventually, your coin popped out of the slot in the wood and it looked like anything but the penny you had provided. It was stretched and the words ‘Columbian 1893 exhibition’ were impressed into the metal. He placed it into your palm, still warm from the process.

“Very good, Mr. Damm. But, does it still hold it’s value?”

“Of course, Miss! First thing I made sure of. Though, I suggest you keep this. One day, they’ll be worth millions.” He tucked his thumbs proudly into his suspenders “I’m headed to New York City in a few days to patten this machine, here.”

You returned his smile, words caught in your throat when a hand started against one side of your waist and trailed along your back to rest on the other. The rosewater scent that accompanied Helia. She was a few inches taller than you and hugged you close to her pale form.

There were dark circles under her sunken eyes, her hair a jet black. She often captured the eyes of anyone in the room. But in a room with so many wonders it was hard to notice her among them. People often thought of her as sick. But you knew better. Helia simply mirrored a specter. She was filled with a sharp kindness that was preceded by her excitement.

“Sister, what have you got there?” She plucked the coin from your hand and ran her pale finger over it “Very nice! This is fantastic, sir. Really amazing. I hope you don’t mind if I steal y/n away from you.”

“Not at all,” Mr. Damm gently took your hand and placed a dry kiss on the top of your hand. “It was fantastic to meet you, miss. Enjoy the fair.”

Helia had pulled you away by the waist before you could respond. You wiped the top of your hand against the rough fabric of your dress, suppressing a chill. He was nice enough, an average looking guy. Deep down you knew your mother only let you attend to see if you could attract some type of man.

She’d long ago deemed you feral, her wild-child that held the beauty but none of the grace to settle down with an acceptable husband. You wore Helia’s dress because she would have left you to rot in the hot motel room if you hadn’t at least attempted to look presentable.

“Mother is going to be so upset with you,” You tsked, “pulling me away from a possible suitor.”

“Oh, the inhumanity. We have to hurry. Jorell has been holding the same spot in line for the Ferris Wheel. We simply must join him. I don’t have the patience to wait another day.”

“At least you are one to admit your flaws.”

“Hush, walk faster.”

You felt incredibly stiff in the dress but followed her a quicker pace. Your brother had sacrificed his entire day to make sure the three of you could rise high above the fair. You’d long given up on your own ability to stand in a stretching line and you’d had to keep him waiting even longer.

A light drizzle had begun to fall from wispy grey clouds, instantly cool on your skin. Helia hugged you closer, silently pleading for the ride to still be operational. There was no electricity crackling through the sky, nor a worried look on a single patron’s face.

Jorell waved the two of you over, boots splashing against the cobblestone. His hair was damn, inky and falling into his ghostly stare. His shirt was soaked through at this point, the white outlining the curves and dips of his stature. The strong, protective man that had yet to find a suitor either. Though, mother was much less persistent when it came to her only son.

“Where did you find her?” He smirked.

“Playing with coins.”

“I wasn’t playing with anything. If you must know, a very nice man was giving me a demonstration of his invention.”

Helia nudged him in the ribs, “She took pity on him, like she does all helpless creatures.”

You suppressed a groan. Certainly, you were deemed to softest of the three siblings, though you knew when it was necessary to put a thing out of it’s misery. You’d bring home stray cats and then make excuses for the parasites that were attached to it.

“Come on, we’re next!”

Helia grabbed your hand and gave it an excited squeeze. There were two metal steps leading up to the boarding area. A man stood next to a gally of machinery, and unlike Mr. Damm’s penny pressing box, you couldn’t see inside of it. He held a black umbrella up to protect the panel from the weather.

He grunted out “No single riders, only two to a car. One of you will have to sit this out.”

It would be fair to let Jorrell and Helia take the helm. You weren’t much of a fan of heights anyway, and the diming in your sisters’ eyes at the news was enough to break you. “You two go on ahead.”

“You’re sure?” Jorell asked, lifting a dark eyebrow.

“I’m positive, go! I’ll be waiting right here.”

Maybe you did take too much pity on the beasts around you. They certainly stuttered to find kindness, as did you in moments. But at the base of the worlds first Ferris Wheel you would have done any kindness for the strangers that flitted around you. Especially for your own family.

You watched as they boarded the cart closest to the bottom, the last riders until a chain was slipped across the front, blocking the rest of the patrons. Bad weather. You heard the man mutter, but paid no mind. He certainly wouldn’t let them ride if the conditions were too dangerous.

They grew smaller and smaller as the monolithic machine carried them to the very top of the loop. You craned your neck, having to look away as harder rain blurred your view. It was unladylike to wipe at your eyes, but you hadn’t given a care. Unladylike or not, you’d give anything to see Helia and Jorrell in this moment. Joy swelled in your chest.

Then, the Ferris Wheel lurched to a stop. Strangled cries of shock floated down to you. This must be part of the exhibition. It was a naïve thought, but one that carried you for a moment more of bliss before pure terror. The next noise was grinding metal against metal, shaking that jostled many of the riders.

The speck of Jorrell had slid from his seat, the metal much too slippery from the rain. He held on to the edge, the crowd letting out sounds of distress. One woman screamed. You felt damp and useless, hand covering your mouth.

Helia gripped at the fabric of his shirt desperately trying to keep him afloat. And you believed whole-heartedly, that if the machine hadn’t lurched again, she would have been able to maintain her grip.

New inventions were faulty. They malfunctioned in different conditions. The rain had not been anticipated and neither had the harsh winds that made Chicago damp and freezing. Another sound of metal crunching and a scream that was masked within a sea of people already beginning to plan how to cope with tragedy.

You may have screamed to, but you had a feeling the noise got stuck in your throat. Jorrell had tried to grip the bars on the way down. They bit into his fingers, water making it impossible for him to swim.

He was crushed in an instant between the gears that you could see, and this time, you did cry out. You figured your legs unable to work, knees nearly hitting the cobblestone. In that moment, you thought about how it would dirty your dress.

An arm was there to steady you, grasping onto your elbow and pulling your eyes away from the scene. You were pliable in this moment, unable to question who had grabbed you. There was the scent of metal and strong cologne. They emanated comfort, tucking your head into the small of their neck to pry your eyes away from the mechanical mauling.

“Look away,” Mr. Damms voice was muffled against your ear, filling his chest cavity. “This isn’t something a lady should see, miss.”

The scream tore through your chest with a visceral pain. Your nails were digging into the soft soil, heels pushing against what you could only recognize as grass. You’d come to in a state of fight or flight. Adrenaline coursed through your veins, breath refusing to catch.

“Hey, hey, you’re alright.”

It took you a moment to realize who was in front of you. The world was dripping with color, the rushing sensation fading from your ears. Instead, it was replaced by the sound of birds, the scent of nature, the warmth of the sun. You were still outside, lying on the ground and blinking up at the crystal blue sky. No rain. No water.

Natasha was knelt next to you, a look of worry flooding her expression. She had one hand on your chest, and the other was cupping your cheek. She was checking your vitals, you were sure, because you had most certainly lost consciousness.

“Breathe in for six seconds through your nose. Good… now hold it. Only breathe out through your mouth when I tell you to.”

Your chest had started to ache when she finally gave you the nod to release the air you had greedily drawn in. She stayed with you, repeating the process three more times before you finally felt the blades of grass tickle your palms, the slight breeze touch your skin. Natasha brushed a strand of sweat-soaked hair behind your ear before she flopped back into a sitting position.

“Want to tell me where you just went?”

“Chicago,” You grunted out.

Natasha got this adorable crease between her brows, but she didn’t’ push any further. You squinted up at the clouds and stretched your arm out, enjoying the prickly sensation of the grass.  

“Sometimes… I get these nightmares. Most of the time I don’t remember my dreams but when these happen, they feel so real. Almost like I was there myself, which is impossible because they were decades, centuries ago.”

“What are they like? Your dreams?”

“Volatile. They all follow the same formula. A life that I couldn’t have had, an older brother who dies by water and a younger sister who just… dies. One of them meet a violent end before I can wake up, and they’ve never repeated themselves. It’s just new tragedy after new tragedy.”  

You’d always thought the dreams were weird. But, chalked them up to being related to stress. When you were a kid, it was stress about starting a new school, soccer try-outs or midterms. Then as you got older you pinned it on college admissions and failing the bar twice before submitting to be a paralegal instead.

But then, Jonathan died. Drowning just as every other version of him had.

 You’d never told anyone about the dreams and now you were sounding them out with a near-stranger who you were pretty sure used to be a villain. You’d read that on the back of a cereal box once while it tore up the roof of your mouth with its sugary edges. You didn’t’ put much faith in the trivia.

“That must be scary,”

You pulled yourself up, resting your arms on your knees. You were sure you looked disheveled, but she gazed at you with something of admiration and a recognition of pain.  She’d pulled a blade of grass from the earth and was shredding it in a nervous habit.

“Chicago, huh?”

“The Worlds Fair, actually. I got a penny.”

“Oh?” She gave you a small smile “My, well, aren’t you rich.”

The two of you laughed, a small moment that filled you with content. It seemed to fill the crater that had just opened up in your soul. If it even was your soul to fill. It eventually flickered out, silence washing over you.

“Natasha?”

“Yeah, y/n?”

“Are you going to figure out what’s wrong with me?”

Your voice broke and you were tempted to muffle it with a cough. You didn’t’ want to show weakness. It was a golden rule in your family. The embarrassment of your actions in the dream still lingered on your tongue. Falling into the arms of Mr. Damm and his listless invention.

“Why can’t I die if everyone around me dies too easily?”

You all but whispered the words, and a soft, pitying noise came out of Natasha that you weren’t expecting. She clenched her jaw and unclenched it as if she was afraid to mince her words. There was almost anger, no, frustration, with herself behind her stare.

“Nothing is wrong with you, y/n. According to your bloodwork, you’re extraordinary. Growing stronger and stronger every day. You’re an enigma, even by Asgardian standards. But you’re not impossible to solve. We’ll figure you out.” She glanced down at the grass between her fingers, shredded another green strip. “No one deserves to live with that much pain.”

With a nod, you wiped away the tears that escaped with the base of your palms, careful to avoid looking at the blood. You’d never passed out like that, had a vision, a memory, forced upon you with the pull of a trigger. You didn’t want to risk it.

“Let’s get you a shower, yeah?” She stood and reached out her arm before hoisting you to your feet.

“Are you saying I stink?”

“I thought I was being very direct about the fact. Besides, I may have hit you a little hard, kitten.”

“I knew it!”

She grabbed you by the hand and pulled you along, as if she didn’t trust you on your own feet. Her grip was reminiscent of Helias, strong and consistent and filled with nothing but care. You let her lead you, hoping the blood wasn’t the only thing the shower would wash down the drain.

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[defectivevillain]

until it doesn't hurt

pairing: Bruce Banner/Reader

reader’s pronouns: they/them

the reader's race and gender are ambiguous; no physical descriptors are used.

summary: “I could’ve caused you irreversible harm,” Bruce says. It’s almost a practiced recitation at this point, and you have to wonder if he truly believes that—or if he’s just been conditioned by everyone around him to believe he is only capable of inflicting pain. “You didn’t,” you maintain, for what feels like the thousandth time. Bruce is so caught up in the hypotheticals that he refuses to see the success right in front of him: the fact that he didn’t so much as lay a finger on you.

word count: 2.9k | ao3 version

warnings: canon-typical violence

Being an Avenger means you have to be ready for anything at all times. That spontaneity is difficult to adjust to at first, but as time passes, you grow used to it. You grow used to sleeping lightly; to stashing weapons just about anywhere you can keep them; to having few restful days and many restless ones. The moment your powers manifested, you knew you would be a hero: not because you wanted to be one, but because it would be your responsibility to protect those who needed protecting. 

You weren’t always an Avenger. At first, you were just a rogue—kind of a vigilante. But then the attack on New York happened—Loki happened—and everything flew out the window. Suddenly, you were out on the street in broad daylight, trying your best to keep the civilians safe. That was how you crashed into Iron Man of all people. You exchanged banter and insults, but when it came down to it, you protected him, and he protected you. And Tony is extremely persistent—it didn’t take long for him to sink his claws into you and drag you back to the Avengers Tower. 

From there, you gradually get to know the other Avengers. Steve and Clint are relatively friendly right off the bat. Natasha is a bit more difficult—you have to earn her trust before she starts to open up to you. But eventually, somehow, you manage to bond with all of the other occupants of the Tower. At least, all of them except Bruce Banner. 

Bruce is an interesting case. He almost immediately dismissed you when Tony first introduced you, instead deigning to focus on his experiments. You hadn’t taken offense to Bruce’s reclusive behavior, nor had you taken the hint that he didn’t want to get to know you. Instead, you had all but forced him to acknowledge you. This manifested in a multitude of ways: from going out of your way to talk to him to offering to help with his research. Bruce is extremely protective of his laboratory, but somehow he deemed you capable enough to serve as his laboratory assistant. You were more than content to hand him capsules and adjust minor things, while he did the brunt of the work. You took the gifted opportunities to attempt to get to know him better. At first, it was like speaking to a brick wall. But somewhere along the way, his cold and uncaring façade began to crack. You slowly worked your way up to meaningless small talk—and, later, casual conversation.

Truthfully, you really enjoy spending time with Bruce. But he’s rather unpredictable—sometimes he’ll push you away, and other times he’ll play along. You know that he has a lot of baggage—what with his childhood and his alter-ego. You’ve been trying to convince him that you care about him—that you’re not going to abandon him or villainize him—but he doesn’t ever seem to believe you. He always conducts himself with some semblance of suspicion and doubt; it almost seems like he’s waiting for you to wake up to reality and run away screaming.

Still, progress is progress—no matter how slow. You’re happy with how you’ve slowly bonded with him, and you can only hope that there’s more on the horizon for the both of you. 

…You never consider the possibility that something could happen to make things worse—to destroy your progress and send you right back to the start. 

“We need you for something.”

You’re brutally torn from your reverie, forced to slowly come back to yourself. You’re sitting in the living room, staring ahead at the blank wall. How long have you been sitting here? All you know is that it’s no longer light outside, and that Natasha is standing in front of you with a firm expression. 

“I- what?” You stammer, still processing what’s happening. “Nat-”

“It’s important,” she says. You get to your feet before she can continue speaking. “Trust me.” You do trust her. Natasha isn’t one for over-exaggeration or dramatics; when she says something is important, she means it. And the grave expression on her face is only worrying you more. You follow after her as she walks down the hall and towards the elevators. The two of you step into the space and she presses a button, before the elevator slowly rises. 

In hindsight, perhaps you should’ve been a bit more suspicious. Why would she be taking you to another floor in the Tower? Typically, when there’s a new development or an imminent threat, you’ll be directed to another location—either to combat the threat or to strategize. Furthermore, there’s a strained silence in the air between Natasha and you. Nat’s shoulders are drawn tight and she’s staring ahead pointedly, as if avoiding your eyes. 

The elevator dings and you breathe an internal sigh of relief, hoping to get rid of this needless tension. But before you can begin to take a step, you’re being roughly shoved out of the elevator and into the hallway. It takes you several moments to get your bearings—at which point you recognize the telltale sounds of the doors behind you closing, and the elevator dropping back down to where you came. You stare at the closed doors in disbelief, before turning to look back down the hall. One of the recreational rooms is straight ahead, and you hear yelling. 

Once you’re standing in the doorway, you’re able to place the inexplicable noises you were hearing. Bruce is in his Hulk form, green and raging as he throws anything within his grasp at the walls around him. You’re willing to bet Natasha brought you here to do something about this. Why she thinks you’re the best person to calm Bruce down, you’re not sure. 

“Bruce,” you say slowly. Bruce promptly freezes, an exercise machine lifted over his head. He stares down at you; you stare up at him. He’s momentarily distracted by you. “It’s okay.” He’s silent. You hold your hands out at your sides in mock surrender. “I’m not here to hurt you,” you continue. “You’re safe.”

Silence. You take a slow breath. The machine he’s holding over his head drops a fraction of an inch. 

“It’s okay, Bruce.” You repeat, pushing as much conviction into your voice as you can. Your effort seems to work, as his eyebrows furrow. For a moment, there’s nothing but silence as the two of you stare at each other. Then, his visage shifts and you’re suddenly looking at Bruce Banner—disheveled and exhausted.

“Are you alright-?” You’re compelled to ask. The scientist is back in human form, wearing nothing but a tattered pair of pants; bruises and scratches litter his skin; and there’s a distant expression on his face. He seems to snap out of his trance when he hears your voice.

“What the hell are you doing?” Bruce then spits. You immediately flinch at the unexpected anger. “Seriously, what the fuck are you doing here?” His gaze is flitting about the room quickly, before settling on you with fevered intensity. You’ve never seen Bruce look so irate before. He’s a remarkably composed man (although you suspect he bottles up anger and rage and lets it out in bursts as the Hulk). Indeed, this kind of fury is typical for the Hulk, but exceedingly rare for Bruce. 

“I didn’t-” You choke out helplessly, glancing back at the hall and, by extension, the elevator. “They-” It’s inexplicably difficult for you to get the words out. 

“That was our doing.” A voice confesses from behind you. You turn around to find Nat and Tony standing behind you. The two of them approach and come to a stop at your side. 

