A Tale of Mischief and Mutants part 2

Gone Soft

—-Loki—-

"I love you too."

I pull Sam close to me kissing her once more this time on the cheek. Her fear of disappointing me because of circumstances out of her control saddens me. I wish she understood that she's mine now and there's absolutely nothing that could make me stop adoring her. I smile at her lovingly as she tries to regain her composure from crying. We really were a perfect fit for each other both emotional, stubborn, and fearful.

Though somehow when put together we overcome the fear it's odd really, when we lean on each other our weakness somehow become a source of strength. I sit with her for another moment comforting her as she calms herself. Finally she takes a breath and seems relaxed once again. I lean in close so my mouth is right by her ear I speak softly.

"Don't go anywhere mortal I'm going to fetch us some breakfast."

She nods slightly and I kiss her head before sitting up wrapping a blanket around her and leaving the room. I return minutes later with one of Sam's favorite dishes (with the notable addition of a handful of chocolates) along with a heating pad and some pain medication for Sam. She smiles at me as I hand them too her before beginning on my portion of breakfast.

"Lo'... how did you get so perfect?"

I smile slightly I'm far from perfect she knows that but I'm not going to ruin this by pointing that out.

"I have a good teacher."

She giggles clearly picking up on my complement.

"Who Thor?"

I laugh. 'Smart ass.'

"Absolutely not."

She laughs too and we enjoy our morning. Awhile after taking the medication Sam seems to feel a lot better her mood has completely changed and we decide to spend the rest of the day out and about to make use of the beautiful day.

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We're having lunch at Drekka when We simultaneously receive a text from Natasha. -'Need you guys here in 20'-  Finally a mission it's been far too long. Sam smiles at me as she looks up from her phone knowing I just received the same message. She takes one last swing of root beer then stands looking a bit excited.

"Shall we?"

I nod put down money for the meal and a tip for Ferdi and we leave the restaurant through a portal. We're greeted by various Avengers as we wait for the mission debrief to begin. Apparently we were missed. I keep expecting to hear Stark exclaim 'Reindeer Games' or perhaps 'Rock of Ages' and come bother us with whatever foolishness is on his mind but instead I'm only reminded that Tony is gone.

It feels like a kick to the stomach, Sam notices as she always does. She seems concerned about me as she takes my hand. I smile at her worry over me I never realized how essential it is to have someone who does that... I squeeze her hand in reassurance, yes I'm sad but I'll manage alright. I hope the same about Sam on this mission, Tony's death hit her pretty hard too.

We continue milling around for a bit catching up with the few people who weren't able to make it to Steve's birthday. 'I really did miss them...' 'Loki you've officially gone soft.' Instead of feeling shame because of what my voice of devil's advocacy has pointed out I decide to argue with it. 'And is that so bad?' 'If not being feared allows me to feel more joy perhaps it's not the worst thing if others think I've gone soft.'

That voice of doubt has gone silent so I continue down this train of thought. 'Why should I care if they have?' Like Sam said to me once I can't let what others think control my life. I'm not going to completely stop caring but perhaps I could benefit from caring less about maintaining my intimidating reputation. I'm deep in thought as Fury enters the room and have to tear myself out of them as we quickly find a seat.