Rating: PG
Summary: apparently Loki isn't quite fond of other males in the picture
One moment you are bantering with Loki and the next thing you knew, he's disgusted as you to see if he could beat your 'you wouldn't last one day as me' comment. You two weren't dating, but there was plenty of teasing from the team on how both of you liked each other but there was no way in hell you two were going to admit that. Just recently though, Loki seemed to have a slight change in heart, and although you both argued like cats and dogs, there was a strange fun about it where he just couldn't help but start flirting after. Soon his replies to your sharp comments became no more than seductive teases and to be honest, you didn't know whether you loved it or it fired you up even more.
Anyway, apparently, he proved he could be you alright, somehow completed a day as a SHIELD technician but somehow, that's not what had concerned you, it was when he got back that got your feathers all puffed up.
After a good few minutes of 'I told you so's' by a smug Loki who was now in his usual form and attire- leather, green and gorgeous, you finally had enough and walked away in a huff.
He was careful to keep his teasing, airy tone even though he wanted to grit his teeth "and by the way, I got you a date for tonight. The chivalrous Rogers is coming this evening for coffee."
You came to a dead halt as your cheeks reddened, spinning on your heels to face him and saw he seemed dead serious on what he just said. ''Steve and I are just friends- why did you possibly think setting up a date was necessary??''
'Could it be that she truly hadn't noticed Rogers' subtle advances?' Loki thought as he crossed his arms and leaned on the door frame as he watched you from the center of your room. ''let us understand darling that I did not 'set up' this little event, he merely asked and seemed to be rushed off before I could give a proper answer. But if you are so blind as to see this man has feelings for you, allow me to explain from my own observations.'' He smirked, noticing how your brow twitched at the very thought. ''Perhaps it was because while I was you, he brushed his fingers against mine while taking the files from me. Or the fact that he looks truly disappointed whenever I mentioned- as you, that I needed to hurry and finish up to return back to your precious god of mischief'' he rolled his eyes up to the ceiling in play thoughtfulness, "I think he's jealous of me to be quite frank, but perhaps I should be jealous of him..." he gaze dropped back down to you to see your blushing face, full of denial and confusion.
Cap was attractive, without a doubt and a true gentleman.. but most f his attempts at flirting you tried to ignore before.. you didn't see or feel for him in that way regardless. He was your first friend when you joined SHIELD many years ago; you trained together, worked and hung out in group settings at the tower.. have you really been blind to any hints that he had feelings for you? And perhaps it had slipped your mind to warn Loki before he posed as you at SHIELD to keep to himself anyway considering most men there seemed to always see you as eye-candy.. ''he and I are just friends.. S-Steve wouldn't do those things-''
"Wouldn't he?" Loki questioned, lacing the words with a teasing tone, though the question was a real one. Even though Loki couldn't say he particularly liked the man, he had to admit that he wasn't stupid. Steve saw a quality woman in Y/N and from what Loki had noticed, once he's made his decision, he's not one to back down. Loki wouldn't have guessed that he and Rogers had anything in common, but it seems they both had good taste. "Rogers is a man, and a man with a heart at that. You think he wouldn't attempt charming a woman as worthwhile as you?"
Your cheeks reddened for another reason now, moving your eyes away from Loki as he spoke to you, your heart fluttering at the words he said and yearned for him even more. Loki could be an ass hole sometimes, but he's also adopted a kinder side recently, something you truly believed was the real him. but at times you couldn't help if it was him just teasing or mocking you, like some cruel prank he conjured to amuse himself. shaking your head, you push past him, wings folding tight so you wouldn't knock him down in the process.
As Y/N pushed past him, he let his fingers run along a wing as it brushed against him, savoring the softness of it, trailing the line of your metacarpal and flanges, "Glad to hear that I have nothing to be jealous about, though. I'm not particularly fond of sharing." he pushed off the doorway to leisurely follow after you, his eyes starving as he looked you up and down from behind. ''Trust me, I'd prefer it if he didn't come, I'd much rather it just be us."
You came to your final halt, feeling him last minute stop himself as he dumped lightly into your wings and turned to face him, a finger poking his chest to try to seem more intimidating considering he was taller than you. ''since you got us into this mess than I will have to deal with it. As usual. I'll get this coffee thing over with here but I require you to remain in your chambers until the hang out is finished.'' Hang out seemed a bit more swallowable than the word date.
Loki grinned at your red face and the finger you jabbed him with. You were such a stunning creature and that flush, that almost innocent way you got flustered, it stirred up his heartbeat, making him want to run his fingers over other places on you beside just your wings.