Bruce’s gaze locks on them with fiery focus. He brings a hand up to pinch the bridge of his nose. His glasses are nowhere to be seen—he must’ve dropped them somewhere as he transformed. “I expected better from both of you.”

“Bruce-” Tony tries to say, an apologetic expression on his face. 

“What on earth made you think that throwing them out as bait was a good idea?” Bruce interjects furiously, motioning towards you. “You could’ve gotten them seriously injured!” He exclaims. Tony has the good grace to look embarrassed; Nat is staring ahead with a flat expression and her arms crossed over her chest.

“Bruce, I’m fine-” You try to say, quickly growing uncomfortable with the tension settling in the air. 

“I could’ve harmed you,” Bruce is quick to assert. “Easily.” His voice is cold. 

“But you didn’t,” you maintain. He’s not giving himself enough credit. More troubling is the idea that he has faith in his own cruelty—that he only sees himself as capable of harming someone. You don’t know what else to say, don’t know what could possibly be said to repair the evident years of damage done to this man’s psyche. The entire world has treated him as a weapon at best and an uncontrollable, irredeemable monster at worst.

“That doesn’t matter,” Bruce says with unshakeable certainty. He retreats from the room, leaving you to stare after him in confusion and shock. You turn to face Natasha and Tony, who are both staring at the doorway with complex looks. 

You want to tell them off, but the words that leave your lips are far different than you intend them to be. “Should I go after him?” You ask instead. Bruce is the primary concern right now—you can chew Tony and Nat out later. You’ve known him for a bit now, and have grown to interpret his expressions fairly easily. You’ve seen Bruce express a lot of emotions… but the look on his face just now is completely foreign to you. 

“Probably,” Tony admits. 

“I don’t think we should,” Natasha says, motioning towards Tony and herself. “He’s mad at us. And… rightfully so.” She exchanges a glance with Tony, whose lips are pressed in a thin line. It’s clear they didn’t give enough thought to their whole plan. 

“You’ll be fine, though,” Tony says with unfounded conviction. Nat places a hand on your shoulder and grips it reassuringly. You take a deep breath and come to a decision, walking down the hall and towards the elevator doors. 

Moments later, you’re walking out of the lift and down the dim hallway leading to Bruce’s bedroom. He’s entirely alone on this floor of the tower. You pause in front of his door for a few seconds, wondering if you should walk away. But you can’t. Instead, you knock on the door four times. “Bruce?” You ask. Despite the clear sturdiness of the door, he’s able to hear you. 

“Go away.” Bruce responds. His voice is a little muffled, and you have to strain to hear him. 

You’re hurt for the briefest of moments. Then you shelve the feeling and resolve yourself to tackling it later. “I’m coming in,” you announce, placing your hand against the scanner at the edge of the doorway. The scanner flashes green and the door slides open, revealing Bruce’s bedroom. You’ve never been here before. It’s modestly decorated, with mostly monotone shades. Nothing particularly strikes you, save for the giant desk in the corner of the room. Papers litter the entire surface of the desk, and a few are covered by Bruce’s arms. 

The man doesn’t look up as you approach. “I don’t want to see you,” Bruce says. His back is turned and you’re unable to see his expression. 

“I don’t care,” you respond, taking a few steps into the space until you’re a short (yet seemingly insurmountable) distance from Bruce. He’s sitting at his desk, rubbing his hands over his eyes roughly. It doesn’t take long for you to remember your guilt. “Bruce, I don’t want you to torture yourself over this.” Maybe you shouldn’t have interfered in the first place. 

“I could’ve caused you irreversible harm,” Bruce says. It’s almost a practiced recitation at this point, and you have to wonder if he truly believes that—or if he’s just been conditioned by everyone around him to believe he is only capable of inflicting pain. 

“You didn’t,” you maintain, for what feels like the thousandth time. Bruce is so caught up in the hypotheticals that he refuses to see the success right in front of him: the fact that he didn’t so much as lay a finger on you. 

“No, I don’t think you understand,” Bruce says with a shake of his head. He pushes himself out of his chair and gets to his feet, turning around to face you. Your eyes widen as you notice the torn expression on his face, the dark circles under his eyes, and the determination written in every line of his form. “My eyes locked onto you and, for a split second, I envisioned harming you. Deliberately.” The confession clings to the air like a vice. 

“But you didn’t act on that impulse,” you assert. “You suppressed it.” 

“So?” Bruce argues. “I still had the urge. You should be disgusted, afraid-” 

“I’m not afraid of you, Bruce,” you interrupt. The statement lingers heavily in the air between the two of you. For a long moment, there’s nothing but the faint hum you’ve grown to associate with the Tower itself.  

“You should be,” Bruce then mutters. And suddenly he’s standing in front of you, staring at you with a dark gaze. His fists are clenched at his sides and you see his skin flicker with shades of green, before it returns to normal. The man maneuvers you to the side and shoves you, until you’re hitting the wall behind you. Bruce’s hands move up to your shirt collar and he clenches at it, his fingers almost spasming as he tightens his grip. You just stare at him. “I could ruin you.” He murmurs, so quietly that you have to strain to hear it. 

You want to argue with him so badly, but that strategy hasn’t been working so far. For some reason, Bruce has convinced himself that he not only has the capacity to hurt you, but that he wants to. You know that can’t be true, but how can you convince him? If he thinks he can ruin you… “Then do it,” you challenge him. He meets your eyes once more and you stare back unflinchingly, trying to convey how much you trust him. 

If you thought the tension was suffocating before, it’s practically ripping the breath from your lungs now. Everything around you seems to fade into obscurity. All you can see is Bruce; all you can feel is Bruce. His fingers twitch and his grip falls from your collar. For an awful moment, you think he’s going to walk away—turn his back on you as he has done so many times before. But he doesn’t. Instead, he leans closer. If he’s trying to get you to back down, then it isn’t working. 

At first, you want to think that Bruce is testing you. But the way he’s regarding you right now—with glittering desire in his eyes—makes you think otherwise. His hands move from the wall to your shoulders, back to the nape of your neck, until he gently tugs you forward. It’s hardly a strong pull, and you understand the choice he’s giving you. 

But, you think fondly, there was never much of a choice. From the moment you locked eyes with him, you knew he would dominate your thoughts. And indeed, he has. You think about the hard-won look of approval in his eyes when you make an astute observation; the way he almost frantically looks across the battlefield, his posture instantly relaxing once he sees you; the contradictions written all over his skin; the rare smiles you feel privileged to see. 

You lean forward and press your lips to his. Bruce is quick to reciprocate, his hands lingering at the nape of your neck before slipping down to your waist. You lock your arms around his shoulders, practically trapping him in your embrace. But from the strength of his grip, you can ascertain that the gesture is more than welcome. 

Later, when you break apart, Bruce has a disbelieving expression on his face. He looks slightly dazed, as if suspicious of the reality he now finds himself in. You grasp his wrist gently. 

“You can’t get rid of me, Bruce,” You murmur insistently, “...no matter how hard you try.”

He stares at you for another long moment. “And I have tried,” Bruce admits through a dry huff. You want to be offended by the comment, but you know it’s true. Bruce is stupidly self-sacrificing—he purposefully keeps his distance from people to protect them. But the reality of the situation is that people will come to harm regardless of his presence. “But you’re too stubborn.” That statement is spoken with a significant amount of fondness, and his hand comes up to cradle your cheek. You bring your hand up to rest on top of his. 

“I’ll always be here, even when you don’t want me to be.” You promise. And maybe that promise isn’t yours to make, because one can never truly predict what will come next. But somehow, deep down, you know it to be true. 

Bruce brings you close once more, an uncharacteristic note of boldness in the fluid movement. When you step back moments later, you find that he has a hint of a smile on his face. “I know,” Bruce says, the traces of apprehension on his face breaking and cracking to reveal a rare sight: unrestrained affection.

thanks for reading! <3

check out my other works, sorted by fandom.

general taglist: @its-ares @excusemeasibangmyheadonawall @kingkoku @the-ultimate-librarian @gayaristocrat

friendly reminder that i don't give permission for my writing to be shared to other sites, stolen, copied, translated, or used in any way. thanks!

[theladyofmanyfandomsfanfiction]

Marvel Masterlist

One Shots

Spook-vengers Tower - Reader, Steve Rogers, Tony Stark, Bruce Banner, Peter Parker, Natasha Romanoff, Clint Barton, Bucky Barnes, Sam Wilson (all platonic)

Better Than Gifts - Reader, Steve Rogers, Tony Stark, Bruce Banner, Peter Parker, Natasha Romanoff, Clint Barton, Wanda, Vision, Bucky Barnes, Sam Wilson (all platonic)

New Years Eve - Steve Rogers x Reader ft. The Avengers, Doctor Strange, Peter Parker, Sam Wilson, Bucky Barnes (all platonic)

Not Making It Out - Loki x Reader

Love Is Sacrifice - Loki x Reader

Champion Selection - Loki x Reader

My Mistakes - Loki x Reader

The Task - Loki x Reader

Pulled From The Timeline - Loki x Reader

Poisoned Ice - Loki x Reader

Pompeii - Loki x Reader

Madripoor - Bucky x Reader

Why Would I? - Bucky x Reader

A Small Thing - Bucky x Reader

Not The Worst - Bucky x Reader

A Little Help - Bucky x Reader

When You Wake - Bucky x Reader

What We Started - Bucky x Reader

Kiss Her, Captain. - Steve x Reader

Attacked - Steve x Reader

Aftermath - Steve x Reader

The Drink Allergy - Steve x Reader

A Subtle Escape - Steve x Reader

A New Mission - Tony x Reader (platonic)

3am - Frank Castle x Reader (platonic)

Trick or Eat - Venom x Reader (platonic)

Halloween Cookie Surprise - Venom x Reader (platonic)

When Ghosts Hunt - Robbie Reyes x Reader

Under The Flame - Robbie Reyes x Reader

As Imagined - Ben Poindexter x Reader

Surprise Guest - Clint Barton, Reader, Kate Bishop

Earpiece Patch - Clint Barton, Reader, Kate Bishop

Imagines + Mini Fic

Imagine Steve wanting to propose but having to hold off because of the Civil War

Imagine Steve's surprise when you hit an entitled party guest

Imagine flirting with Steve much to his surprise

Imagine inviting Steve to the newly created Memorial Centre

Imagine a kiss from Steve to distract you from blinding pain

Imagine boldly telling Steve how you feel mid-mission

Imagine waking Steve up after being disturbed by a nightmare

Imagine being paired with Steve during the time-travel mission

Imagine Steve’s anger when you go off book during a mission

Imagine being the last person that Tony tells about 'moving day'

Imagine Bucky’s therapist asking about you

Imagine laughing at Bucky after his failed plane jump

Imagine getting caught in the crossfire of John Walker’s rampage

Imagine trying to talk John Walker down at Zemo’s apartment

Imagine waiting for Bucky and his cake delivery

Imagine convincing Bucky to get back into dating

Imagine taking Bucky to meet his dinner date

Imagine being ambushed by HYDRA while waiting for Bucky

Imagine Bucky being present when you wake up

Imagine Sam’s pleasant surprise when Bucky treats you gently

Imagine refusing to work with Loki at the TVA

Imagine Loki trying to explain his theory to you on a busy day

Imagine Loki being asked to let you go

Imagine discovering that Loki is to aid in the escape of Asgard

Imagine Loki falling asleep on your hand

Imagine Mobius shocking you with an idea regarding Loki

Imagine Loki hearing about your variants

Imagine sending Mobius to calm Loki after you’re injured

Imagine Loki stealing your pie at the TVA

Imagine your surprise when Thor brings Loki to Norway

Imagine learning that Hela wants you dead too

Imagine waking up on Sakaar to find Loki trying to help

Imagine Loki learning why you lied and faked your death

Imagine asking Thor about a gift that you gave him

Imagine Thor trying to grant you visitation with Loki

Imagine Thor learning that you’re in Norway with his father

Imagine Thor asking Loki about your whereabouts on Sakaar

Imagine finding Venom raiding your pantry

Imagine spending the holidays alone in Avengers Tower

Imagine checking on Robbie’s injuries

Imagine helping Matt escape the prison after Fisk takes control

Imagine Marc Spector inquiring about your hand injury

Imagine Khonshu trying to convince you to be his avatar

Imagine going present shopping for the Avengers

Imagine the Avengers when they learn that you and Bucky were attacked

Imagine Clint coming to you after a mission gone wrong

Imagine Fury asking you to be a diversion

Series

The Rider’s Guardian - Robbie Reyes x Reader

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5

Stowaway Cloak -  Stephen Strange, Reader (platonic)

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

(Return to the Easy Navigate Masterlist)

[siconetribal]

Beyond the Bookshelves (7)

Pairing: Loki x Reader

Warnings: Time to clean up the mess!

Summary: You’re a Resource Management Specialist at S.H.I.E.L.D. normally referred to as “The Librarian”. You’ve been assigned the nightmarish task of digitizing all the physical resources currently owned by the agency, with a few new computers and one extra helper.

A/N:

Thanks for patiently waiting! I had a safe and easy flight, but the jet lag was a real troublemaker. But now I’m back, less brain foggy and ready to type. Without further ado, here is the next part!

Please comment/like/reblog. If you’d like to be tagged moving forward, please let me know! (If I missed any tags, please let me know, I’ll add you right away!) I’d also greatly appreciate it if rebloggers remember to add the tags (or some at least).

The lovely banners used in this fic are from @cafekitsune.

If you’re new to the story, please check out the master post for the rest of the chapters.

As much as it pained Loki to admit it, Thor was correct. He needed to clear the air so that he may resume his attendance to the one solace he had in the entirety of the compound outside his own quarters. The next day, the younger prince walked towards the library once more. He paused at the doors, raising a fist to knock but failed to make contact with the wood. 

There’s no promise that she would read my email. What exactly would I type? I was unable to attend because of extended training? This is something that can easily be said in person and I won’t have to deal with that silly computer and all the unnecessary security keys and checks! He reaffirmed his choice, tugging at the lapels of his black suit coat and adjusting the length of his shirt cuffs. Technology was marvelous, but it was a hassle to deal with when trying to access something as simple as his emails.

Clearing his throat and straightening himself up, he focused his attention back onto the door and gave three quick knocks.

“Loki, the second prince of Asgard and Avenger, is forbidden from entering the library until cleared by Director Y/LN, the Librarian. You are unable to access this portion of the facility until further notice.” The computer voice warned him, as he expected.

“Yes, I am quite aware of that. I wish to speak with the Librarian about this matter.”

“You are unauthorized to enter.”

“I understand that she has put that ridiculous restriction in, but I am here to discuss that matter with her. I’m not entering for my leisure.”

“You are still unauthorized to enter.”

“As I said, I understand. I am not here for reading, I am here to meet with the Librarian. How else do you expect me to clarify this misunderstanding without talking to her?” There was a little edge of annoyance in his tone, but the prince kept his cool. The computer was not going to understand or aid him in this matter. It was merely a messenger between the two of them.

“Would you like to set up an appointment with the Librarian?”

“Yes, fine, I would like to set up an appointment!”

“A request for an appointment has been sent to Director YL/N. Please check your email for a response. Will that be all?”

“Very well,” he let out a heavy sigh and waved a hand in a dismissively, not that there was a person there to dismiss. Feeling foolish yet again for speaking to nothing, he turned and walked down the hallway towards the first meeting of his day. 

It took some time, but the agents had gotten the new plan detailed and submitted for approval. Pruyn’s irritation was Loki’s pleasure. The meeting went smoothly, the plan that Loki suggested was the one to get unanimous approval from the directors, and the agents who argued against her were scolded to not waste time and get the mission properly planned and initiated. Loki was to play the part of a wealthy individual who had some questionable sources of income and gifts that needed laundering, and Natasha would be his most trusted personal assistant that handled his comings and goings.

“Loki will play the role of Mr. Walker and Natasha will play the role of his personal assistant, Jen. The profiles we’ve created have been shared with everyone. Please review them before our next meeting to discuss anything that may need to be adjusted or clarified.” Agent Pruyn tapped the button on the remote in his hand to change to the next slide. “There is a small charity ball next month, one that our target frequents. We’ve already started leaving hints and clues that there is a new person on the scene, and have made him someone of great interest to invite. We are expecting an invitation in the coming weeks. No one has really seen Mr. Walker, which will generate more intrigue.”

“I will make my first contact with our target at this gala then. A simple greeting should suffice. A relationship will strike up naturally if we meet frequently in gatherings such as this.” Loki picked up the flash drive that was provided to each of them that contained the files of this mission.

“I’ll get friendly with his secretaries and get the necessary gossip going. I can feed them something that could be considered interesting, and they’ll relay it to the target for us.” Natasha added. “If we play our cards right, this mission could be easy enough, but we need to be careful.”

“We must exercise the greatest caution. He is not someone to ignore even the slightest of suspicion. We need to keep him completely unaware. If he is suspicious, we need to give him a reason that would dispel it as something expected of someone like him.” Loki nodded his head, Agent Pruyn clenched his teeth and took a deep breath.

“Yes, we will keep that in mind. As of now, this is all the information we have to discuss. Please review all the information in the files so we can go into detail in our next meeting, which will be scheduled in accordance to your schedules.”

“Sounds good to me,” Clint lightly tapped the butt of his flash drive on the table and stood up. Raising his hand that held it for all to see, he nodded his head and left first. Everyone else filed out after him, though they waited until Loki was out to avoid him. Their avoidance stung, but it was not surprising, and it no longer hurt him. He was used to such behaviors and found it more of a nuisance than anything else.

