Loki, Unraveled|| NovaVerse 2

23|| Meetings and Frogs

Word Count: 1,685

It hadn't been long before they were caught.

Nova sat beside Natasha, who was stoking her hair comfortingly, although Nova knew it was more for Natasha than herself. Tony sat across from Nova, Bruce in front of Natasha, Steve at the head of the table, and Clint stood behind Loki, who sat across from Steve.

Nova shifted uncomfortably in her seat and gave Loki an apologetic look. He gave her a small nod in return, not revealing anything in front of the team. Not that he could reveal much if he wanted to, since they had attached a piece of metal to his mouth so he couldn't speak. She tilted her head slightly away from Natasha's strokes and gripped the table.

"If Loki can deceive one of us so easily, then we shouldn't allow him to roam freely. He is clearly a manipulator and a danger to not only Nova, but to all of us," said Clint, glaring down at Loki, who rolled his eyes.

Steve nodded. "She should be resting instead of worrying about Loki and Thanos," Steve droned on about how her safety was their priority and so on, talking as if she and Loki weren't in the room.

"Loki wouldn't have manipulated you if you hadn't put him in a situation where it was needed," she said through gritted teeth. "What worries me is you all treating him like a dangerous criminal." She tapped her foot lightly enough that the others wouldn't notice it. She realized the tapping matched the rapid thumping of her heart.

Tony pinched the bridge of his nose. Little white hairs were visible on the top of his head. Those weren't there last time she was here. "He deceived moi, the 'smartest in the world' and has a direct connection to Thanos. He can't be trusted. Simple as that." He turned to Loki. "Sorry, Reindeer Games."

She scoffed. "This is no time for nicknames, Tony. And if you're worried about if Thanos is listening, then you'll be glad to know that the last time he was in control, Loki's eyes turned blue. We just need keep a lookout for that."

"I don't want to look into his eyes all day," Tony stated.

Nova rolled her eyes. "To think people actually believe you're even remotely intelligent is hilarious. You have a shit-ton of tech here, I'm sure you can make glasses or something to watch his eyes for us."

"Language," said Steve.

Tony stroked his chin in thought. "I mean, I could, but the question is do I want to." He poured himself a shot of whisky and said, "Nova, you're going to drill holes in my forehead the way you're staring at me. But I suppose I could tinker a little today, see what I could do."

Relief flooded Nova, and upon realizing how tightly she was gripping the sides of her seat, loosened her hold. She looked to Loki, who was mumbling something against the metal, his eyebrows pressed together. She might have laughed at how absurd he sounded if not for the situation.

"So, is no one going to talk about Thor?" Bruce asked, his voice wavering just the smallest bit, as he always seemed to do when he talked. "He's been taken-"

"-being tortured-" interrupted Natasha.

"-and its undoubtedly connected to Loki's deal with Thanos. Loki is Thor's brother, and if Loki standing by doing nothing doesn't show his- his inability to be trusted..."

Angry muffled sounds came from Loki.

The chair screeched against the glistening stone floor as Nova stood and marched towards Loki, pulling the metal band from his mouth.

"Thank you," he said, looking up gratefully at Nova before staring at the team coldly. "I'm quite disappointed. It seems that only one person besides myself can think properly. Thor was never part of the deal- he was never meant to be harmed. I advise you to learn the difference between Thanos' actions and my own. We have a common enemy to plot against."