Your Way Out

Fear and Desire

Dr. Banner gifted me a set of gadgets. Tucked inside my coat pocket was an upgrader taser, capable of taking down a super soldier, a button that would alert all possible S.H.I.E.L.D. agents of any threat and Loki's last location, and a small canister of mace that fit conveniently on my keychain. It was S.H.I.E.L.D. standard blue and had enough spice to blind a man for several hours. I sort of felt like a spy on a mission.

"I hope you realize the responsibility you're taking on," Dr. Banner said. I looked at him with confusion. "You're volunteering to take the current most dangerous man on the planet for a walk."

"I know," I muttered solemnly. In my heart of hearts I wanted to brush off his concern as ignorant fear, but logically, I knew it was coming from experience. He had every right to worry. He had every right to be scared. So why wasn't I? Was I blinded by my own attraction or did I truly have a connection with Loki that no one else had? 

I swallowed my doubt and left Dr. Banner's lab. Loki was waiting for me in the lobby, surrounded by armed agents as Agent Hanna gave him a list of rules and vague threats. I was stunned when I saw him. They'd replaced his Asgardian leather and green cape for civilian clothes. His hair was neatly brushed, pulled into a half-up, half-down style. His straight raven locks draped just beyond his shoulders, which were covered in a sophisticated, double-breasted wool coat. He wore black slacks with shiny black leather shoes to complete the look. The dark clothes made his skin look like marble. 

As I approached, Agent Hanna turned on her heels, and faced me with aggressive eyes and a severe expression. "Don't let him out of your sight," she commanded. 

"Yes, Ma'am," I gulped.

"I mean it, Bright. A lot of people are counting on you to not hand the world over to a sadist. Don't let us down."

She gestured for the other agents to take their leave. Loki and I were alone in the lobby. 

"I don't like the way she speaks to you," Loki exclaimed. 

"Yeah, but she's the boss. She's under a lot of pressure and I don't think I'm helping too much," I replied. I buttoned up my coat and slipped on a pair of fur-lined leather gloves. "Where would you like to go?" I asked. 

Loki looked at me with a puzzled face. "I don't know the first thing about this city."

"Right," I tsk'd. "Follow me, I guess."

Loki walked next to me as we exited Avenger's tower and wondered into the bustling city street. Cold wind nipped at my cheeks. Winter was closing in, but autumn still lingered. It was nice to take in the crisp air. Though, I could never get over the stank of city life. The streets were littered with garbage and the sidewalks were littered with people. Everyone was either in a rush to get somewhere or a tourist too slow to realize they were in your way. It was the worst part of the city.

He walked with grace and confidence. Each long stride had purpose. People who noticed Loki instinctively moved to avoid him. It was like they knew he was royalty and didn't want to offend him. If they recognized his face, I'd feel their fear. Thankfully, that didn't happen. 

I trailed behind him, getting bumped and shoved by strangers. Imbued with mid-western politeness, I naturally apologized and said sorry far too many times. Loki peered behind him, noticing my lack of prescience and stopped. As I approached him, he gripped my gloved hand in his and gently pulled me closer. 

"Keep up, bunny," he instructed in a husky tone. 

Heat flashed under my skin. My cheeks brightened to a rosy tone was our fingers intertwined.  Without the looming gaze of cameras, I was able to breathe easy and enjoy this moment. I let myself get close to him. So long as our skin didn't touch, it would be okay. The outside of his jacket was coarse and scratchy wool, but I still rest my head against his arm.