It has been two whole days and no response to my inquiry yet? She must be purposely ignoring me and has the computer system making a fool of me! Loki slammed his fist onto the table, startling the surrounding staff. They quickly shuffled away, muttering their concerns as he seethed in silence. If looks could kill, the table he sat at would have disintegrated a good ten times over

“What’s got Houdini’s undies all twisted up?” Tony turned around in his seat to look at the hunched over back of the second prince.

“Beats me, he was fine during our meeting a couple of days ago and did good in today’s training.” Clint shrugged his shoulders, glancing over his shoulder at the newest Avenger. He understood the effects of the Mind Stone and how it warped and tormented Loki, but he still found it all to be a tad too convenient. There had to be some level of self in all that happened, but Clint also knew they worked in things that made no sense at all and was trying his best to give him benefit of the doubt. He concluded that if this mission was a success, then he would absolve Loki of his sins in his mind. It would be easy to catch him lying or not putting in the proper effort, which would mean he was only using the Mind Stone as an excuse.

“My brother? It’s nothing, he’s merely upset that the Librarian has refused to meet with him.” Thor took a bite of his sandwich, undisturbed by his brother’s ire.

“The Librarian? What’d he do to get on her bad side? I didn’t even know she had one!” Tony’s eyebrows shot upwards as he looked between the two princes. “That’s something I didn’t think was possible.”

“It’s a small misunderstanding. She requested assistance from us on a task given to her by Fury. We agreed to help when we can, and he was supposed to meet with to create a plan of how to complete it. We had that lengthy training session that day, and he ended up missing the meeting and also had no real means of informing her of this.”

“So she got angry, why? If he just explained to her, I don’t see why she’d get angry. Y/N isn’t that irrational.” Clint frowned.

“See, that’s the issue there, he never explained it to her because he forgot he made such a promise. When he finally got around to going to the library, he continued on as usual with disregard to her and his word. That is what led to the predicament he is in now.”

“So why doesn’t he just go talk to her?”

“He’s tried, she won’t see him.” Thor shrugged, taking another bite of his food.

“Hold up, you want us to believe that our sweet innocent Librarian is holding on to such a petty grudge to this extreme? The math doesn’t add. Something’s missing, I’m calling bullshit.” Tony stood from his seat and walked over to Loki who wanted to simply disappear, but he knew he would have to deal with Steve if he did and there was no library to hideaway in. “What’s really going on between you and Y/N?”

“As my brother just told you, simply that. Prior to our first official encounter, she and I barely conversed. I would go into the library, read, rent a book, return it, and repeat the cycle with minimal to no conversation. I did not recall making a promise to her, and she was upset with me. Likewise, I find it highly unreasonable of her to be avoiding me so intensely that I cannot even get the chance to explain that it was a simple lapse of the mind.” He forced himself to keep an even tone. The last thing he needed was to have them meddle in this matter. “Two days ago I requested a meeting with her through your precious computer voice, and it told me to keep watch of my emails. There has been no response.”

“No response of what?” Steve’s voice cut into the conversation as he took a seat by Tony, who sat across from Loki. The other two Avengers joined them, informing Steve about Loki’s troubles. Thor and Clint each took a seat on either side of the raven haired prince, who expression only grew more sour at the unwanted company and attention to his problem.

This is none of their concern! Do they have nothing else to do aside from giving me a headache? He pinched the bridge of his nose and squeezed his eyes shut.

“Well, I’m not surprised she’s not answering. She’s not here right now anyway.” Loki’s eyes snapped wide open, and he leaned in closer to Steve.

“What did you say?”

“That she’s not here? Yeah, Y/N left to set up the new computers and do system training with the other library staff. I’d say she’s been gone for almost two weeks now? If all is going well, she should be back by the end of the week. That’s what she told me, anyway.” The famous captain shrugged and picked up his utensils to start eating. “I can’t say if it’s going smoothly or not, but until she’s back, you’re just going to have to wait.” 

That woman is not even here, and I’ve been running around trying to get into that blasted room, but that computer and that damned order have been thwarting my each attempt?! And the audacity to simply leave, without a word to me?! The anger burned hotter in the first giant. “Well, isn’t that something interesting to learn. Thank you, Captain, you truly are the most helpful.” He gave a cordial smile to mask the rage.

“She may not have seen the appointment request until she gets back, maybe you should text her?”

“Neither of us have her number,” Thor spoke up again. “He asked me for it and I suggested he email her, but that would be lost under all the others she has yet to see at this point.”

“I have it,” Steve pulled out his phone and with a few taps had the contact information shared with Loki and Thor. Loki felt his phone vibrate in his pocket and frowned.

Tags: @vbecker10 @huntress-artemiss @softestqueeen @thegodofnotknowing @princess-ofthe-pages @firedrakegirl @rcailleachcola @cabingrlandrandomcrap @lotrefcp @lwtannie @jainaeatsstars @msdjsg7 @tom-hlover @kneelingformyloki @gruftiela @gigglingtiggerv2 @kats72 @mischief2sarawr @evalynanne

[remotepixel]

Hi!! Can you write something for the platonic Yandere Avengers with a meta–human teenage reader? Something resembling emotion management. The reader can cause apathy, joy, etc. BUT at the same time he does not want to deal with the avengers

Hi!!! Thank you for requesting!

Tw: yandere themes + kidnapping mentions.

The way you meet the Avengers would really depend on how vocal you are about your powers.

-If you’re a vigilante of sorts, relying on triggering criminal’s emotions and fighting them head on, they would reach out first (they don’t really want unidentified superpower kids running around).

-If you hide/use your powers for smaller things, it would probably be another event (e.g. winning a national competition) that draws their attention to you.

Either way, as time progresses, you’re able to clearly see their obsessiveness surrounding you, and, obviously, you don’t want to be apart of that.

-Apathy was the first emotion you tried. If they simply didn’t care about you, they would you leave you alone, yeah?

-Yeah, no.

-If they didn’t yet know of your powers, they could take a good guess now.

Obviously all of them wouldn't be fans of it but I think Tony would hate your powers the most.

-He already struggles to deal with his feelings so constantly supplying him with more messes with his head, especially when it's a clear sign you don't like him.

-He would spend hours reaching in hopes of finding a solution.

Natasha would be a close second.

-Growing up as a spy who was taught to lack any emotion, there's a lot of unprocessed feelings still there.

-In a way, the apathy isn't that different from how she normally feels, or at least presents, but knowing someone else is trying to control her emotions again leaves a bitter taste in her mouth.

Steve, on the other hand, doesn't think too much of it.

-He's aware that this is your coping skill and this whole situation is a lot to handle.

-He'll still hang out, trying to ignore the chokehold of unwanted feelings you’re sending his way, and talk to you like normal.

Bruce would probably be uncomfortable but try to follow Steve's footsteps.

-In a way, the apathy is nice compared to the guilt he feels.

-He knows, probably the most out of all of them, the obsessiveness they all feel isn’t normal at all.

-However, he still goes along with Tony’s experiments and ideas of how to stop (or even better, fully get rid) of your powers, despite any regrets he knows he’ll have.

Clint is also a bit reluctant.

-Thanks to having a family on his own, Clint knows how to deal with kids.

-But those ones don’t ignore him and send him the emotional version of a death threat.

-I think he’ll go along with the other avengers for their sakes rather than his.

-He has a family to ground him, make him self-aware and less overbearing as the others, but he’s not going out of his way to stop them either.

Thor’s a bit unaware of how you want nothing to do with them.

-He wouldn’t be good at dealing with your powers, but he’s dealt with Loki for all his life, and he’s sure you’ll turn around eventually.

-He’ll try to ‘deny’ any emotions you’re sending him while acting too casual for a god trying to befriend some teenager.

If you don’t warm up after a few months, they’d resort to kidnapping.

-It wasn’t their favourite idea, since it would definitely take away any process they’ve made (not that it’s much), but it now means they can constantly be around you and you can’t do anything (yay!).

-Your powers would either be taken away, or useless (e.g. staying a certain distance away if it’s range limited), leaving you completely defenceless.

From there, it’s a waiting game for stockholm syndrome to kick in so you can finally realise who your true family :)

[hope-you-brought-kneepads-bitch]

A demon's victims

Summary: You're a demon in the year 2023 and all you want is some fun and a new girl, well exactly what your looking for walks into a cafe you were occupying, maybe your hundreds of years of being around was finally about to pay off, especially when Wanda's ex interrupts you

Also demons are known in this universe but they're not just walking around, so it's still a little unusual seeing them around

Relationships: Wanda Maximoff x Natasha Romanoff (platonic/best friends), Wanda Maximoff/Demon!Reader, Natasha Romanoff/Demon!Maria Hill

Characters: Wanda Maximoff, Demon!Reader, Demon!Maria Hill, Natasha Romanoff, Loki

Warnings: Minors DNI! Blood, swearing, talking about Smut (no actual smut, not yet ;)) Let me know if I've missed anything

Words: 3,900

A/N: There will be a part two but I don't know when it'll come out, probably soon though

“She’s so pretty” you looked across the room at the lovely brunette that just walked in, looking around nervously but when her eyes finally settled on who she was looking for her body relaxed and she smiled making her way over to her friend

Loki scoffed as he watched you basically drool over a stranger “don’t you have any dignity?”

“Says the riddler knock off to the spawn of satan” you spared a glance to the man giving him a wink and looking back at the woman now sat with her friend laughing about something

“So what’s your plan? Stare at her like you’re in a romance movie until she falls in love with how possessive and crazy you are?”

“Hey! I’m not crazy” you said taking the brownie from the man’s plate and eating it

“But you are possessive?”

You laughed “damn right I am, what’s mine is mine and no one can take those things from me” your head perked back up after hearing her laugh again “and I can’t wait to have her all to myself”

************************************************

“Nat stop you’re too funny!”

“I'm not lying though Wanda! He's so robotic, did it feel like doing it with a toaster?"

Wanda shoved Nat playfully getting her out of the solum mood she was in "seriously Wanda I am sorry about the whole thing, but maybe its for the best, let's go out tonight!"

"Oh I don't think-

Nat carried on "shh its gonna be great there's a club near here, and we'll definitely be there"

Wanda sighed but agreed none the less "okay sure, yeah it'll be fun"

You smiled overhearing the whole conversation and turning to Loki

"Time to get your dancing shoes on"

He groaned "why do I have to go with you?"

"My wingman"

"You have your own wings Y/n I don't need to hold them"

You really didn't think you'd have to explain a simple sentence to a man younger than you

"Loki I'm thousands of years older than you why do you act older than me?"

"Just to piss you off"

The music was way too loud for you and you absolutely hated it but anything for a pretty woman

"Fix your face Y/n" Loki pushed a drink into your hand bringing you out of your thoughts "I will when she walks in, we've been here 2 hours and she hasn't come yet"

"Don't be so sad my little demon, look who just walked in" Loki gestured to the door and you quickly spun to look and see Wanda and her friend walk in "oh wow, she looks incredible"

Loki scoffed "she's in jeans and a t-shirt"

"You're wearing khakis you dork" you spat back but the man just laughed "yes but I'm not trying to manipulate a woman"

You rolled your eyes " not manipulation, more like coercion using my incredible flirting skills"

"Well go on then, go and get your little victim"

You straightened yourself up downing the rest of your drink and kissing Loki on the cheek to which he pushed you away quickly "you know I hate when you touch me!"

"I love you too my green obsessed little weirdo"

*******************************************************

"So you're completely sure you're not looking for anything?"

Nat had been looking between Wanda and a figure in the corner when she asked and Wanda looked at her oddly "why do you ask? And who are you looking at?" Wanda spun around searching for the figure and her eyes landed on you

You blew her a kiss in response and a wink making the woman blush and Nat giggle, turning around she slapped Nat on the arm "hey! That hurt" Nat joked "She's been staring at you ever since we came in"

Wanda smiled "do you think she likes me?"

Nat rolled her eyes "Wanda I mean this in the best possible way, it doesn't matter if she likes you likes you, she probably just wants to fuck you and that's fine! Go have fun"

"Nat! Why do have to be so crass?" She turned around again taking a glance at you, when you waved back she turned back and took a deep breath "okay I think I'm gonna go over" she didn't move and that made Nat laugh

"Wands you actually need get up and do something"

She shook her head "I can't"

***********************************************************************

"Bless her, she's nervous, good that'll make her blood taste better"

"I don't know what you're narrating but it's weird" Loki slid up to you pulling you out of your thoughts and you jolted "dude! I was in the zone"

"That was awful never say those words again"

"Anyway, see you later" you started walking over the two looking to the bartender for two whiskeys which you picked up on the way

"Hey pretty ladies, whiskey for you both?" You placed the drinks down onto the table standing above Wanda seeing the blush crawl up her neck

"Why thank you handsome" Nat graciously took the drink taking a sip "mhmm sweet, thanks"

You offered her a sweet smile "only sweet drinks for some sweet ladies"

You watched the two exchange glances back and forth and decided to take the first move placing your hand on Wanda's shoulder feeling her tense "are you okay princess? You seem a little tense, do you need some air?"

When she didn't answer Nat answered for her "she definitely needs some air, I trust you to take care of my girl"

"I'll return her in perfect condition"

Nat nudged Wanda making her jump up and practically in your arms making you laugh "a little jumpy? Come on?"

You looked to her friend

"She's called Wanda and I'm Nat"

You thanked her "thanks Natalia, I'm Y/n, come on Wanda"

*****************************************************************

She hadn't said anything since you took her outside "are you okay Wanda?"

She quickly nodded "y-yeah I'm okay just nervous I guess"

You smiled holding in a laugh "there's nothing to be nervous of, I do want to say you're very pretty"

She looked up at you and you put your hand on her face stroking her cheek with your thumb

"You think I'm pretty?"

You nodded "I think you're fucking beautiful actually"

She smiled pushing forward to kiss you suddenly making you pull back suddenly, something you definitely didn't want to do looking at her now shocked face

"Oh god I'm so sorry-

You shushed her with your finger "no no Wanda it's okay I just wasn't expecting you to be so forward"

She started shivering and you pulled off your jacket giving it to her "let's go back inside, if you still want to suck face there's a private room I have a key too"

Wanda smiled at you hugging the jacket tighter around herself "this is not going as well as I thought it would do, I've just come out of a 4 year relationship with a man"

You chuckled "you're so cute, if you want to take things slow I understand"

She shook her head "no no I need to do something stupid"

"Trust me I am so stupid, I didn't even know my best friend was flirting with me until they flat out asked to sleep with me"

Wanda looked at you oddly

"Oh I didn't sleep with him, definitely not into men, anyway come on it's going to rain"

You led her back into the building but instead of going back to her table you directed her through a small room closing the door behind you both

Wanda looked around the small room admiring the small amount of light throughout the room and the small refrigerator

"Theres some water in there if you want one" you said sitting down on the small couch leaving a space for Wanda which she took gladly scooting herself close enough to you that she was basically on your lap so you decided to fill the gap pulling her onto your lap straddling you making her squeal

"Y/n!" She laughed grabbing your shoulders to keep from falling and nuzzled her face in your neck

"You were practically on my knee anyway so why not?"

There was a nice silence that filled the air for a few moments before Wanda lent forward asking to kiss you this time, you smirked and lent forward connecting your lips, soft as first but then turned hungry with both of you fighting for dominance, you won that battle when your fingers dug into her hips and she gasped letting your tongue in

When air finally became a problem, for Wanda at least, you and your demon lungs couldn't care less, she pulled back breathing heavily "woah, you're great at kissing"

You both laughed still keeping close to each other "so, am I better than a man?"

She lightly slapped your arm "don't bring him up when I'm straddling you"

There was a sharp knock on the door making you both jump and Wanda quickly eft your lap much to your dismay "I'm killing whoever just interrupted us"

begrudgingly you got up and opened the door and it slammed opened nearly knocking you over

"Wanda what the fuck are you doing with this fuck girl?!"

The man stormed in with a stressed looking Natasha behind him, when you glanced at her she mouthed a sorry

"hey woah who the fuck are you?" You tried remaining calm but this douchebag wasn't helping you

You looked to Wanda who was looking to the floor scared to say anything so you tried again "hey dickhead!" He finally looked at you "are you her ex?"

He rolled his eyes "we're on a break but she didn't say anything about fucking other people"

Nat scurried behind you hugging Wanda close while you dealt with the situation "okay well I was under the impression that you two broke up and I'll be honest by the look of Wanda right now she's right"

He scoffed squaring up to you and you had to hold back a laugh "oooh big man are you? How about you calm down and just take a fucking seat"

He didn't listen and pushed you

"Ooooh okay I see how this is going to go" you laughed pushing him back to the ground with strength that surprised him "what the hell?"

Your eyes glowed red as you knelt down to him close and growled "you need to stay away from Wanda, if I hear you have come anywhere near her I will make it my mission to make you so fucking miserable for the rest of your pitiful life and it won't be a long life trust me"

To Wanda and Nat they couldn't hear anything you were saying and Wanda was getting nervous "what's happening?"

"I don't know Wands, it'll be okay though, were you enjoying yourself before we barged in?"

