Loud Trickster In A Quiet World, A Loki x Deaf Reader

9.Confrontation

-Your POV-

It had been a while since Loki tried to get me to share about my nightmares, and due to that, I had started to avoid him a bit. I really didnt want to talk about it, and I hated the sense of weakness it formed in me.

It was easier to avoid him when I was put back on missions. Granted they were smaller ones, and I was only allowed to go as long as I had hearing aids in, and atleast one person with me at all times. Usually Clint or Natasha stuck with me, so we could communicate as fast as possible.

It was frustrating to be stuck with people, and not being able to do my 'usual' job. When I was with Clint, we did watch out, and I would type to Jarvis so he could talk to Stark and others over the comms. He had become my voice during those missions.

Missions alongside Natasha were rarer, but I was atleast able to kick some ass during them.

I had just come back from a longer mission with Natasha, pulling my hearing aids from my ears the moment I got into the common room of the floor we all lived on. Them being pressed in tightly so they didnt come off while fighting was very uncomfortable, though I would eventually get used to it.

I put them in a little bag I had on me before tossing them on the table, desperately looking for something to eat. Ice cream would be the best option.

I was delighted when I found some in my favorite flavor, plopping down on the couch with the tub and a spoon, planning on finishing it, as it was already half empty. Or half full? Not the time for philosophy though. I was too tired.

I ignore the people who were in the living room already, only wanting to relax and eat my cold treat.

That was interupted when Tony tried to steal some, leading to me grabbing his arm, setting down my ice cream, and promptly flipping him onto his back [Try again, and Ill do it again, but make sure you go through the window next time.] I sign to him, before sitting back down

'someones grumpy' I read on Tony's lips, earning him one hand gesture that I knew he understood.

People who watched the interaction stayed cautious with me, letting me finish my ice cream. Thor was the first person to approach me, oblivious to the situation [Greetings!] He signs, his usual smile on his face, which faltered a bit when he saw me

[I cant look that bad, can I?] I sign to him sarcastically, no smile even daring to form on my face.

Thor nods a tiny bit, getting a bit more of a grasp of my current feelings [Rough mission?] He signs, and I know he just wants to talk me down out of my slump

[Not on the mood.] I sign back, setting down my now empty ice cream tub on the table, not wanting to get up and go to my own bed. I trusted the group to keep me safe from any threats, either enemy or eachother's pranks. I closed my eyes, keeping my mind awake, but my senses limited so I could save my energy.

I only opened my eyes when I felt someone place their hand ontop of my head, it startling me, and I slapped it away instinctively, sill a bit more on edge than I thought.

I looked up nervously to see Loki. Oh him I just slapped away his hand. He looked hurt, but his expression softened a bit as he saw how on edge and exhausted I was [Sorry.] I sign quickly, but the only response I get is a slight nod.

I turn back to see Natasha, who had just walked in to see the encounter, looking at me with concern. I stood up, briskly walking past her to my room. Perhaps staying with the group in my current state wasn't the best idea.

After a refreshing shower, and a change of clothes, Im interupted while plugging in the hair dryer, seeing the handle being snatched up. I jolt back, away from the person, who revealed to be Loki.

I let out a sigh, a hand over my heart for a second [What are you doing? You cant just walk into my room!] I sign to him

He smirks a bit, pulling me back over, setting one hand on my shoulder as he brushes out my wet hair "Your door was open. So I saw no problem with it, seeing as you cant hear, and you would close it if you still needed privacy."

I grumble softly, knowing he was right [Well, why are you here?] I sign, hoping he can read alright through our reflection in the mirror.

"I want you to open up. You clearly have some sort of internal turmoil that you are pushing away, but you need to deal with it, not avoid it." He tells me as he starts to dry out my hair.

[So you're buttering me up by drying my hair?] I question, though I cant help but feel a bit relaxed by it.

"Is it working?" He asks, making eye contact with my reflection "I didn't wish to push you so, but seeing your reaction earlier pains me."

I bit my lip, slightly taken a back. I wanted to tell him, but I hated that vulnerable feeling that followed it. Would he feel like I am pathetic if I shared? [Why?] I sign, looking up at the mirror again, noticing my face was distorted with confusion and confliction.

Loki does his little head tilt, that frankly is adorable at times, but now was not the time to be distracted by it. "Why what?"

[Why does it seem to hurt you to see me stuck like] I pause to gesture to myself [Well, this]

I am suprised as I watch him lean down a bit, pressing a kiss on the top of my now dry hair "Becuase I am drawn to you."

I blink a few times, watching him straighten out his posture again. I spin around to look up at him, feeling my eyebrows furrowing a bit. He keeps eye contact as I scan his eyes, trying to gauge his emotions. Concern. A bit of comfort? And there was a softer look that shone through a bit, which I didnt want to place any label on.

[Why? Im just a normal person.] I tell him, taking a small step back in order to sign and have space for him to read "You dont hate me. Thats a fairly good start." He says as he reaches out to smooth out some of my hair "You accepted me. Helped me learn, despite how insufferable I can be."

I cant help but want to tell him everything, but I still had lingering thoughts about what he would think if me. Loki senses my apprehension, hesitantly, and slowly wrapping his arms around me, so I could easily push him away if needed. "You know my past. Ive been in many horrible situations. If I didnt have my own internal crisis, I would not be truly living. You're safe to tell me anything. No judgement, no thinking you're weak in any way." He reassures, picking me up as I lean into him "Now im gonna put you in your bed, and if you wanna share, then I am here. If not, I could read to you?"

"Thank you." I garble out quietly [Ill tell you.] I sign as he moves away enough for me to use my hands and he be able to read them.

Word Count: 1,294