Sighing, he tucked his hands behind his back in a casual effort to keep his hands to himself, "But must I be sequestered away in my chambers, darling? That seems a dull night and, besides, I'd like to keep my eye on the captain. I'll greatly enjoy the dirty looks he'll no doubt send me if I do join you." Loki could already see it now. Of course, the Captain would want time alone with Y/N to prove to himself that Loki was nothing but a job, but Loki didn't want to give him the satisfaction or the opportunity for him to 'make a move' as the Midgardians say. "If I'm on my best behavior, will I get a reward?" He leaned down closer to you, looming over ever so slightly as he took in your features, a mischievous glint in his eye, "Speaking of which, I still need to cash in on my first reward since I followed through on our agreement flawlessly."
Was he truly.. jealous? ''..how about a nice warm handshake as your reward considering you still got us into this mess.'' You offered but he merely gave you a smile as if he were dealing with a small child.
"That's quite generous of you, darling, and a tempting offer. Perhaps... perhaps I'll ask for that next, but no. My request for you is much smaller and simpler.'' He rested his chin on his folded fingers as he examined you, a sly, cat-like grin curling his lips, "What I want from you, dearest Y/N... my humble request is for you to tell me, with full sincerity, one thing that you truly like about me. That is my prize. No sarcasm or agent-like propriety, just a kind, direct truth."
He meant it. Those words had been a gift, more precious to him than you probably knew.
Your eyes widened as he gave you an answer you didn't expect- compared to a thousand you thought of what he wanted. How was this much simpler than a handshake? Sincerity? Truth? Something you liked about him.. you stepped backed ever so slowly as he advanced with the same speed, holding eye contact as you seemed to search in his eyes for any hint that what he said was what he actually said. ''y-you..'' you stutter before you fall about into a chair, hands gripping the arms as your eyes slowly move back up at him and you bit your lip.
You did have feelings for him.. your sarcasm was pretty much a way of keeping it down, denial in a way, or perhaps your own way of expressing your true feelings in the only way you knew how- considering your species was a bit on the violent side to begin with.. but looking up at him now, who waited patiently, despite a slight playful grin at what he knew what he was doing to you.. he deserved it. He's changed so much considering from how he started, and the fact that he's put a bit of effort and that he was trying to adapt and get along here since New York.. well,
''..your.. well, you're You. There's not exactly a word to put it.. when you know what you want, your determined and work hard to get there. Despite how you feel towards particulars, in the end you try your hardest to accommodate to those whom you actually like.. and despite your given god title, you always seem to tell the truth first and use honesty towards others from the beginning.. regardless of how sharp it may come out but at least you hold your ground against those who are trying to tear you down..'' at the end, Your eyes began to slowly lower and your voice quieted but Loki knew you were finished. He had only asked for one but it seemed like your heart wanted to flood out, it seemed like what you liked about him was.. him just being him.
In a fluid motion, he crossed the small distance between you both. Bending down, he rested his hands on the armrests on either side of you. His movements were steady and slow, so as not to have you shrink back from him at all. He didn't want to frighten or intimidate you or make you feel trapped or unsafe in anyway, but he wanted your full attention on him. Looking down at you, he waited patiently until you'd lift your gaze to look up at him again. "Shall I return the favor?" His gaze trailed your features as he offered a soft smirk, "There's so much good to be said of you, darling. You, dear Y/N, have integrity. No one dares doubt you or your intentions. You and your heart are too good and beautiful for anyone to question if your heart is in the right place. Beyond that, you have the strength of will and character to stand up and actually bring your good intentions to life. You don't waste your skills and talents. You don't back down. You won't be cowed by anyone, even a so-called villain like me. You're ideal, in every sense of the word."
You wouldn't have noticed the tears if one hadn't had ran down her cheek and he gently reached up and used his thumb to brush it away, allowing his hand to linger where you slowly leaned into his hand. He really thought of that about you? Truly?
"Come now, no tears." He wanted to pull that gorgeous face closer to his, to kiss away those tears, but he knew he couldn't. Rogers was here and was no doubt searching for Y/N. begrudgingly he let his hand slip from your soft skin as you both slowly stood up and he took a step back. "Worry not, I'll put up a little illusion to hide any redness.'' He commented as he followed through, the flash of light moving over your blushing cheeks and slightly watery eyes as his illusion settled into place, "Can't have the Captain seeing any red eyes. He'll think I've been cruel to you." he chuckled at his joke, trying to lift your spirits just a bit before he bowed, "I'll remain out of sight. Best behavior and all." He offered before turning and leaving down the tower's hall so that the captain wouldn't see you together just as you heard a door open.