The woman blushed and Nat resisted shouting in joy instead whisper shouting "oooooh you little devil, I don't blame you, she's really hot"

At that moment Wanda's ex jumped up and bolted for the door, you turned around still with your red eyes and looked at the women "he won't bother you anymore princess"

"What's wrong with your eyes?...."

You sighed deciding you couldn't be bothered to hide anymore, maybe they wouldn't run out of the room screaming "I'm a demon okay? A soul sucking hell dweller who thrives on the pain from humans"

The women looked at you warily so you stepped forward giving your hand to Wanda to grab which she did "Wanda, what do you have to say?"

"You're a really good kisser" it was a whisper but you heard it laughing along with her

"Wanda are you serious? She's a demon! Pretty sure they are evil"

The woman shrugged "honestly Nat I've been through so much shit what's the worse a demon could do?"

"You're amazing, I can't wait to get you in bed" you yanked her close, kissing down her neck sucking purple marks into the skin hearing her groan but pulled away not wanting to get ahead of yourself "you're going to be my favourite meal"

Nat was sick of being left out "well if we're sleeping with demons now do you have a friend? I imagine demons are hard to come by separately"

You laughed "actually I do, do you like men or women?"

Nat was taken aback but answered "oh you do? Okay women"

"Okay" you fished your phone out of your pocket dialling a number "hey Maria what are you doing? Well I've got a girl here, no shut up we're not sharing stop asking for it, just get down here now, yeah she's really hot"

You waited a minute before turning to Nat "what's your blood type?"

"Why?" Nat asked cautiously

You shook your head "just demon reasons"

"O negative"

You nodded speaking back into the phone "O negative, yeah yeah I know it's common, least it's not O positive"

After a few more minutes another knock at the door interrupted you and you hung up the phone going to open the door revealing a brunette woman leaning against the door "is that my suit?"

She rolled her eyes "you have like 800 suits Y/n let me have 1 blue one" she pushed through the door and smiled at the women "hello beautiful ladies" she pointed to Wanda "by the way you're looking at Y/n I can tell you're not mine, but you" she pointed to Nat trying to hide her smile "you want me" walking up to Nat she held her hand out

"I'm Maria"

Nat took a hold of her hand and Maria twisted it to bring it to her lips placing a kiss to her knuckles

"I'm Natasha"

"A beautiful name for a beautiful woman, not to be forward but I have a really comfortable bed and it's so lonely without a hot woman there"

You scoffed "Maria what did I tell you about awful pick up lines?! Its 2023 now, you have to be respectful"

"That was respectful! I told her my bed was comfortable, nothing more respectable than that"

You took hold of Wanda's hand "okay well you two have fun, Wanda and I are going to go"

"Where are we going? I don't really want to leave Nat"

Before you could reply Maria proposed an idea "why don't we all go back to our house? I'm sure Loki can be somewhere for the night"

"Fine, but we're not having sex with these ladies in the same room, last time we did that it didn't end well"

Maria burst out laughing "that sounds so sinister Y/n! We promise nothing bad happened ladies, just a few sore thighs and raw backs, a few bite marks, but no one died"

That didn't fill the two with much confidence so you kissed Wanda on the cheek "I promise you'll be treated like works of art, fragile and delicate"

Wanda shrugged "I'm not that delicate"

Your breath hitched "oh? So I can do whatever I want to you? I can use your body as my canvas?"

Using your fingers you started to trace patterns on her exposed skin under her shirt but Maria stopped you "hey hey I know how you get with your fingers, let's go back to the house, where's you car?"

You shrugged never letting your eyes leave Wanda's body "forget the car, lets just apparate"

"Pretty sure that would make these two sick"

"Not if we distract them with kisses"

Maria turned back to Natasha "we can take an uber if you want to be more comfortable?"

Wanda managed to look away from you to Nat "come on Nat you're normally the one making me do crazy things"

Nat felt a headache coming on, crazy things are good and fine but absolutely fucking stupid sleeping with demons crazy things were not on her bingo card

"Listen to your friend little red, Maria here will take such good care of you"

Nat glanced between the 3 of you and just sighed "thank you Maria I think I'd be more comfortable in an Uber as long as Wanda's okay"

Wanda nodded "I'm absolutely fine Nat" turning back to you "let's go!" She jumped into your arms wrapping her legs around you tight "hold on tight honey" you two apparated away leaving Maria and Nat alone

"Now that we're alone how about we have fun here?" Maria took her suit jacket off revealing a sleeveless shirt showing off her defined muscles

"How are you so muscular?!" Nat blurted out quickly covering her mouth is slight embarrassment but Maria just laughed throwing her jacket to the sofa "oh honey I am a demon, I love going to the gym and pissing men off with my muscles"

Nat was stunned "god you could bench press me so much" she whispered and Maria smiled "I could do so much more than that detka"

Nat gasped "you speak Russian?"

"I know you're Russian, so why not try and impress you"

"If you can cook I'll get on knees right now"

Maria smirked "I make an incredible beef Wellington"

Nat laughed stalking forward kissing Maria hard both of them falling onto the couch, Nat straddling Maria and Maria placing her hands on her hips, when she pulled away Nat was breathless while Maria wasn't "it's weird how you don't have breathe"

The demon shrugged "I find it helps in certain situations"

Nat rolled her eyes knowing full well what she meant but refusing to acknowledge it

"I do want to ask a favour from you"

Nat raised an eyebrow "oh?"

"Let me taste you"

"Taste me how?" She said with a suggestive tone

"Well eventually the way you're thinking off, but no I mean something sweet and red" Maria licked her lips honing in on her neck

"Woah! My blood?!" Nat tried pulling away but Maria kept a close hold on her "shh honey I promise it'll be fine, why do you think Y/n asked for your blood type?"

"Well I was little preoccupied actually, I still can't believe any of this!"

Maria calmed Nat down "okay okay, have you ever given blood?"

Nat nodded still not relaxed in Maria's hold but not trying to move away much "it's just like giving blood, two little pin pricks in your neck, a slight pain and some dizziness then you're all good"

Maria's logic made a little bit of sense but Nat was still unsure "you won't kill me?"

"I wouldn't kill a beautiful woman like you, I promise just a little bite and then I'll fuck you so hard you forget all about your neck pain"

"Okay"

"Maria grinned gently grabbing a hold of Nat's hair pulling to the side for more access to her neck. She kissed a sweet spot hard making it tender enough for her fangs to go right through it.

"Relax honey, your heart is racing, it'll be a lot less painful if you breathe, come on let's breathe"

Nat relaxed and focused on her breathing then on the feeling of Maria's hands that started stroking the skin on her back, gently scratching her

"That's it" Maria said finally piercing the skin feeling the blood coat her mouth making her groan at the taste

Nat's legs started to give out and Maria felt that gently sitting the both of them down on the couch still drinking the blood, when she finally had her fill she slowly pulled away licking the holes until they sealed up.

Nat's body was slightly limp weakly pulling herself up to look at Maria "hey pretty girl, thank you for letting me drink from you"

"Mhhph okay" her eyes closed and she was asleep in seconds sticking to Maria's body "yeah, I think we'll be keeping you two, if Y/n can get Wanda to give in just as easily as you"

Maria kissed her cheek leaving a blooded mark making her giggle, what a fun time she'll have with her in the future

*******************************************************************

"Jesus Christ that was wild, give me a few minutes please" you placed Wanda down on your bed kissing her forehead "I know baby it's okay it's a little weird as first but it gets easier every time"

"So I have a little question for my pretty girl" you asked walking to your closet to take your suit jacket and shirt leaving you in a sports bra and trousers, Wanda was watching you closely half paying attention

"You can ask me whatever you want wearing that"

You laughed going back to the bed sitting next to a now sat up Wanda "good, so obviously I'm a demon and I'm glad you're okay with it, but do you know what that means?"

Shaking her head no you let her straddle you letting her get comfy before continuing "it means that I like to drink blood"

"Like a vampire?"

You closed your eyes growling "no and don't ever compare me to those soul sucking leaches ever again"

"Oh okay, I'm sorry"

You soothed her stroking your hands along her jean covered thighs "it's okay, vampires and demons just don't get along that well, anyway the reason I say about drinking blood is because I think you'll have some delicious blood"

"You want to drink from me?" She asked innocently and you loved it "yes princess, I promise it won't hurt much, just like two pin pricks in your neck"

Your explanation made it slightly better "okay you promise you won't hurt me?"

You chuckled "what happened to not being delicate?"

"Yeah well spanking me and biting me are two different things" your eyes widened "spanking? Bloody hell Wanda, maybe I'll skip the blood"

You both laughed but you couldn't wait anymore, you started kissing her neck, finding a spot you liked sucking hard making the skin soft enough for your fangs, when it was soft enough you pierced the skin hearing a groan from Wanda making you suck harder, fuck her blood was delicious!

Having your fill, you finally stopped drinking and licked the holes in her skin to close them up "thank you princess for letting me drink from you"

Wanda's whole body felt heavy with her whole weight on your body, she was definitely sleepy "you can sleep honey I'll be here when you wake up" Wanda's eyes were closed already, yep definitely asleep already.

Your phone in your pocket buzzed making Wanda shift slightly but you shushed her kissing her hair when she stopped, you looked at your phone

Maria to Y/n

How'd you do?

She's delicious

We're talking about blood right?

For now ;)

Ugh whatever, Nat's blood is good too, so we keeping them?

Oh hell yeah!

Your phone buzzed with another message from someone else

Loki to Y/n

Did u get your victim? I came in the house B4 but heard groaning so left

For the love of satan just start spelling things correctly!

But yeah I did and so did Maria, you can come back into the house she's asleep

Asleep? Did a bad job did u?

Fuck you I just drank some of her blood so she's very tired now

Yeh K sure that's the reason

😠 don't you ever 'K' me again you asshole!

🥰 Luv u

You threw your phone to the side choosing to kill Loki later letting yourself lay down bringing Wanda with you making her comfortable "we'll have so much fun together"

[waltermis]

Howard

MASTERLIST ↠ NATASHA ROMANOFF MASTERLIST

Summary: You and Tony go back in time to 1970 to get the Tesseract, when you run into the man you haven’t seen since you were 5. Your father, Howard Stark.

Warnings: Endgame.

Pairings: Natasha Romanoff x reader, Tony Stark x reader (siblings), Scott Lang x reader (platonic), Steve Rogers x reader (platonic), Clint Barton x reader (platonic)

↠ ↠ ↠  

You, Tony and Scott all sat in a destroyed car, when Steve came dropping off a railing, the scepter in his hands. “Cap,” Tony called, a guilty look written on his face. “Sorry, buddy. We got a problem.”

Scott’s scoff came from the back of the car, “Yeah, we do.”

You snapped your head around, glaring at Scott from your spot in the passenger seat. “You know, you have a real attitude problem.” Scott just stuck his tongue out at you. “Wow, real mature.” You said, turning back around.

“What happened?” He asked.

“Well, everything went exactly as planned. Tony and I were dressed as S.H.I.E.L.D. agents and Scott managed to give Tony a slight heart attack, and we had the Tesseract in our hands expect…” You trailed off.

“Expect…?” Steve asked, crossing his arms in front of him.

“We miscalculated when Hulk would arrive on the first floor and Loki, he uh, he managed to get away with the Tesseract.” You said, hesitantly. You began playing with your wedding ring, something you often did when you were stressed.

“Well, what are we gonna do now?” Steve asked, as you and Scott exited out of the demolished vehicle.

“You know what? Give me a break, Steve. I just got hit in the head with the Hulk.” Tony said, looking annoyed. 

“You said that we had one shot. This, this was our shot. We shot it, it’s shot. Six stones or nothing. It was six stones or nothing.” Scott said, emphasizing each point.

“You’re repeating yourself, you know that? You’re repeating yourself.” Tony said, aggravated.

“You’re repeating yourself. You’re repeating yourself.”

You and Steve both rolled your eyes as both Tony and Scott continued to argue. “Are there any other options with the Tesseract?” Steve asked, interrupting their childish dispute. 

“No, no, no. There’s no other options. There’s no do-overs.” The bug said, smacking the car. “We’re not going anywhere else. We have one particle left. Each. That's it, alright? We use that… bye bye, you’re not going home.”

Suddenly a thought popped into your head. It was a long shot but it just might work. “I got it. There’s another way to retake the Tesseract and acquire new particles.” You said.

Tony’s eyes widened as he understood what you were saying. “Little stroll down memory lane. Military Installation, Garden State.” 

“Exactly,” You said. Steve understood instantly what the two of you were saying. The three of you were having a silent conversation, understanding what this meant.

“When were they both there?” Steve asked, wracking his brain.

“They were there at a time… I have a vaguely exact idea.” 

Steve pursed his lips together, irked. “How vague?”

“What are we talking about? Where are we going?” Scott asked, lost.

“It was 1970.” You interrupted, leaning against the car. Everyone snapped their heads in your direction. 

“How do you know that?” Steve questioned. 

“I know for a fact that they were there. And I know how I know.” You stated, confidently.

“Alright then… It looks like we’re improvising.” Steve said.

“Great,” You and Tony said.

“What are we improvising?” Scott asked.

“I want you and Tony to go get the Tesseract. Scott and I will head back to the compound and wait for you there.”

“Suit up,” Tony said, as the two of you changed your clothes. “Are you sure you wanna come with me?” He asked, worried for you.

“I’m gonna be fine, Tony. I have you with me. And what kind of brother would you be if you left me all alone in New Jersey?”

“A terrible brother…”

“What’s in New Jersey?” Scott asked Steve. Steve kept his eyes locked on the two of you as you punched in the coordinates.

“Are you sure?” Steve asked you two one last time.

“Absolutely, Cap. See you in a minute.” You said before you and Tony disappeared.

↠↠↠

New Jersey

1970

You and Tony managed to get to the military base where you were quick to change your clothes so you wouldn’t be apprehended. “Do you think Steve was born here?” Tony asked, as the two of you strolled through the base.

“Tony, now is not the time… And I don’t think he was born here. It was probably the idea of him.” You said. “Alright, where are we going?”

“Over there.” He said, pointing in the direction. “That’s where they kept the Tesseract.” The two of you watched as two men in suits entered the base. You followed your brother into the base where you two entered the elevator. You went down into the basement and began searching for the right container that held the Tesseract. 

“C’mon, where is it?” You muttered to yourself as you turned on the visors Tony designed.

“Over here! I found it!” Tony called, a little further away. You ran over to Tony, grabbing a briefcase on your way. Tony began to drill his way in while you made sure no one was around.

“Be careful, Tony.”

“When have I ever not been careful?”

“There was that one time…” You started.

“That was a rhetorical question.” He said, not turning around. “We’re in,” He grabbed the Tesseract while you held open the case. 

“Arnim, you in here?” You heard someone say. 

You look at Tony panicked. “What do we do?!?!” 

“Just follow my lead.” Just as he finished talking, a man with a moustache came into your line of sight. You and Tony turned away quickly, as the man stared at you two. There was something vaguely familiar about the man, something you just couldn’t put your finger on. It was the way he spoke and the mustache that you just couldn’t put your finger on. 

“Hey!” The man said, “The door is this way, you two.” The two of you turned around, startled. “Looking for Doctor Zola, have any of you seen him?”

“Yeah, Doctor Zola. No, I haven’t seen a soul.” Tony answered as he approached the man.

“What about you?”

“Me?” You asked, the man nodded. “Nope, I haven’t seen anyone either.” You suddenly ran into a desk chair when you realized who the man was. He was your father. “Pardon me,” You apologized. 

“Do I know you?” The man asked.

“No, sir. We’re uh… We’re visitors from MIT.” Tony said, holding up his badge.

“Oh. MIT. Got a name?”

“Howard.” You internally rolled your eyes at your brother’s thinking. 

“That’ll be easy to remember.” He said, walking closer to the two of you. 

“Howard…. Potts.”

“Well, I’m Howard Stark.” 

“Hi,” The two shook hands as you stared at them trying to contain your laughter.

“And you, Miss?”

“Natasha, Natasha Romanoff.” You said, quickly before mentally hitting yourself. 

“You’re looking a little green around the gills there, Potts.”

“I’m fine. Just long hours.”

“You wanna get some air?” Howard asked, Tony continued to just stare at your father, a dreamy look on his face.

“Hello Potts,” Your father called, snapping Tony out of his daydream. 

“Yeah, that’d be swell.”

“That way,” Howard said, leading the two of you out of the basement.

“Need your briefcase?” You quickly grabbed the case and handed it to Tony. 

↠↠↠

“So, where you at with names?” Tony asked, as you walked up to them again.

“What names?” You asked, giving Tony a subtle thumbs up, telling him that you got the particles. 

“Baby names. If it’s a boy, my wife likes Elmonzo.” Howard said, you let out a quiet giggle at the thought of Tony’s name being Elmonzo.

“Huh. Might wanna let that stew awhile. You got time.” Tony quickly objected, shuddering slightly. 

“What about if it was a girl?” You asked.

“Well, if it's a girl we might name her Gertrude.” Tony snorted at the name before coughing. 

“Sorry, I swallowed a bug.” He excused.

“Gertrude? Really? Why not name her something like, say I don’t know… Y/N?” You quickly suggested.

“Huh… Y/N. I like it.” Howard said. “Lemme ask you a question.” He said, stepping in front of the two of you. “When your kid was born, were you nervous?”

