At home~~ You unloaded the groceries with Loki's aid, surprised by his helpfulness. "You ever had minestrone soup?" You asked, stacking cans in the cupboard. His confused face answered for you. You chuckled, glancing at the clock. 4:00 pm.
It was later than you realized. "I should get started on that. Maybe we can have garlic knots too..." you spoke to yourself mostly, setting the vegetables on the counter along with a knife and cutting board.
"Can you show me how to cook?"
You turned to Loki, stunned at the humility in his low voice. He seemed genuine about wanting to learn.
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"Um sure...?" His already bright blue eyes brightened even more somehow.
"Well first I gotta wash and cut the veggies," you began as you washed your hands, pulling a strainer out. "Can you put them in here?" He rinsed the potatoes, carrots, celery while you grabbed the onion, cutting off the ends and peeling the skin off.
Loki silently watched you while chopped it, scooping into a separate bowl. You turned, your eyes burning, one tear slipping out, cursing under your breath at the onions. His brow raised in concern at your state. "Are-are you crying?" The question came out slow and dreaded, like he didn't really want the answer. "No, you dummy, it's the onions." You half glared, half chuckled. "Wanna chop the carrots?" Loki nodded.
You both worked, not really talking much, but still having a good time, to your surprise, it was getting really hard to hate his guts.
The soup was simmering and you had started on the roll dough, gently kneading it, Loki at your side. "Want to try?" You asked. He didn't answer, but moved behind you, his arms coming around your shoulders, above them actually, given your height difference, and leaned over, placing his large hands over yours, slowly pushing down, kneading the dough. "L-Loki..." you couldn't even sound angry, only surprise in your voice. "Yes, love?" His voice was smooth, his breath on your neck. You held back a shiver at the nickname. "I-I didn't mean like this." You knew he knew that, but you couldn't make yourself angry at him. "Do you not like this way?" How could he be so nonchalant?? You shook off the slight daze and Loki, stepping back, cheeks flushed. You had to keep hating him. You couldn't let him trick you into thinking he was a better person than he actually is. He couldn't get under your skin. "I can finish this myself." You surprised even yourself with the coldness in your voice.
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He raised his eyebrows, certainly not expecting your reaction. "Um, ok." He stepped out slowly, almost like he was hoping you'd say something or change your mind.
You drew in a deep breath, feeling like you'd overreacted a little. You weren't irritated with him for always pushing, flirting—what irritated you the most was you liked it. When you were supposed to be hating him, the man who caused your family such heartache when your dad had been injured in the New York incident.
Not only had he lost use of his left arm and leg, but he had stayed in a coma for months before finally coming, your family was still putting their life back together. And that wasn't even the worst people had gone through, your family had been one of the lucky few who didn't lose a family member. If they knew you'd taken him in as a favor to Thor... Loki probably thought you were crazy, going back and forth between being nice and mean to him as you struggled inwardly.
You squared your shoulders, determined to not let his actions faze you.
I am so sorry that took so long!! My life has been insane but it's finally settling down 💚💚 thank you for your patience 💓💓💓
