LINKED BY FATE

The Walk Back

LOKI'S POV

It's a little past eleven in the evening when they decide they would prefer to continue their drinking at the tower. 

I have not been able to keep my eyes off of this enchanting woman who lights up the room when she smiles. 

She seems to be able to hold herself together, even after quite a few drinks.

Impressive, I think to myself. 

When we all get up and walk to the door, Stark and Thor take the lead, followed by Steve and James along with Natasha right behind them. Vision and Wanda next, leaving her and I at the end.

"You sing rather beautifully." I find myself speaking, trying to have any type of conversation with her. 

She brings a loose strand of her hair behind her ear before she looks up at me and mutters a very shy thank you.

Are you nervous little one? I think to myself wanting to ask her but stop myself. 

She furrowed her eyebrows a bit and shakes her head as she looks away and stares straight ahead again. 

Until this very moment, I had not noticed how petite she really is. She would barely reach the middle of my chest in an embrace. 

I smile at the thought of holding her in my arms. 

Why do I even feel this need? I start questioning myself. 

Then, as we walk out the door she stops and gasps.

"What is it?" I asked worriedly as I tense. Had I said or done something offensive?

She looks up at me again, "my puppy. I can't leave him alone." I relax and give her a small smile.

"Would you like to go home instead?" I ask her as the little witchling appears out of nowhere suggesting that the animal be picked up and taken to the tower.

"Oh, I couldn't do that." I hear her say and I feel a rush of disappointment wash over me when Stark suddenly speaks up, being drawn in by our conversation.

"Oh yes you can! I hardly get to see you even though you work for me! Go get him and meet us at the tower. Also, pack a bag! We're gonna bond this weekend!" 

I have never felt more grateful for that man's need to command everything. She looks shocked as she tried to rebuttal his decision but had no luck. 

That's when I hear Wanda volunteer me as the one to escort her home. I look at her with a shocked look on my face. 

Stark just looks from her to Wanda to me.

"Why?" He asks with suspicion in his eyes. And just as quickly Vision interjects.

"It's rather late and the young lady should not be walking alone. Also, seeing as Loki is the only one of us that can teleport, he can easily take her to the tower quickly if anything were to arise." 

I try and keep as much of a straight face when I hear his logic as this is true but also because I would not have to part from her.

"I can fly her to the tower, y'know?" He answers with a smile.

"Uh, nope, not happening Iron Man!" She answers with a hit of irritation which makes me smirk.

"...fine, go." He answers as he rolls his eyes at her comment. "But one hair out of place and it's over for you Nirvana!" 

He finishes with a stern look. I give him a small side smile and bow dramatically.

"Wouldn't dream of it." I answer.