“Wildly,” 

Howard let out a sigh of relief, “Did you feel qualified? Like you had any idea how to successfully operate that thing?”

“I literally pieced it together as I went along. I thought about what my dad did.”

“Ugh, my old man. He never met a problem he couldn’t solve with a belt.”

“I thought my dad was tough on me. And now, looking back on it, I just remember the good stuff. You know? He did drop the odd pearl.”

“Yeah? Like what?”

“No amount of money ever bought a second of time.” You teared up slightly, remembering the quote your dad always said.

“Smart guy.”

“He did his best,” 

“I’ll tell you, that kid’s not even here yet and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for them.” Tony smiled at that, “Good to meet you, Romanoff.” You shook his hand before he turned to Tony.

“It was nice knowing ya, Potts.”

“Howard, everything’s gonna be alright.” Tony advised, before giving him a hug. “Thank you, for everything… you’ve done for this country.” The two of you watched as he walked over to Jarvis before you both left. 

“Hey, you okay?” You asked.

“Yeah, I’m fine. What ‘bout you?”

“I’m okay… Just wanna go home, bring everyone back and stay wrapped in Nat’s arms forever.” You said, missing your wife already.

“Then, let’s go back.” He took your hand as the two of you found a secluded spot and set your coordinates back to the year 2023.

↠↠↠

2023

You managed to return safely with Tony, looking around you saw that everyone was back. Everyone but one. “Did we get them all?” Bruce asked.

“Are you telling me this actually worked?” Rhodey asked, smiling widely.

“Clint…” You started approaching the man slowly. “Where’s my wife?”

“I’m sorry.” He said.

The only thing anyone heard after that was your gut-wrenching scream.

↠↠↠

1662 words

[ashdreams2023]

Hi! So this may seem like an odd request idk but could you possible do headcannons for avatar reader x avengers, and include Loki as a possible s/o?? Thank you <33

(Btw by avatar I do mean those big blue aliens)

Thanks for the little note I needed that lmao💀 I also saw your other note don’t worry, also sorry if this feel vague

Avatar reader x avengers

When you got brought up on a mission everyone just assumed that you were like a solider or a regular spy

Well until things got rough and you changed to your avatar form, let’s say everyone had a filed day

Tony and Bruce have tons of questions about where you came from and how you lived before coming to them

Natasha finds it as a great opportunity to have a good practice buddy on combat

Thor thought you were a frost giant and embarrassed loki and got himself stabbed

Your height is definitely one of the things that attracted loki

"Should you be half naked?" "Does it bother you?" "not at all"

Loki feels a little better about his frost giant heritage around you and might even let his Asgardian mask drop

There’s a lot of talking about culture between you and the team

"Wait! So like there’s different types of you guys?" Tony would ask

Peter is the biggest fan of your hair and big eyes, they just look super cool!

Thor always tries to high five you when you’re in your avatar form but you like to tease him

[lailyn]

Sharing Is Scaring

A Frostshield Hurt/Comfort Christmas Fic.

“Are you alright? You are wearing an expression one can only describe as…” Loki tried to think of a kinder word but was unsuccessful. “Constipated.”

"Ouch." Steve winced. His waistband dug painfully into his gut, which was becoming more and more bloated with each passing minute. “I may have overindulged a bit.”

“I thought you had a cast-iron stomach,” Loki teased. 

“Not against Tony’s cooking, it isn’t,” Steve grunted. “I swear the guy still has a grudge against me.”

Loki rolled his eyes. “Sure. Because his special, family-recipe manicotti makes such a lethal weapon that you couldn’t help having seconds.” 

“I didn’t want to be rude,” Steve muttered. He sighed and squirmed and sighed again.

“You didn’t take your Lactaid, did you?” Loki asked knowingly.

“It slipped my mind,” Steve said sheepishly. “Guess I was too distracted tonight.”

“By what?”

“Whom,” Steve corrected. “You look amazing, by the way. You’ve got good taste.”

Loki snorted fondly as he ran a hand down the Christmas sweater he had decided to permanently borrow from Steve. "I’m sure that’s humble bragging, but I appreciate the compliment nonetheless.”

Steve couldn’t help but smile; the soft green wool highlighted the gold flecks in Loki’s eyes, and the ruby neckline his cheeks, made ruddy by the many, many aperitifs Loki must have sneaked in before dinner. 

“Make way for your dazzling host!” Their host breezed past with an armful of snacks and drinks. “Settle down, you two. The movie’s about to start.”

Tony unburdened his load of indulgences onto the coffee table. A bottle of wine tumbled onto the floor and rolled under the couch where Loki and Steve had been comfortably ensconced for the past half hour. “Do you mind getting that for me?”

“What are we watching? Wait, let me guess.” Thor did not have to think very hard, for the choices for good Midgardian entertainment were few and far between. “Die Hard?”

“You guessed right, sweet cheeks.” Tony said.

A collective groan rose; curiously, but not surprisingly, the sound that emanated from Steve was one of discomfort, instead of dismay like the others. 

“Hey, it's either that or Baby’s Day Out!” Tony pointed at Loki and Steve. “And I don’t want those two lovebirds getting any ideas!”

Red-faced, Steve placed the bottle of wine he had painstakingly retrieved back on the table. “Don’t know what you’re talking about, Tony.” 

Loki only smiled a beatific smile, and snuggled just a little deeper into Steve’s side. “Everything comes from an idea.”

His smile faded slightly when he felt Steve stiffen. Before Loki could probe further, the clamour of protests around him grew.  

“Oh come on, there must be hundreds of movies you can choose from!” Natasha exclaimed in exasperation.

“We’re doing things the traditional way this year. That means no cable, no satellite TV, and definitely no streaming."

“Not DVDs!” Bruce groaned. “Tony, we are living in the digital world, you do know that, right?”

“Not even digital, people,” Tony said mischievously as he waved something glinting in the air. “Think older. Think analog.”

“That’s crazy.” Bruce plucked the laser disc out of Tony’s hand, unable to contain his excitement. “I haven’t seen one of these in ages!”

The good-natured protests died down eventually and everybody, as tradition would have it, made the same comments they made every year.

"Hey, ever noticed how Bruce Willis' shirt's blood-spattered one second, clean the next?"

"Continuity's not really that important, Tony."

"The hell it isn't. My fantastic brain's not good at ignoring all these gaffes - "

"Then maybe we should have watched something fun and mindless. The Holiday, Bridget Jones, Love Actually..."

"Oh, don't get me started on Love Actually."

Throughout all the chatter, Steve remained very quiet. The pain in his stomach had grown steadily worse as the night progressed, and halfway into the movie, he was positively sweating.

As if sensing his discomfort, Loki slipped a hand underneath Steve’s shirt and began to rub his stomach in slow, circular motions. 

“You are very warm,” Loki commented, eyebrows knitted in concern.

“It’s really hot in here,” was all Steve could say. Moments later, he felt the first, tell-tale tingle of Loki’s magic burn his skin.

“It’s okay, Loki.” He gently peeled Loki’s fingers off his tender abdomen. “You don’t have to do that.”

“It goes without saying that everyone wants to enjoy their Christmas presents,” Loki murmured. “And you…” He leaned in to whisper in Steve’s ear, “ - are mine.” 

Delighted at seeing Steve shudder, Loki merrily added. “I want to enjoy my Christmas, Captain. So, by hook or by crook, I will have you in tip-top shape tonight.”

“But you’ll be taking on my pain. I don’t see how that’s any fun,” Steve whispered back.

“I think I can handle a little tummy ache, Steve,” Loki said dryly. “I’ve taken on far more dire maladies than that.”

“Alright,” Steve finally relented, albeit not without heavy reluctance. “But only if you’re really sure it won’t hurt you.”

“It won’t,” Loki promised. “Now relax and let me work.”

The potency of Loki’s spells never ceased to impress, and the sharp pangs in Steve’s stomach eased within seconds.

He breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you.”

“I’m glad you’re feeling better,” Loki said lightly. “Maybe next time you’ll remember to take your medicine. Or was it your intention all along to distract me from Alan Rickman?”

Steve laughed, and dropped a playful peck on Loki’s temple. “You caught me.”

Now that he was finally rid of all his aches and pains, Steve settled in to enjoy the movie,  but it was evident before long that Loki did not share his enthusiasm.

“Are you alright?” Steve asked after catching Loki fidgeting for the hundredth time. He did a double take when he noticed Loki’s pallor. “You look pale.”

Loki’s smile was tight and wan. “I’m always pale, or so you people keep telling me.”

Steve frowned. There was something in the tone of Loki’s voice that did not sit well with him. “Is something wrong?”

Loki may be the God of Lies but he had long lost the ability to school his expressions around Steve.

“I am in terrible pain,” Loki admitted, suddenly out of breath. “I don’t know why. How are you feeling?”

“Me? I’m fine, thanks to you.”

“Good,” Loki grunted. “That’s - that’s good.”

“Wait.” Steve’s heart began to race. “Did something go wrong with the transference spell you did earlier?” 

“I don’t know.” Beads of sweat dotted Loki’s forehead as he clutched his stomach tighter. “This has never happened before.”

“Hey, Romeo, can you and Juliet take it down a notch? We’re kinda trying to watch a movie here.”

Steve ignored the jibe. “Jarvis, lights on, please.”

“Hey, what gives?” Irritated now, Tony swivelled in his seat to look, but his annoyance quickly turned into alarm. “Games, you okay? You don’t look so good.”

“Just an upset stomach. I’m fine,” Loki gritted through his teeth.

Thor, the ever reliable Loki-speak decipherer, sighed. “He’s fibbing. I can tell by his colour. You’re looking very grey, Brother.” 

“Was it the eggnog? The turkey?” Tony gave the room a surveying sweep. “Is anyone else feeling sick?”

“I ate everything and I feel fine,” Thor said. 

“You’re an outlier and therefore cannot be the point of comparison against which other people’s digestive systems are measured,” Tony deadpanned. 

Steve was already helping Loki to his feet. “Is there anyone still working at the medical lab?”

“It’s Christmas eve, genius,” Bruce said cheerily. “Guess who you’re stuck with?”

*************************

“How are you feeling now?” Bruce asked. “Any better?”

Loki shook his head. If anything, he felt ten times worse. “It feels like I’m being stabbed over and over.”

“Strange. The painkillers don’t seem to be working,” Bruce said. He bit his lip, appearing deep in thought. “But the bloodworks and the scans appear normal.”

“Meaning?” Steve asked.

“Meaning…” Bruce took off his glasses. “This is not medical. It’s magical. And there’s only one guy I know who’s an expert in both.”

The Avengers looked at each other with dread.

“Oh, boy,” Tony sighed. “He’s going to love this.”

*************************

The expert, as Tony had predicted quite wrongly, did not love it after all.

“Doing back-to-back shifts on Christmas, covering for your colleagues just because they have kids, dealing with drunks and delinquents…” Doctor Stephen Strange grumbled as he waltzed in through the door. “I thought those days were behind me.”

“Yes, we all know how busy you are,” Tony said sweetly. “Allow our resident Trickster to apologise for pulling you away from your festivities tonight.” 

“Nothing festive about Die Hard, but apparently it’s a Sanctum tradition, so.” Stephen shrugged. “In a way, you did me a favour.”

“Let me guess. DVD.” 

“Hah. VHS.” Stephen gave Tony a triumphant smile. “Wong’s a tech dinosaur.”

“You said he can help,” Steve criticised loudly, frustration evident in his tone. “Loki’s hurting and you’re standing around chatting.”

“Calm down, lover boy,” Stephen said easily. “Tell me your symptoms.”

Steve frowned. “Loki’s the one - ”

“I’m not asking Loki. I’m asking you, since you were the one who was sick in the first place.”

Everyone turned expectantly to Steve.

“What is he talking about?” Natasha asked. “Steve?”

“Oh, no, you didn’t,” Thor groaned. “Loki, how many times must we talk about this?” He shook his head sadly. “My brother has no sense of self-preservation.”

But Stephen paid the ever-dramatic God of Thunder no heed, focusing instead on his patient, who remained deathly quiet and still.

“Captain,” he urged again. “Your symptoms, now.”

Steve recounted his experience, beginning with feeling unwell right after dinner, putting it down to his lactose intolerance.

“So the pain started out dull and more centrally located, before it became sharp and shifted to your right side? And you felt nauseous as well?" At Steve's nod, Stephen turned grim. “These are all classic symptoms of acute appendicitis.”

Steve’s jaw dropped. “But I thought it was just - are you sure?”

“What is that?” Thor asked in alarm. “Is it serious?”

“It’s only the commonest surgical emergency in us humans,” Stephen said nonchalantly. “On average, I did ten appendectomies a day back when I was a resident.”

“I don’t get it,” Thor said. “If it’s so common then why can’t Loki heal himself?”

“I said it was common,” Stephen said. “I didn’t say it wasn’t serious.”

The doctor proceeded to sit down very carefully on the edge of the bed so as to not jar his patient.

“Hello.” 

“Second-Rate,” Loki returned the perfunctory greeting with a solemn acknowledgement. “How kind of you to come.”

“Well, you are a being of diplomatic importance,” Stephen replied cattily. “And Tony’s paying me by the hour. Holiday rates apply, of course.”

“Of course.” Loki’s throat bobbed up and down. “As you can see, I seem to have found myself in a bit of a bind.”

“I can see.” Stephen gestured at Loki’s midsection, the source of all troubles. “Mind if I?”

Steve pulled the privacy curtains around the bed before leaning against the wall to wait..The others showed no sign of budging either, each absorbed in their own curiousity and varying degrees of concern.

A minute later, a hand poked through the curtains. “Doctor Banner, can I see the full body scan again?”

Bruce placed the folder into the doctor’s awaiting hand. 

“Do you want the good news or the bad news?” Stephen asked when he finally emerged from behind the curtains moments later. “You know what? Don’t bother, because they’re all kind of bad.”

Appalling bedside manner aside, the Sorcerer Supreme's demeanour had taken on a confident, no nonsense air, allowing the others a glimpse of what the doctor must have been like back in the day.

“The transference spell worked beautifully, and had Loki been equipped with all our accoutrements, the inflamed appendix would have resolved itself, and you would still be gorging on pies and cookies and what have you.” Stephen paused for dramatic effect. “Unfortunately…”

“Unfortunately?” Steve echoed fearfully.

“He doesn’t have one.” Stephen said simply. “An appendix, I mean.”

Bruce frowned. “So…”

“So the inflammation has nowhere to go. There is nothing for me to cut into, or cut out. The magic cannot close its loop.”

Steve swallowed hard. “So what can we do?”

"About that." Stephen hesitated visibly. “Theoretically, as the spell has not reached its natural conclusion, it can be reversed.”

“So what are we waiting for?” Steve drew the curtains back and grabbed Loki’s limp hand. “Loki, undo the spell.”

Loki turned his head away.

Steve's tone grew hard. “Loki, give it back.” 

Once again, his plea fell on deaf ears. 

Steve turned to the doctor. “He can give it back, can’t he?”

“Yeah…it’s not as straightforward as that, I’m afraid,” Stephen said. “The guarding, the rigidity, the severity of the pain…it’s all pointing towards a ruptured appendix. Now you may be Captain America and all, but generalised peritonitis generally has a very poor outcome, and to transfer it back to you at this stage would be a very, very stupid idea.”

“Meaning?”

“Meaning you can die,” Stephen said plainly. “Brave, I give you that, but stupid.”

“It’s not stupid if it means saving Loki’s life,” Steve growled.

“It still is if there’s another way that doesn’t involve you going through the worst agony you’ve ever felt in your life,” Stephen retorted. 

Steve’s face blanched. “Help him. Please.”

Stephen sighed. "Loki."

Loki reluctantly turned his head a fraction.

“You’re a shapeshifter. You know the insides of your body down to every last cell. Do you have a redundant organ, a vestigial piece of organic tissue you can spare?” Stephen asked.

Loki stared at him blankly.

“If you do, we can then divert the disease process into that organ, and take it out as you would a human appendix. Problem solved."

Feeling everybody’s incredulous gaze on him, Stephen felt compelled to defend his sound, professional opinion. “It’s a valid question. Doctor Who has two hearts.”

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Natasha could not resist offering her services. “I can help answer that.”

“Now that is a tough choice,” Tony said with a sympathetic grimace. 

“Guys, this is serious,” Bruce rebuked. “Can’t you see that Loki’s really sick?”

For once, Loki had to agree.

“Can all of you get out of here and let me die in peace?” he moaned.

“Brother,” Thor chastised. “No talk of death, please. I am barely recovered from your last one.”

“You know what’ll help with the pain? Vodka,” Natasha said. “Lots and lots of vodka. I sewed a hole in my stomach once and I hardly felt a thing.”

“Everybody, please!” Steve shouted. “Out. Now.”

“That’s right. Listen to the Captain, everybody," said Stephen drolly. "Everyone out but the next of kin."

Feeling the burn of Loki’s venomous eyes on the back of his head, he cleared his throat. “Correction. Everybody out, especially the next of kin. I need to have a private discussion with my patient.”

Tony tsk-tsked. “Way to go, Bambi. You’ve really ruined Christmas now.”

“Sorry,” Loki gasped.

“Don’t be,” Tony said, eyes softer than anyone had ever seen them. “We’ve watched Die Hard like, what, five years in a row? Besides, I’ve got it on hard copy, it’s ours forever. Unless I buy Netflix, of course.” 

