The Witch He Loved

Chapter 5

I sat beside the Lake as I read through the book I had found in my room. I thought it was a perfect way to spend an afternoon considering I wasn't sure how long I was going to be sleeping for tonight. 

Yesterday had passed quickly, I had told the team what had happened, explaining the conversations with my mother and the following one with Bucky and Steve. A few of them had seemed sceptical but ultimately everyone knew it was my choice to make. 

I scowl at the page I'm reading, the passage sounding familiar but I can't remember where I've heard it. 

"Wait and hope indeed." I close the book with a huff. 

"Hey Kit" I look up and see Nat walking over, I stand up. 

"Hey" 

"Dinner is almost ready, thought I'd come and find you." She looks down at my hand "What are you reading?"

We start walking back and I hold the book up for her to see. 

"The Count of Monte Cristo. It's strange though, I've never read it before but it was in my room and some of the passages sound so familiar"

When she doesn't respond I look at her and find she's chewing on her cheek. 

"Nat? What's wrong?" She lets out a sigh, glancing at me before keeping her eyes ahead. 

"Do you remember when you saved Thor's life? You were out for a few days." 

"Yeah?"

"Well while you were sleeping, Loki had read that book to you. I guess he left it in your room after he had finished it"

I stay quiet as I hug the book to my chest, feeling just a little bit closer to him.

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

After dinner I stay sat at the table and watched as a few people had left to do their own things, most saying goodnight. 

Lifting a foot to the chair I lean my chin on my knee.

Looking out of the window, thoughts vanish as the setting sun captures my attention, the last few threads of light painting the sky in pink and orange. Out of the corner of my eye I see Tony pull out a chair next to me watching the view, he's quiet for a moment before handing me a tumbler.

"Thought you could use a nightcap." 

I take the glass off him and take a small sip from it, feeling it burn a little in my throat. We stay quiet, watching the sun finish its descent, together.

"I know you've already made up your mind, I know I can't change it but I have to ask, are you sure about this? You're taking away a big part of yourself" He speaks quietly, clearly this is a conversation for just us to have. 

Finally looking away from the window and around the room, I see Steve and Bucky sat on the couches watching TV and talking among themselves. Letting my eyes meet Tony's I give him a firm nod.

"I am. I know I'm going to lose something, but I'll gain something too." My hand instinctively goes to my stomach to calm myself, tracing the pattern.

His eyes follow my movements and he scowls at where my hand rests. "He could have at least had the balls to give you an explanation before he left" He had been angry with Thor but he never really spoke about Loki.

"I told him to go Tony, I just expected him to come back. Don't worry about it, who needs a man when I've got this crazy family." I smile at him "My mother should be able to so something about it"