''Y/N! thank you for being able to make it- I feel like its been awhile since we've had the chance to really catch up'' Steve beamed as he entered the room and you turned with a new smile on your face.
''long time, no see yet I'll have to agree- even though we saw each other at work'' you awkwardly laughed, obviously still trying to collect yourself but Loki's spell seemed to hold up fine when he didn't seem to notice any previous tears on your face.
''true but its not the same as catching up'' he chuckled and turned to indicate to head over to the kitchen with him and you did. ''work can get in the way of things but its good to just relax when you can, I feel like Fury's been in a bigger mood lately so work might be cut out for us sometime soon'' he sighed and began making the coffee as you leaned against the center island counter and watched.
You both talked about work a bit and previous missions, laughing and bonding and comparing of the old days, even on some days where you both were partnered up. You both were great together, but you didn't know if what Loki had mentioned was now getting to your head because you now became aware on just how Rogers seemed to look at you when you spoke. Moving your eyes down to your coffee, you busied yourself by stirring it but your attention was drawn back when Steve's voice seemed to lower.
''so how's the project coming along?''
''project?''
''come on Y/N,'' he said gently as you both took a seat at the table now, his voice gentle and eyes searching yours ''we know you prefer being back in the field, babysitting tends to be on another level of patience'' he hinted, meaning Loki and you couldn't help but lightly laugh as you took a sip of your drink.
''stubbornness runs in anyone, cant expect adjustments can be immediate, but things are actually coming along nicely, I'd say he's more than half way adjusted here'' you told him, not sure why your voice was lowered to, Loki wasn't here. it wasn't a secret though; you had volunteered though to be here often to watch over Loki- keep him out of trouble until he's become more adjusted and trusted to lengthen his boundaries. ''but of course there are things back there I do miss..''
''oh yeah?'' Steve grinned and your eyes dropped with a slight redness to your cheeks.
The more time you spent with him, the more settle hints you noticed from Steve. The way he looked out you when you spoke, how he listened and laughed and smiled.. the way his body was fully turned towards you at a close proximity you might add where your knees were almost touching. Your drinks were almost finished and it was getting late, but your mind wasn't finished yet. The pause in conversation left a good gap where your mouth decided to blurt out ''we're just friends right??''
This seemed to take him back, silent at first as he looked at you with slight confusion and.. well, for the first time in your life, it was hard to read him. you bit your lip as you looked at him as his eyes seemed to search yours in a short amount of time before he chuckled and set down his mug.
''of course we are Y/N, why would you need to ask that?''
You looked down with slight embarrassment as your fingers played with the handle of the mug ''well.. it's just that- there's been rumors and I tend to overthink things and don't want to assume anything and you're a great guy and all but-'' you rambled but you trailed off when he offered a smile and a shake of his head.
''Y/N, you truly are an amazing woman,'' his voice lowered ever so slightly ''but I think we all know you like someone else.''
Your cheeks reddened at his knowing smile and insinuation to meaning Loki. Your eyes glanced down before meeting back up at his and they were gentle but not hurt as he rests a hand on yours. ''hey it's okay, you're still my best partner out in the field,'' he encouraged ''but out here we both know who you have feelings for, its just up to you whether or not you want them officially known, so you should really be speaking with a different person.'' He playfully smirked and leaned back in his chair with a light stretch. ''I know you got this, but you rest easy. I should probably take my leave now, got to man headquarters until you return'' he winked and stood, getting to your feet as well as you looked up at him with a relaxed demeanor now.
''I will.. and thank you Steve, I'll see you on the field soon'' you promised and picked up the mugs to take to the kitchen as he left you with a small side wave and left down the halls.
That went.. better than you expected, and from what you picked up on, you only sensed honest from him so you knew Cap was going to be okay. Setting the mugs into the sink, you enter the living room and look down the halls, debating whether to let Loki know it was all clear or figured he had went to bed already.
''that seemed to go well darling,'' He strolled out of the dimness behind you, pulling his hands out of his pockets to raise them in mock surrender in case you responded poorly as you turned around but he was far enough to not earn a punch from your little jump scare. The last thing he needed was for you to clock him out of reflex which he knew you were capable of.
Giving him a small look, your body relaxed a little as he smiled and walked slowly towards you and you knew you were ready to tell him how you truly felt.
With the same smile, Loki seemed to have been thinking the same thing as he stood in front of you now, shoes close enough to touch your own as your gazes held.
"Before you get upset, I never did fully agree to 'stay' in my chambers."