He gave Loki’s knee a pat, awkward but gentle. “So try not to die, huh?”

Loki could only nod, the intense pain robbing him of speech and breath.

Stephen waved an impatient hand. “You too, Captain. Don’t worry, I won’t do anything to him you won’t do.”

At this point, Steve was too distraught and sick with anxiety to appreciate the doctor’s dark humour. 

“I’ll be right outside, Loki.”

Loki’s eyes followed Steve and lingered on the door long after it closed behind him.

With a majestic sweep of his cloak, the Sorcerer Supreme dropped into the chair and crossed his legs expectantly. “So. What will it be?” 

When Loki remained silent, Stephen decided to stop beating around the bush. “I know you’ve got the answer. I can see it in your eyes.”

Loki licked his lips. “Stark’s right. It isn’t an easy choice.”

“It’s only a choice between aesthetic perfection and survival, Loki,” Stephen said, frowning. “We have implants, prosthetics - ”

“I am not talking about breasts or testicles, Doctor. I couldn’t care less about them,” Loki interrupted. “Only that external endowments will not do. The poison is inside me.”

Stephen waited patiently; something was coming.

“I guess it was a blessing in disguise,” Loki sniffed, cursing the threat of tears stinging his eyes. “We could have watched Baby’s Day Out and made this a lot more difficult than it needs to be.”

“Oh.” Stephen’s shoulders slumped when the truth about Loki’s dilemma sank in. “Oh, dear.”

They stayed in an uncomfortable yet somewhat companionable silence for a while, before Stephen spoke again.

“Look. I don’t know much about your anatomy, yet,” Stephen said haltingly. “But if you consent to it, I’ll see what we can do about salvaging your reproductive potential. How’s that sound?”

“You will not give me false hope,” Loki said in a hard voice. “Not you.”

“Not me,” Stephen agreed. “So here’s what we’re going to do...”

*************************

“How long does this usually take?”

“It’s a key-hole procedure, it shouldn’t take long…”

“Didn’t you tell me Strange was in an accident and it ruined his hands?’

“That was years ago, maybe he got better.”

“No, he still has the shakes. But maybe it’s one of those things that gets better with alcohol?”

“Strange is drinking and operating on my brother??”

"Settle down, kids. Uncle Tony’s got it covered. He made your Uncle Stephen a new set of hands for Christmas.”

“You did what?”

“Ever heard of biomechanically loading muscle fibres to suppress involuntary tremor, Doctor Banner?”

“Only in theory.”

“Oh, it works, I assure you. It’s medical exoskeleton technology at its best. Well. Tony’s best.”

“Tony…”

Now he can quit his day job and go back to being a brain surgeon if he wants. Oof!”

“Damn you, Stark.”

Pat, pat. “Love you too, Rogers.”

*************************

“Hey.”

“Hey.”

“How are you feeling?”

“Okay, I think.” Loki listened to his body. It still pulsated with magic, his and Stephen’s combined, but where there once was fire, there was fire no more. “Yeah, I feel okay. I don't hurt anymore.”

Steve’s sigh of relief warmed his skin. Warmer still was the press of Steve’s lips on his knuckles seconds later. “You scared me.”

“I think I scared myself.” Loki smiled weakly. “And I’m not easily scared.”

“Hey, give yourself some credit. You were really sick.”

A nonchalant shrug. “Yes, well.”

“I’m serious, Loki. You nearly died.”

“Death doesn’t scare me, Captain,” Loki said gently. “At least, mine doesn’t.”

Steve was quiet. “Think I was scared enough for the both of us.”

“Sorry,” Loki apologised. “But everything’s okay now, isn’t it?”

“Is it?”

Loki tilted his head and observed Steve's stiff demeanour.

“Did the doctor tell you?” he queried tentatively. “What he did in the end?”

Steve shook his head. “He couldn’t get out of here fast enough. The minute he was sure you were going to pull through, he left.”

“Of course he did,” Loki said with a roll of his eyes. “I suppose I must visit him in that dreadful place of his and thank him properly.”

“Once you’re better,” Steve said firmly.

“I am better, Steve,” Loki said. “In all the ways that matter.”

“Yeah? Care to tell me more?”

Loki stiffened. “What makes you think there’s more?”

“There’s always more with you,” Steve exploded, his voice raw with emotions. “What did you sacrifice in the end, Loki? What did you have to give up to save my life?”

“I didn’t sacrifice. I bargained.”

“You bargained.” Steve clenched his fist, the one not still holding Loki’s hand. “Stop talking in riddles, Loki. Just tell me the truth.”

“Do you remember what I said? About how everything begins with an idea?” Loki asked softly. “Me joining you, fighting the good fight. Us, living together under one roof. The idea of you and me.”

“Yes. It was the best damn idea I’ve ever had in my life.”

Loki heard the conviction in Steve’s voice and his resolve crumbled. 

“Well I had an idea too, you see. I’ve had it for a while now. But tonight I thought - ” his voice caught in a throat thick with tears, “I thought the idea had turned into an impossibility.” 

“And what is this idea, Loki?” Steve asked, his heart pounding in his chest.

“A family,” Loki exhaled shakily. “With you.”

“You don’t mean - ?”

“My womb. I thought I had to give it up,” Loki confessed. “That’s why I hesitated. I fought the pain for as long as I could.”

Steve had turned as white as paper. His hand darted out and palmed Loki’s bandaged abdomen. “No, Loki. Tell me you didn’t.”

Loki placed his hand atop Steve’s. 

“I didn’t,” he said reassuringly. “Apparently I have - had - lots of women bits. Some I even had extras of, according to Strange.”

Steve still couldn’t speak, so Loki rambled on. “Something called ovaries? Yes, I think that’s what they’re called. He said even if one is removed, there’s a good chance we could still…well. You know.”

Increasingly perturbed by Steve’s continual silence, Loki took it upon himself to sit up -

Jolted out of his reverie, Steve quickly put a hand on Loki’s chest. “What on earth do you think you’re doing?”

It could be the close brush with death, or the lingering effects of the drugs still circulating in his veins, but Loki could feel the desire surging, the need to know what Steve Rogers was really thinking in that perfect head of his.

“Captain. My Captain,” Loki called quietly. “Does it scare you? My idea?”

Steve pulled Loki in so fast his head swam -

“You idiot,” he felt the rumble of Steve’s voice in his chest, the warmth of Steve’s kiss on his head, finally a whisper, fervent and frantic.

“The only thing that scares me is losing you.”

Everything about Steve was so warm. 

Somewhere in the mansion, a clock chimed twelve. 

After he was done kissing Loki to his heart’s content,

“Hey, since it’s officially Christmas and neither of us is dying…” Steve broke into a suggestive grin. “Wanna watch something?”

"Not Die Hard again,” Loki groaned. 

Steve shook his head. He waved a disc in the air. “Try again.”

Loki smiled at the sight of its cover. 

“Baby’s Day Out, it is.”

[lostgirlfandom]

How You Meet the Avengers

Pairing: GN!Reader x Avengers (Platonic)

Warnings: Mentions of blood

Words: 1.2k

You met all the Avengers separately. Originally you had joined Sheild before the Avengers were a thing and one day when you were kidnapped by some crazy scientist that proceeded to experiment on you, you were then considered for the Avengers Initiative... only considered since you couldn’t quite control the random powers you gained from the experiments.  

You met Tony Stark when you had to join Natasha one day at the Stark Tower.  

You were in his little penthouse and were in front of some random... thing that was in his living room, waiting for the man himself to meet up with you and Nat.  

Your hand had reached forward to touch it, to see what it was because you had no clue what it was exactly, when you heard from the elevator; “Don’t breathe on that, it’s expensive.”  

You froze and then straightened up before turning to the voice, who turned out to be Tony. Nat was sitting on the couch, covering up a small grin in amusement at the innocent look you had put on your face.  

Tony swaggered over and dragged his eyes over your person.  

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” You gave a big grin as you rocked on the balls of your feet.  

Tony’s lips twitched before scoffing. “We’ll get along great.”

-

You met Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes one day after getting back from a mission that went a little sideways. You had just walked into the communal area in bloody clothes when you paused at the site of Bucky Barnes and Steve Rogers.  

They also paused at the site of you standing there like a deer in headlights.  

Brushing off the sudden and shocked silence, you grinned and waved at the two. “Hiiiii! I’m Y/N otherwise known as [Alias]. Nice to meet you two!”  

Bucky raised an eyebrow and looked you over slowly while Steve opened his mouth slowly while frowning his eyebrows. “Uhhh... Steve.” He gave a major pause while opening and closing his mouth.  

Bucky picked up the question. “Is that blood?” He tilted his head.  

You looked down at your clothes and then looked up. Biting your lip before slowly answering. “No...?” You even looked confused at your answer.  

Bucky gave a bark of a laugh while Steve looked more concerned. “That’s not a question you’re supposed to answer with another question.”  

You chuckled nervously while rubbing the back of your neck.  

-

How you met Bruce Banner was even worse.  

You had just accidentally broken a very expensive training robot and had just walked out of the training room and bumped into Bruce.  

Grinning guiltily, you put your hands behind your back. “Did you see that?” You asked casually.

He had glanced behind you while adjusting his glasses and saw the robot on fire and looked lost. “Umm...”

“The correct answer is no... no you didn’t. Nice to meet you Dr. Banner!” You spoke cheerily before taking off down the hallway as fast as you could.  

-

Thor and Loki were interesting.  

Thor was in the living room, plastered to the glass overlooking the city of Stark Tower when you walked in and he was grinning as he observed everything.  

“Lady Natasha! What is the word for that infestation of tiny creatures over there?!” He pointed somewhere.  

Curious, you followed Nat over to the window and looked to where he was pointing and you laughed heartedly as Nat deadpanned. “Those are children... That’s a school.” She said with no emotion in her tone. Making you laugh even more, to the point you leaned against the window next to them.  

Meeting Loki was during the Invasion when you were making your way to the top of the Tower with Nat and you misjudged where to land so you landed on the area that was Tony’s suit landing area... You tucked and rolled and then landed in front of some feet.

Freezing, you stared at the boots for a moment. Thinking to yourself, “Shitshitshitshitshit... why me?”  

“Mortal...” A deep accented voice spoke from above you. Leaking of arrogance and prestige.  

You rushed to stand up and straightened up. But you froze at the man before you. Why did he have to be so attractive...

You laughed nervously as Loki examined you from top to bottom. “Don’t mind me...I’ll just go find a corner to have my existential crisis.” You tried to move to the side to walk around him, but he cut you off with the Septer. You looked down at it and then back up.  

“Shouldn’t you be worshipping me, mortal?” He gave a mad grin, which made his appearance look a little more haggard.  

In your mind, you said yes but outward you spoke. “Not interested, thanks.” You gave an anxious grin.  

Loki’s face dropped for a moment but took steps closer to you. He looked out the window behind me and then turned back to you. “This is a beautiful world.” He said sarcastically will a tilt of his head and smarmy grin.  

You gave a big eye smile and sassed “Shame you came from so far away to destroy it, huh?”

He raised an eyebrow and smirked. “Not really.”

Quickly you ducked and then took off away from him. You gave him a sassy salute and grin, observing his face as he looked at you shocked for a moment. “Later, Mischief!”  

-

Meeting Clint was the most fun. He was the one that recruited you. After escaping the scientist that experimented on you, you were living on the street for a good while.  

You had just stolen some food from an expensive restaurant and had made your way to one of the building’s roof to sit and eat while enjoying the view.  

In the middle of your meal, a man sat next to you and took a bite from the container. “Pretty snazzy food you got there.”

You froze and watched him wide eyed for a moment before contemplating jumping to escape.  

He nonchalantly took another bite as he looked over the city. “Don’t jump, I don’t wanna have to chase you. It took a while to track you down.”

You frowned your eyebrows and sighed. “What are you? Cop?”  

He snorted. “Nah, I just worked for a company called The Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division.”

You blinked and scrunched your face up. “What? Did someone not know how to shorten names?”  

“I think they are going to shorten it to S.H.I.E.L.D.” He shrugged and then reached up to adjust something on the side of his head. You notice of the hearing aid and your lips twitched before straightening up.  

“And why have you been tracking me down?” You started to swing your legs over the side of the building as you observed the man next to you.  

He gave a smile, “I think I have a job for you kid.”

-

Natasha was short and sweet...  

A few months after your training finally finished, Clint told you that he had someone he wanted you to meet and potentially become your mentor.  

Following Clint into a training room in one of Sheild’s headquarter buildings, you spotted a red headed lady with a face set into an emotionless mask.  

You walked up with Clint and Clint spoke up, “Nat, this is Y/N. Y/N this is Natasha Romanoff, otherwise known as the Black Widow.”

Your face set into an awed expression. “Woahhhh, so badass...” You grinned. “You get on Clint’s nerves, too?” You teased.  

You saw her lips twitch but her mask remained. She looked you up and down before turning to Clint. “They’ll do.”

[dira333]

Second Chances

Natasha Romanoff x Reader (hinted), Natasha Romanoff and Clint Barton

New York

She’s there again, in that place she can’t happen to forget. The light is all wrong in her dream, not a cool blue-ish glow but an unsettling red and it gives Loki’s pale complexion an eerie look as he smiles at her through the barrier of glass. She shivers and hears herself talk.

“I want to know what you’ve done to Agent Barton.”

“I would say I’ve expanded his mind.”

Their voices are low, calm even as if they’re chatting about cake recipes while sipping tea.

Even after years and years of playing it cool, of tricks and maneuvers, it never gets old, it never gets less complicated to act so nonchalantly that you believe it yourself.

“And once you’ve won, once you’re king of the mountain, what happens to his mind?”

“Oh…” Loki’s amusement is audible, “Is this love, Agent Romanoff?”

“Love is for children,” she declares, “I owe him a debt.”

She wakes up, takes one shuttering breath before she freezes, ears perched to hear everything.

The wooden floor makes a creaking sound as someone moves outside her bedroom door. That must have woken her up.

“Nat?” Clint’s voice is low and raspy, “You okay?”

“Yeah,” she answers, “Did you just come home?”

He pauses, takes a breath and releases it. “Maybe?”

She chuckles. “Go to bed.”

She hears him leave but stays awake, unable to relax now that the dream is fresh and vivid in her mind.

She allows her mind to follow, examine the dream and look at her memory with the calm eyes of a logical mind.

And then she gets up, slips out of her bedroom and into the other one.

“How was the date, Clint?” She asks and he groans and rolls over in bed.

“She was nice,” he mumbles and swats at her cold feet as she slips into the spot next to him, “But, you know…”

“Nice is not enough?”

“Would you settle for nice?” He asks her and she shakes her head with another chuckle.

“There’s still Divya from Accounting. And Sorinah from HR mentioned that she likes dogs. And…”

“Nat,” he interrupts her, “You don’t have to find a girlfriend for me.”

She snorts, deflecting his serious tone easily, “Like you would find one by yourself.”

“Well, maybe I won’t, but that’s on me then, okay? It’s nice that you’re thinking of me, but it’s not a duty or something like that.”

“I’m good at it,” she reminds him, “Remember Steve?”

“Well, I think he would beg to differ. You didn’t do that much.”

“I did-”

“Nat,” he interrupts her, his voice soft but firm. It’s dark and she can hardly see him but she knows, just by the tone of his voice, that his lips are set in a thin line, showcasing how serious he is.

“You don’t need to set me up. That’s not your job.”

“I owe you,” she whispers and it’s probably the darkness around her that makes her able to admit it.

Clint takes a deep breath and pushes it out with a sigh.

“No, you don’t.”

“I do,” she argues and he must have sensed that they could be going back and forth for hours because he stops and takes a different route.

“What I did for you can’t be paid back directly. You have to give it to someone else.”

He waits for her to interrupt but she’s at a loss for words for a moment and he speaks up again.

“I didn’t do much. It’s not like I convinced you to be a better person or something like that. I just saw that you wanted a second chance, a chance to turn things around and I made sure you got that. You might not find someone like that in our line of duty, because it’s a rare thing to see, but if you do, you know what to do.”

She sighs too and he chuckles softly.

“Go to sleep now,” he tells her, “I don’t want you cranky in the morning.”

She stretches out beside him, pressing her cold toes into his warm calves and he hisses and swats at her but leaves her be and they fall asleep like that, pressed against each other in that small twin bed.

Natasha doesn’t mention their conversation again and neither does Clint, probably because she leaves him with his awful taste in flirtatious moves and even worse taste in movies.

But she keeps thinking about what he’s said, keeps thinking about the spark he must have seen in her eyes. Would she notice it in someone else? Would she trust her own judgment to make a different call when it’s necessary?

But the days drag on and with them comes one mission after the other until she almost forgets about it, pushes it into the back of her mind because there are more important things to think about. The people she meets don’t want second chances.

And when she meets one that needs it, it’s you…

[simplyholl]

Across the Multiverse Pt. 4 [Loki x F Reader]

Summary: Y/N and Loki’s relationship takes an unexpected turn after one of Stark’s parties. When they are sent on a mission to find their multiversal selves, will they realize they should be together?

Pairing: Avenger Loki x F Avenger Reader

*The car scene is a little nod to @lokisgoodgirl‘s Clandestine F*cks Collection. I wrote that scene just for you as a little thank you for everything. ILY bunches and I wouldn’t be doing any of this if it wasn’t for you. 

