Existence

A Peek Inside

The sun was peeking over the tree line as the rest of the crew returned to the compound. Having had success in stopping the shipment, Willow was proven right when the buyer and the transport crew failed to yield any useful information.

Loki was the only one sitting in the briefing room when everyone else filed in. Steve Rogers was the first to speak up, "How did the mission go, Loki?" Loki looked up from the book he had been reading, "It went very well. Willow was marvelously efficient." Everyone turned their heads towards Loki, surprise or shock on each expression. Tony blinked, "Did reindeer games just compliment someone?"

Loki rolled his eyes as Natasha chuckled, "I believe he did." Loki scoffed, "She got the information we needed in less than an hour and all participants were none the wiser. I believe a feat such as that deserves a bit of praise." Sam sat down, "Well yeah, but coming from you, it just sounds weird." Loki rolled his eyes again. Bucky crossed his arms, "Well?"

Before Loki could answer Willow appeared in the doorway, "If you were so eager to know, why did you dump your assignment on someone else?" Bucky glared as Willow continued, "The Colliders are working for KingPin. Their leader is a man named Ryan Harold. Their hideout is the back room of a record shop on 4th Street called Discography. I already wrote the report and turned it in." Everyone's gaze shot to the doorway as Willow leaned against the frame.

Tony smiled, "Good job Houdini." Willow rolled her eyes, "The best chance at getting to him is going there and confronting him outright. He is jumpy, so it will have to be done quickly. But I am sure Nick will tell you all about it." She stood back up and left down the hall, Loki watched her leave while the others exchanged glances.

Everyone filed their reports and retired to their own rooms, but Loki went off in search of Willow. He found her on the roof again, sitting with her legs dangling over the side. Without looking back she questioned in a tone that seethed with annoyance. "Why do you insist on following me around like a lost dog?"

Loki stood behind her, "You are quite an enigma Willow." She scoffed but kept her gaze on the tree line, "Oh really?" Loki advanced and stood beside her, "Yes. The others are easy to read and figuring them out took no time at all. But you are much more complicated." Willow rolled her eyes and retorted sarcastically, "Ooo, lucky me." Loki clasped his hands behind his back, "Midgardians don't often attract my attention. They are simple, petty and weak minded. Yet somehow you don't quite fit that assumption."

Willow laughed, Loki raised a brow, "Have I said something amusing?" Willow stood and faced Loki, "What are you trying to do?" Loki raised both brows, "I am not trying to do anything. I am merely relaying an observation I have made." Willow put her hands on her hips, "Don't play coy little god of lies." Anger flashed in Loki's eyes, "God of lies? Playing coy? How dare you!" Willow laughed again, "You are no different than any human on this planet." Loki scoffed and clenched his fists at his side, his voice low, "I am nothing like these pathetic mortals!"

Willow took a step towards him and jabbed a finger into his chest, "You are exactly like they are. You are too curious for your own good, and when someone says they want nothing to do with you, you come running after them." Loki swat her hand away from his chest, "You claim you want nothing to do with anyone, but deep down you know you do." Willow's brow furrowed in anger, "You think you are so smart and you know me so well. But you are wrong."

Loki took a step closer to her, "I do not claim to know you at all. But I do recognize the behavior." Willow groaned and headed towards the door to the building, Loki grabbed her arm causing her to turn and glare at him, "Let. Me. Go." She spoke through clenched teeth, Loki tightened his grip but said nothing. He really wasn't even sure why he had grabbed her arm in the first place. Willow angrily blasted him with a jet stream of water, causing him to loose his grip and sent him sprawling to the ground.