The Many Adventures of the Avengers and Friends

💛✨💧Tale as Old as Time (Part 2)

Olivia figured the least she could do was help to clean Loki's wounds after the attack. So, they sat in a small den in front of a fire as Olivia poured hot water into a small bowl. She dipped a rag into the water and turned to Loki, who was tentatively touching the wound.

"Here now... Oh, don't do that." Olivia said calmly, lightly pushing Loki's hand away from the wound. "Just... Hold still."

She touched the rag to the wound and Loki practically roared in pain. The other objects in the room jumped back.

"That hurts!" He snarled.

"If you'd hold still, it wouldn't hurt as much!" Olivia shot back.

"Well, if you hadn't have run away, this wouldn't have happeend!"

"If you hadn't frightened me, I wouldn't have run away!"

Loki opened his mouth before shutting it, attempting to come up with a good comeback.

"Well, you shouldn't have been in the West Wing!" He finally said.

"Well, you should learn to control your temper!" Olivia snapped. Realizing he was beaten in the verbal sparring, Loki lowered his head to avoid meeting Olivia's gaze. "Now, hold still. This might sting a little." She pressed the rag back against the wound and Loki seized up in pain, gritting his teeth. "By the way... Thank you... For saving my life."

Loki seemed surpised at the sincerity. He finally looked at Olivia, still cleaning the wound.

"You're welcome." He offered as the others watched on earnestly.

***

The sun was bright in the sky the next morning, so Olivia decided to spend some time outside in the snow. She pet Sleipnir tenderly before the footstool-- a very much dog-like object-- started messing around in the snowdrifts. It barked as it jumped into Olivia's arms.

From the above balcony, Loki watched her earnestly with Steve and Tony on the railing. He glanced at his patched up wound and sighed.

"I've never felt this way about anyone." Loki admitted as he watched. I wanna do something for her! But what?"

"Well, there's the usual things: flowers, chocolates, promises you don't intend to keep." Steve said.

"Ah, no no, it has to be something very special." Tony cut the clock off. "Something that sparks her interest. Wait, I know!"

***

Heeding the idea of Tony, Loki led Olivia to a tall set of double doors with a genuine smile on his face.

"Olivia, there's something I want to show you. But first you have to close your eyes." Loki told her. When she gave him a questioning raised eyebrow, his smile changed into a grin. "It's a surprise."

Smirking, Olivia gently closed her eyes as Loki opened the doors. He took her hands in his and led her inside carefully so she wouldn't trip.

"Can I open them?" She asked.

"No, not yet. Wait here." Loki said, letting go of her hands and drawing back large curtains to allow light to spill inside the room. Olivia reflexively flinched as the light hit her face.

"Now can I open them?"

"Alright. Now."

Olivia gently opened her eyes and was greeted by the most expansive library she had ever seen. Books on shelves several feet up, books within arm's distance, books above a large fireplace, books on every surface she could see.

"I can't believe it! I've never seen so many books in all my life!" She said, mesmerized.

"You like it?" Loki asked, excited for her.