The caption for the picture is lyrics from “Call It What You Want” by Taylor Swift

Warnings: Smut. Minors DNI. 18+ ONLY. Incorrect use of multiverse travel.

W/C: 2.7K

Loki has been mad at me since we got back. It didn’t help matters that when we found Universe 322’s me, Bucky answered her door. She came out behind him barely dressed with just fucked hair. But that wasn’t me, Loki has taken it to heart though. He makes a snide comment every time Bucky is in the same room as me.

I’m downstairs waiting for my ride to mine and Natasha’s interview. “Hey kid, change of plans. Natasha had to go on a mission with Clint. So, you’ll be doing your interview with Reindeer Games.” My heart falls into my ass as Loki walks over to us dressed in a skintight Henley shirt. The fabric clings to his frame leaving nothing to the imagination. I’m so mad at myself for still being attracted to him despite him acting like an asshole for a month.

“Wait Tony, isn’t there someone else who could come with me?’ “No Y/N, everyone else is busy. Well except for me, and I’m not going. What’s the problem anyway? I thought you two were best friends forever. Uh oh, a lover’s quarrel perhaps?” “NO!” Loki and I answer a little too quickly. Tony smiles knowingly at us. “Just play nice for the cameras. Give them what they want. You know, really play to the crowd.”

I’m nervous to be on this talk show. Robin, the host always asks the most scandalous questions. Her show is known for getting gossip out of celebrities and superheroes alike. Last time the Avengers were on her show, she got Bruce to admit he was dating Natasha. I’m surprised Nick Fury let Loki be on today, God of Mischief and all that.

Robin sits across from the white sofa Loki and I are on. Old pictures from my Instagram are blown up on the screen behind us. The pictures are of me and Loki with silly filters on our faces, playing in the snow, and my favorite. We had a little too much to drink in his room and we decided to document the evening. I’m sitting in his lap, his long arms wrapped around me holding me tightly against his torso. He has his lips pressed against my cheek in a playful kiss. And I am smiling like a lovesick fool. I even captioned it “Starry eyes sparking up my darkest night” with a green heart emoji. In my defense, we were listening to Taylor Swift’s Reputation album that night. At least, that’s the excuse I used when the girls bombarded me with accusations after I posted it.

Robin gestures to the pictures. “You two are the cutest couple! Y/N, how long have you been banging the most mysterious Avenger?” I can’t help my blushing cheeks. The nerve of this woman. “We are not a couple and we have never been intimate.” I lie, crossing my fingers behind my back. Robin doesn’t know how to take no for an answer. “Look at him, Y/N. There must have been at least one late night where there was a lingering glance that quickly turned into more.” The audience is on the edge of their seats waiting for my answer. I look to Loki for help. He just smiles at me, and I could swear he is trying not to laugh. Asshole. “I won’t deny that Loki is attractive.”

The whistles and cheers from the crowd confirm my statement. Loki stands up gesturing to his face and body. The cheers grow louder. He finally takes his seat. “But there is nothing between us except for friendship. No lingering glances, no hookups, nothing.” “Boo! You’re no fun! You know your fans ship you two together, right? Here’s a thread about you two we found.”

She displays it on the screen. There are photos I didn’t know existed of us walking, eating, holding hands. The comment section is filled with statements like “Everyone knows they are dating. Why hide it?” “The chemistry between them is smoldering. I was at the table beside them, and I thought I would catch on fire from it.” “Have you seen how he looks at her?”

Robin reads each one making me more uncomfortable by the second. This is all too much. Loki notices and places his hand on mine. I feel better instantly. Robin finally makes it to the end of the thread. “Well, if you’re telling the truth, and you’re not an item, let us at least see your first kiss. We would love that, wouldn’t we?” The audience chants “Kiss her” as I look at Loki trying to figure a way out of this. Surely, he will come up with something. He hasn’t wanted to be near me, let alone kiss me.

He whispers in my ear, “We might as well, darling. What was it Stark said, give them what they want?” Loki grabs my face as he leans down to reach my lips. Soft kisses turn into hungry ones as he slides his tongue in my mouth. The audience is whistling and shouting, but I’m not paying attention. It’s all I can do to keep from drowning in the passionate way his lips glide with mine. My hands are in his hair, and I’m pretty sure I moaned too loudly. Loki breaks the kiss gently placing his thumb against my bottom lip as his eyes search mine. He places his lips against me again and again. Each time I think he is done; his soft lips are on me once more. It’s like he can’t help himself. When he finally stops, I am breathless.

As soon as we get in the car, both our phones start blowing up. Loki answers his. Tony’s voice comes over the speaker frantically shouting. “What the hell were you thinking?” Loki answers calmly, “You told us to play nice for the cameras, Stark. I was merely following instruction.” “I meant don’t fight with each other on live TV, not shove your tongue down her throat in front of the world!” Loki laughs as he hangs up on him mid- rant. He asks me if I’m going to the party tonight and I tell him probably not. “It’s probably for the best. After that kiss, the ladies will be falling at my feet tonight.” I look out the window the whole way home, holding back tears.

Tonight is Tony’s infamous lingerie party. The guys have been looking forward to it for months. The girls and I went shopping for our outfits weeks ago. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t buy mine with Loki in mind. I think I’m going to stay in tonight. Seeing Loki with models in their underwear is too much for my heart to handle.

Wanda and Natasha show up at my room with drinks. They can’t stop gushing about the kiss. Tears start streaming down my face uncontrollably. I wasn’t going to tell anyone about me and Loki, but now I don’t have a choice. They are just as confused as I am, especially after that kiss. It seemed too real.

“You have to go to the party now, Y/N.” Wanda encourages me. “Yeah, you have to show him what he’s missing.” Natasha decides we have to get ready together. Wanda is doing my makeup. Natasha styles my hair. When they have finished my makeover, I am completely impressed. I have never been hotter.

My hair hangs down in soft waves. My smoky eyes are accentuated by little jewels along the wings of my eyeliner. My false eyelashes are a little heavy. They will take a while to get used to. My lacy, black lingerie clings to my body in all the right places. The wire in the cups of my bra push my breasts up to make them look bigger and more perky. The cheeky panties are almost see through.  They are tied on the side with little black bows. Natasha helps fasten my garters to my stockings. Wanda finds my sexiest heels in the back of my closet. I’m definitely dressed for revenge.  

When we arrive at the party, it’s not hard to spot Loki. He is sitting on the sofa, all the hottest girls gathered around him. There are two on his lap for heaven’s sake. I look at the girls for encouragement. We walk over to the sofa across from him. He unapologetically checks me out. He only takes his eyes off me when one of the women in his lap clears her throat. All of them are glaring at me, mad because I stole his attention, if only for a moment. “I didn’t think you would be in attendance tonight, pet.” Loki says coldly.

I smile at him sweetly, moving my hair to reveal the spot on my neck he loved to mark. His eyes darken. “Well, I thought I’d come to check out all the available men. Tony invites the most alluring bachelors to this party every year. As you know, I am so single right now. Actually, I thought I’d take a page out of your book and bring back someone to warm my bed. Maybe a doctor. “You and I both know someone like that could never please you. You like playing with danger, pet.”

“How could you possibly know what would please me, Loki?” I can tell I’ve struck a nerve. He grips the arm of the sofa tightly making the thick veins on his hands stick out. Loki stands up forgetting the girls in his lap. They are thrown to the floor with a thud. I try my best not to laugh, but a little giggle escapes me. He doesn’t even acknowledge them, just takes a long stride to step over them. He grabs my hand jerking me off the couch. A cloud of green smoke surrounds us.

Suddenly, we are in the library. He circles behind me like a lion stalking his prey. I gasp when his hand tangles in my hair while the other shoves me face first against a table. The cold surface makes me shiver. His fingers pull my panties to the side. Quick fingers swipe my entrance finding me soaked. He plunges into me with a hard thrust. I grasp the side of the table. My right cheek finally getting used to the cold surface. I’m overwhelmed from how deep he is and how full I feel in this position. His strong legs nudge mine spreading me wider. Long fingers grip my hip roughly as he drives into me. He places his other hand to my lips. “Suck.” He commands slipping two slender digits in my mouth. I run my tongue over them tasting myself. I suck on the tips while I take everything, he gives me. “Who knows exactly how to please you?” “You… Loki” I pant. “I can’t hear you, pet. Who is it that makes you feel this way? Who makes this pretty pussy so full?” “You, Loki. Only you.” He thrusts harder, chants of his name fill the room as we both unravel.

This is our week off from the mission while some of the others go. Since the night in the library, Loki and I have barely left his room. I’m disappointed because we have to go to dinner with Scott and Thor. Not because I don’t want to go, but it means I won’t be alone with Loki. In the car, Loki and I sit in the back while Thor drives. I have a feeling he is up to something when he sits in the middle beside me instead of on the other side.

Loki tells me to put my seat belt on when the car starts moving. I’m still pouting about having to leave the comfort of his bed, so I refuse. He leans over me bringing the seat belt across my chest. His fingers graze my breasts through the thin fabric of my dress. His green eyes fixed on me as the click rings throughout the car. His hand grips my thigh. His fingers hold so tightly it could bruise. “Can you be quiet for me?” he whispers in my ear. His warm breath sends chills down my body.

I whisper yes, confusion written on my face. His intentions are clear when his hand travels up my thigh. “No panties?” he questions. I give him a mischievous smile. He places one expert finger on my clit circling. I bite my lip trying not to make a sound. The moan I tried and failed to hold back came out like a squeak. Thor’s attention is on us now. “What is the matter, Y/N?” he asks concern lacing his voice. Scott is curious now too. He turns around. “Brother, keep your eyes on the road. I have fought many battles and survived. I will not die by your hand. Y/N is fine. She was merely remembering a rather sad moment from one of her books. She seeks comfort from me. Allow her some privacy.” Loki places his free hand on my head guiding me to his shoulder. Thor and Scott must believe him, because they face forward.

Loki leans down whispering “Hush now, darling. I thought you could be silent. Do you wish for me to stop?” I shake my head no, grabbing his wrist desperately trying to hold his hand in place. He slips two slender fingers inside. His rough palm rubs against my clit. I buck my hips against him quietly whining against his neck. He pumps his fingers in and out. “So tight. I cannot wait to be inside you tonight, Y/N.” His thumb works against me as he hooks his fingers inside hitting my g-spot. I bite down on his shoulder my grip on his wrist tightens as I come undone. My eyes are watering. That was so intense. It was almost too much without making a sound. Loki’s thumb quickly brushes the stray tears away.

He places a soft kiss to my cheek. “that’s my good girl.” He purrs. He gently removes his fingers from me. He brings his hand to his mouth. Placing the two that were just inside me to his tongue. He sucks them clean; a small moan escapes his lips. Scott turns around giving Loki a questioning look. He notices the fingers Loki quickly removes from his lips. “Hey! I didn’t know you had snacks. No fair! The wait for the restaurant was over an hour when I called. I will starve to death by then!” “I never share what is mine, Lang. Especially when it is the most delicious of treats.” He smirks glancing at me, amusement dancing in his eyes. I just smile at Scott and try not to melt into my seat.

The team decided to let loose and have a few drinks together tonight. That quickly turned into mostly everyone being outrageously drunk. Thor passes his flask of Asgardian liquor to the Super Soldiers. Loki is sitting with Tony and Sam. I hear an outburst of laughter from that area, so I walk over. “Where is my girl?” Loki slurs.

“Who is your girl, Laufeyson? We didn’t know you were seeing anyone.” Sam laughs. Loki ignores him looking around the room. “Where the hell is my sweet girl?! She better not be anywhere near Barnes!” Loki shouts. Bucky throws his hands up defensively, a smile spreading across his face. I go over to Loki to make sure he is okay. “Ah, there she is.” He pulls me into his lap. His arms hold me tightly to him. He places small kisses to my hair. “Um, Loki we should get you back to your room. You need to go to sleep, or you’ll feel awful tomorrow.”

“Excellent idea, my love. I can’t wait to have you in my bed again.” He wiggles his eyebrows suggestively at me. I place one of his arms over my shoulder helping him to the elevators. When we get to his room, I walk him over to his bed. I pull off one large boot, then the next. He helps me by pulling his shirt off while I work on removing his pants. He grabs my hand placing it over his heart. “Y/N, I lo- “ he stops for a moment searching my face. “I’ll, I’ll see you in the morning.”  He rolls over, the sounds of his snoring fill the room while I slide under the blankets beside him.

Part Five

Tags

@lokisgoodgirl @fictive-sl0th @muddyorbsblr @jaidenhawke @ozymdias 

@lokissidepeice @huntress-artemiss @those-late-night-feels @marygoddessofmischief  @trojanaurora @acciotherapists @snafu-hmfi 

@eleniblue @lokidbadguy

[mrs-johansson]

Chapter 5: Avengers: Age of Ultron - Two Ghosts

Katarina’s sign language will be bold.

Part 2:

Flying around the snowy forest was something else. HYDRA agents came from left and right, as we tried to get inside the base. “Shit!” Heard Dad’s voice, over comms. “Language,” Steve stepped in. He said what? “Oh wow, he is old,” I murmured before blasting the three guards in front of me and then landing on the ground. “JARVIS, what's the view from upstairs?” Cap continued. “The central building is protected by some kind of energy shield. Strucker's technology is well beyond any other HYDRA base we've taken,” said the AI. “I’m gonna get inside too, I’d like a talk with Strucker,” I flew back up and made my way toward the huge building. “You’re needed in the forest, Y/n you’re staying down here,” Steve instructed and I looked towards the base. “If anyone kills him before me, I’m gonna be really mad,” I sighed and flew back to the forest, landing on a tall stand. Grabbing a gun from one of the guards I quickly shot all of them and then with one move I burned down the stand. “See, you’re more useful here.”

“Loki's scepter must be here. Strucker couldn't mount this defense without it. At long last.” Thor spoke. “At long last” is lasting a little long, guys,” Natasha said as she came into my view also. “Yeah. I think we lost the element of surprise,” I just like Clint’s sarcastic comms responses. “You think?”

“Wait a second. No one else is going to deal with the fact that Cap just said "language?" Dad’s voice Rand in my ears and honestly I’m surprised nobody else mentioned it. “I know…” Steve said before a big crash. “It just slipped out,” he finished.

After getting through the HYDRA guards, Dad and Steve successfully entered the base. “We're locked down out here,” I said as the last soldier surrendered too. “Then get to Banner, time for a lullaby,” oh how much I hate to watch that. “I’m gonna go check on Clint,” with that, I walked off.

As the Quinjet door opened, I could hear the Hulk’s grumbles. Every time I know that Natasha helps him turn back, the blood stops flowing in my body. All I could see was when she was running away from him because he couldn’t control himself.

“Why are you just standing there?” Clint’s voice made me realize that the Quinjet had opened. “Just thinking,” I walked up the ramp, sitting by his side after grabbing a medical kit. “Tough fight?” He asked. “For you maybe,” I smirked down at him and he just scoffed. “Did something happen out there?” He asked on a more serious note. And I just kept patching his wound up. “Y/n?” “I just don’t trust him around her, okay? She is very much human and who knows when the green giant will tear her apart. It’s very dangerous and she doesn’t even consider the possibilities,” I said lowly and he didn’t say a word because everybody walked up to the Quinjet. “How’s it going?” Natasha walked up to us and after a shared look between Clint and I, I walked away.

After a little while, everyone was calmly talking and relaxing after the mission. Suddenly, Natasha stood up from her place and after a quick check on Clint, she sat down next to Banner.

“You’re so jealous,” Clint murmured and I hit his shoulder. “I bet she didn’t tell you about how she screamed at me because she found out that I was sleeping with someone. That is also jealousy,” I admitted but also gave him something to talk to her about. “With who?” He asked curiously. “None of your business. But this… that’s disgusting. Tell me she and I weren’t this cringe from the outside,” I looked at the man laying on the bed. “Nope, this is really bad.”

“Thor, report on the Hulk?” Natasha’s voice made us all look their way. “The gates of Hell are filled with the screams of his victims,” Romanoff glared at my brother. I chuckled as subtly as I could but of course, everyone noticed. But he tried to climb out of the hole he created. “Y/n liked what I said…” Thor murmured. “Because she’s an ass,” Natasha’s reply was something we all took as a shock, especially me. I mean yeah, we had arguments the past couple of days but not in front of everyone.

***

“Don’t get any new scars without me, Barton,” I spoke after him as they rolled his bed away. He put the middle finger up in the air and I just shook my head.

“What’s the word on Strucker?” I turned to Maria. “NATO’s got him.” “The two enhanced?” Steve stepped in. “Wanda and Pietro Maximoff. Twins. Orphaned at ten when a shell collapsed their apartment building. Sokovia's had a rough history. It's nowhere special but it's on the way to everywhere special,” Maria explained as we made our way inside. “Their abilities?” I questioned. “He's got increased metabolism and improved thermal homeostasis. Her thing is neural electric interfacing, telekinesis, mental manipulation,” Hill presented the scientific way. Steve’s face was just funny to look at, at that moment. “He's fast and she's weird,” I shortened for him. “You’re weird,” Maria said and I shrugged. “Yeah, I am.”

***

“There's no possibility of deterioration. The nano-molecular functionality is instantaneous. His cells don't know they're bonding with simulacrum,” I caught Dr. Cho’s explanation. “Dr. Cho they should shower you with awards…” I looked at Clint’s wound which was already getting better. “Creating tissue from nothing… Incredible.” “How long have you been interested in medical research?” Banner’s question made me look up. Is he serious? I glanced at Natasha and she glared at me like she already saw what I was gonna do. “Since I’ve been talking, that’s about the exact time, isn’t it Dad?” I turned towards him and he just spread his arms. “What can I say? Geniuses make geniuses.”

***

It was a rare Sunday when I was alone at home with Katarina, so I made sure to cherish the moment. I’ve been wanting to try her hearing aid but I was scared to see the device fail. But here we are, on the couch in the living room, with a box between the two of us.

“Okay, I’m gonna put this on you and if you hear anything, you tell me okay?” I signed to her and she nodded. With one big breath, I opened the box and gently placed the device in her ears, and pressed the button.

Quickly looked at her face and not gonna lie I was scared to speak. “Say something,” she signed and I blinked a couple of times and cleared my throat but when I opened my mouth to say something, Katarina jumped up on the couch. Her eyes were wide open and I could see her eyes tearing up. “It works? You can actually hear me?” I stumbled over my words, hands shaking and my eyes welled up as well. She nodded and jumped into my arms, her tears wetting my shirt. “I love you, malysh.”

***

“Are you coming to the party?” Asked Steve as we were going to the gym. “Yeah, Katarina will sleep at one of her friend’s house, so I’ll be good.” “I’m so excited to meet her by the way. I heard the hearing aid worked,” the big smile on his face was so rare these days. “Yeah, it did. She’s excited to meet all of you guys. I’ve been telling her about all of you.” “Really? What’s she like?” He asked as we entered the gym area, which was empty at the time. Not many people work out at 5 am.

“She’s a lot like me to be honest. She is very mischievous though, I think Clint taught her all that.” And James but he just can’t know that. “But she’s just full of love and affection. She likes to cuddle which I adore so much. The only thing I’m worried about is that she’s definitely going to follow in my footsteps, like workwise. In the beginning, she always asked Clint and Natasha too about their missions. She is so interested in all this already. Clint of course makes it all look fun and stuff, but you know… it’s scary.” “Does she get along with Romanoff? She doesn’t seem like a kid's person,” he cracked a smile as he lifted off a kettlebell from the floor. “Ugh they love each other, probably the most difficult part in all this breakup thing,” I sighed while getting on the bicycle. “Ever since we started having these arguments and tense moments, she obviously doesn’t visit much. And I only feel sad for Rina, because they always have so much fun together.” “Have you talked to her about it?” Asked Steve. “Nat? No. We’ve been caught up with being jealous of who the other person sleeps with so… I really just want to get over it. I just hope that when Katarina meets you guys she will forget her a little.”

***

The day has come. The team comes over to meet Katarina for the first time. She was so excited all day yesterday, telling me about how she can’t wait to meet Mama’s friends.

As the doorbell rang, she ran to the front door and did her best to reach the handle but she couldn’t. I picked her up and opened the door where our guests stood. Dad was obviously up front with bags in his hands and Pepper was next to him, also packed with bags. Steve and Thor were behind them, smiling like they were being awarded. I could see Clint and Bruce standing behind Steve, but Natasha was nowhere to be found. “Come on in,” I stepped aside and waited for everyone to flow into the flat.

Katarina was looking at all of them with wide eyes and her mouth was slightly open too. Once Clint closed the door behind them, I looked through all of them. “So… You want to introduce yourself?” I looked down at Rina and she nodded slowly.

“Hi. My name is Katarina Stark and I’m 3 but not really,” she signed and Clint translated for most of them. “She looks like me. She has the Stark charm, doesn’t she?” Dad smiled like an idiot and I just had to chuckle. “That funny-looking guy is your grandpa and the nice lady next to him is your grandma,” I pointed at Pepper and her face was everything. The pure smile and warmth this woman radiated were everything I wished for in a mom. “Am I?” She asked softly and I smiled. “If you’d like to be,” I said and she came over to hug me and Dad was quick to scoop Katarina out of my arms.

“You don’t know how much this means to me,” Pepper said and I hugged her close. “Thank you for always being there for me. And Dad too. We’re lucky to have you.” A single tear slid down my cheek. “I’m gonna call you mom,” I let go of her and she chuckled. “Whatever happens with you two, and I hope nothing bad, you’ll always be an important part of my life. And now Katarina’s too.” “Oh god, I love you, honey,” she brought me back into a hug. “I love you too.”

“This is Uncle Thor, Mama’s brother,” I pointed at the tall man and he was quick to sit on the floor, opening his big arms. “Come here, little infant. I hope you know, you have mighty blood in your veins,” he said and Rina chuckled while climbing into his arms, giving Thor a big hug.

After she had met with everyone properly, I started making lunch while they were hanging out in the living room. “She looks a lot like him,” heard Steve say as he entered the kitchen. I glanced at him and he had a sad smile on his face. “It’s scary how much they look alike. Every time I look at her, his face flashes in my mind,” I looked back at the cutting board.

“Have you talked?” He asked on a serious note. I stopped cutting and placed down the knife and turned to him.

“He came to me. Not long after the whole SHIELD thing. To my office, which was very surprising. We talked, and he specifically told me not to say anything… to anyone. He helped me find Katarina and he wanted to leave. Alone.” He listened very carefully. “I offered him that I will hide him. I lived far enough from everyone to have him here, so I didn’t see why not. He lived here up until last week. He left a note saying he won’t contact me. He just wants a picture of his daughter every month. He was miserable here. Couldn’t leave the house, couldn’t have human interaction other than me and Rina. He was scared to meet you, you know… He told me how much he was scared to look at you and see what he has become.” I explained and he looked down, shoulders dropping. “You could’ve told me not to look for him at least?” He said with a small smile. “You wouldn’t have stopped,” I shook my head with a knowing look. “No, I wouldn’t.”

[etherealpapercut]

prompt: imagine the love of your life whispering to you. imagine their voice talking to you softly, as the lights go out, and you feel them lean closer to you, as the two of you sit in the dark, and they speak oh so quietly... the whisper of whispers.

~*~*~*~

whispers in the dark

~*~*~*~

fandom: mcu

pairings: loki laufeyson x gn!avenger!reader

genre: mostly fluff. some slight angst if you’re looking hard enough

warnings: stormy weather, power outages, darkness, visual impairment, cuss words, reader is wearing socks, one (1!) jumpscare, reader falls down some steps, there might be a murderer, bruises, mentions of indoor fire, being left out, mentions of insects (butterflies), unintentional gaslighting.

word count: 2.3k words

summary: y/n is wandering through the avengers tower during a power outage when they bump into the ever-shy loki laufeyson

~*~*~*~

a storm never frightened you. 

thunder and lightning and sheets of pounding rain against the windows only made you feel cozy and excited. you never saw any reason to be afraid. you loved the beautiful feeling of a storm in manhattan. 

you weren’t afraid of the dark, either. the darkness was, of course, always a shock when it came unforetold, such as when the power went out like this, but such things never lasted for very long in the avenger’s tower, and there was never anything to fear in it.

you welcomed the blackness, letting it envelope you in a deep embrace, and waited patiently for the warm kitchen lights to return. you stood against the counter for a minute, then two, then three, still waiting. nothing stirred.

the refrigerator had gone silent, and the blue light from the timer on the stove had long vanished. only the ticking of a battery powered clock on some far wall told you that time hadn’t stopped with the power.

you moved away from the counter, coming to the conclusion that the power was out for good, and would be out for good for a long while yet. usually, tony would have had the tower up and running again by this point, but he must have fallen asleep somewhere on top of a wrench and his latest project. either that, or he was stuck in an elevator.

you remembered that there was a flashlight in your room. your cell phone had been left in there, too. both devices would be very helpful right about now. 

“ah, fuck me,” you muttered, sliding one socked foot in front of you like a blind man’s stick, more curses tumbling from your mouth when you stubbed your little toe on the door frame. 

you managed to make it into the hallway and around the corner. you were currently on one of the top floors of the main tower. your quarters were somewhere in the middle of the building, with the others’.

you beelined to the closest elevator before recalling that they couldn't possibly work without power. “shit!” you groaned, before turning around and carefully shuffling to the stairwell. at least while you were on the stairs, you could make progress much faster, as anyone could predict where the next steps on a flight of stairs were going to be, with or without the gift of sight. you couldn't do such a thing wandering through any given room, no matter how long you had lived there. 

“natasha would be having no such problems right now,” you said to yourself, trying to fill the darkness around you with your words. “i bet she could run through all the rooms in the tower blindfolded.”

a squeak escaped your lips as your left foot plunged out into nothingness - it was the first step downstairs. 

you fumbled for the wall to lean upon (tony had maliciously designed the all stairwells and catwalks in the avenger’s tower without rails,) and as soon as you had found purchase, you began your descent.

“one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten! one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, twenty!...” you counted in tens and kept score on your fingers as you made your way down. each floor was spaced about twenty steps apart, and you had about thirty-five flights to go.

“fuck you, stark, and your terrible housing plans.” 

you stopped for breath when you had made it six hundred steps. you had passed too many promising landings that weren’t yours, and now estimated that you had about five flights left to go. that was, of course, depending greatly on the fact that you hadn’t accidentally run down the wrong flight of stairs when the staircase occasionally branched off. 

you were tired of this bullshit. your legs and back cramped in protest.

you wondered what was happening to the rest of the avengers right now. it was close to midnight. most would probably be asleep by now, although you were sure that none of the team had a proper sleep schedule. surely, some would still be awake, grappling by themselves with their own problems in the blackout. 

your breath had caught up, but for a long while, you sat on the steps. you had lost track of whether you were sitting on step number five hundred ninety-nine, or six hundred exactly. it occurred to you now that if you called out, you might get an answer.

you cupped your hands to your mouth and took a deep breath, but someone else beat you to the call.

“HELLOOOOOOO???” 

you shrieked in absolute terror, scrambling off your arse and subconsequently falling down several steps. you had definitely lost count now, and there was definitely someone standing right next to you on the stairs. you continued to scream, long and loud, and in the darkness, there was an unfamiliar voice that was crying out as well.

“what?! is someone here?” the voice called.

“WHO’S THERE?!” you screamed. in your panic, you didn’t recognize who the voice might belong to.

“calm down, stop screaming!”

you stopped short and held your breath, trying to keep as quiet as possible. you realised that this could be a murderer, intruding the tower while the power was out. clever of them - no alarms would be tripped. 

“hello?” the other person called again.

you inhaled ever-so-softly through your nose. you didn’t dare get up, no matter how your butt and knees were bruised and in pain. you did not want to give away your position to a potential murderer.

“y/n!!” 

you squeezed your eyes shut - not that that did any good - and covered your mouth with your hand. how did the intruder know your name?

“where are you, y/n, will you answer me if you’re not dead.” the voice grew impatient. it was loud, had a rich tone, and was very commanding, as if the owner was used to getting their own way. it sighed, exasperated. “it’s me, loki. now where did you go?”

“loki?!” you exclaimed. you righted yourself so that you were sitting upright on the stair. you had landed on the stairs on an angle when you tripped. 

you were surprised that you hadn’t recognized his voice. the first day that the mischief maker had arrived at the avengers, several months ago, the two of you had instantly clicked, and had made good friends with each other. 

perhaps you hadn’t recognized loki’s voice due to the fact that he always spoke in a quiet undertone. hearing him yell was a change.

“y/n!” loki’s voice echoed through the stairwell. If you didn’t know any better, you could have sworn he sounded relieved. “keep talking so i can find you. are you alright?”

“i’m alright,” you responded. “i hit my ass and my legs on the stairs when i fell down, but i think i’ll survive. pity i can’t see my own hand in front of my face, otherwise i wouldn’t have fallen.”

“you’ve fallen?” loki asked. he stepped down the last few steps to meet you and accidentally kicked you in the back. you yelped in pain. “i just kicked something,” loki gasped, “is that you?”

“owww… yes, that’s me,” you grunted, rubbing your back now as well as your knee. Out of all the fashion choices, loki had to be wearing some kind of shoes with hard, pointed toes. “thank you ever so much for nothing, loki. i fell down the stairs because you scared me, shouting right next to my ear and all that.”

“oopsie.” loki said. you could practically hear him shrug it off. 

next thing you knew, loki’s fumbling hand met the top of your head, then your shoulder as he sat down beside you on the step. you sighed.

“why are you all the way up here, loki?” you inquired, leaning on his arm.

loki paused and lifted his broad shoulders past his ears. “i came to try and find you, y/n.”

“me?” you placed a mocking hand over your heart. Inside, you were genuinely surprised, but it was in your nature to be sarcastic and teasing before anything else. “what makes me so special, for the great loki himself to come seek me out?”

“oh, don’t let your silly little head get all puffed up,” loki protested. he lowered his voice, letting it slip back towards his usual quiet purr. “the rest of the avengers are all downstairs, in the sitting room with the best view of the bay.”

you knew the room he was talking about.

“did they all just happen to be there at the same time when the power went out?”

“why, of course, my dear,” you rolled your eyes at the endearing nickname. “they were just about to send a summons to you over the PA when the darkness overcame us.”

“oh.” you mumbled. “i bet they had lit the central fireplace and were roasting marshmallows, all comfortable and cozy enjoying the show that this storm is putting on for us, hm?”

as if in response to its mention, a spike of lightning shot across the sky, branching spectacularly out across the sky. rolls of thunder followed almost instantly, shaking the tower.

“yes, indeed, that was exactly what they were doing.” loki confirmed.

“awww, and they didn’t invite you or i?” you pouted.

loki shook his head, not that you could see the gesture. “no, i was there all along. they simply didn’t pay me any mind, and couldn’t be bothered to try and find you after the lights went out.”

you stopped short, a bit shaken. “couldn’t... be bothered?” what was that supposed to mean?

“have you ever even seen this monstrous tower? it’s a big place, y/n. for all we knew you could be in any of the sections, on any of the hundred-or-so floors. and we are all very certain that you can handle yourself.”

your voice wilted a little and you curled into yourself just a little bit more. “in the dark?”

you were finally admitting to yourself that while you loved a good storm, you preferred to spend it in the company of others, laughing and sharing warmth.

loki turned his head to look in your direction. “what, is the great y/n l/n scared of the dark?”

“no. more lonely than scared.”

the two of you both paused, sitting in silence, side by side.

loki cleared his throat awkwardly before slinging his arm around you in some kind of side hug. you gave a tiny squeak.

“i know that feeling very well,” loki said quietly. 

“yeah?” you whispered back. 

“oh yeah. i was constantly left out as a child, and as an adolescent, and as a grown up. I never managed to make friends, unlike my peers. loneliness was my best friend.”

“that makes two of us.” you mumbled. you had made yourself a name and earned worldwide respect, and the avengers as a family, yet when you were younger - heck, even now - you always had a sense of being all alone.

you slipped your arms around loki’s waist.

“thanks for coming to find me, loki.” you said softly. “it means a lot.”

“of course, y/n,” loki pressed his face into your hair. “i’ll always come find you when the lights go out. anyway, i had a hunch that you would want the highest view of this storm, that's how i knew you’d be up here.”

you buried your face in the crook of his arm, wondering if he had always been this gentle with you. you liked the way it made you feel, like there were a million itty bitty butterflies crawling around under every point loki was holding or touching you.

it was loki who finally broke the silence, asking if you were too hurt to walk down the rest of the stairs to go meet the other avengers. you replied with a no, but you would probably want ice in the near future.

loki stood up, and carefully helped you to your feet, holding your hand. he didn’t let go, and kept a firm - yet gentle - grip on your hand, taking the lead down the stairs and through passages until you emerged into the soft glow of a fire-lit room, filled with cozy laughter and all your friends. 

loki gracefully lifted your significantly smaller hand in his broad one to his face and left a little kiss on your wrist before retreating to the rim of the fireplace and resuming his place on the couch. you watched him for a minute before emerging into the light. it truly was a marvel to you that no one else seemed to notice him the way you did.

“y/n! you found us!” steve greeted you with vigor. “come help yourself to the treats.”

“glad you could make it, hon,” natasha said, passing you a tray heaped with round chocolates and marshmallows. she gave you an affectionate shove.

“aw, thanks. i’m very glad i could make it, too.” you said, bumping hips with her. “for a while back there i thought i was completely abandoned.”

“we’d never abandon you, dear heart,” thor chortled. 

you simply grinned and scooted in between him and loki on the couch. you handed the latter a marshmallow, and he looked over at you, cocking his head to one side. a ghost of a smile graced his thin lips.

loki leaned down and put his head right next to yours so he could whisper in your ear.

“gaslighting backstabbers, the lot of them. say the word and i’ll kill them all.”

“for me? oh, fuck off. keep this kind of attitude up towards me and i might start to think you’re in love with me.” you snickered. “listen, lokes, i’m happy even if only you care about me.”

loki drew an X over his heart. “cross my heart - or whatever the tradition is - i promise to never abandon you, y/n. you’re my best friend. i do love you.” he whispered, his temple knocking against yours.

you smiled into the dark, the fire casting a comforting light over your faces.

you relaxed back into the cushions, head resting on loki’s arm cast over your shoulders, to enjoy the rest of the night in your favourite company.

only stormy weather could elicit this kind of beautiful feeling, and you wished to never leave it.