I Thought You Were Different

Loki

Some Language

"No," Thor warned, his hand extended to keep space between you and Loki, "no, you stay well clear of her, brother. She is in my charge but she is not mine."

"I'm not yours?" you scoffed. "I'm no one's, thank you very much."

"You belong to the Captain, if I'm not mistaken," Loki smiled, almost as if he knew that it wouldn't sit well with you. "Is that not his ring upon your finger?"

"I belong at home. Can we go please?"

"Not until you are healed, (Y/N). How many times I must say that for you to understand?"

You raised your hands and turned to leave, but stumbled slightly, grabbing Thor's arm to steady yourself, "Look, I'll be fine. I've done this before. Let's just go before this keeps me away too much longer. Steve has to be worried sick by now."

"(Y/N), are you doubting my ability to help you? Is that why you are so eager to flee?" Loki asked calmly, still holding that unnerving grin of his and the mischief in his eyes. "Your beloved is worried, indeed, but wouldn't he be more so if he knew that you were denying yourself this?"

"I don't want your help," you hissed, "you've done nothing to earn my trust or anyone else's, so please forgive me if I'm hesitant to let you do something that could end up so much worse than it already is. Hold on," you stopped with realization, "are you watching Steve?"

"Mmm, you have fire," he whispered, stepping closer to take your chin in hand, but Thor quickly broke his hold.

"Step back," he warned, "she is a ferocious adversary, and you would be wise to stay clear." He glanced down at you, wrapping his arm around your shoulders with a grin curling at his lips, "though I would enjoy watching her show you for herself, brother."

Loki's curiosity only grew at this, his grin slowly fading and replaced by a look of determination. "I witnessed your fall at her hand," he paused, taking a few steps around you as if he were studying you. "Allow me to heal you, (Y/N), and in return, I ask for a challenge."

"Do not agree," Thor whispered sternly.

"What's the catch?"

"No catch, I just want to see your ability for my own eyes."

Thor quieted and leaned in closer to you, guarding his words from Loki with a raised hand, "there is always a catch, (Y/N)."

~~~

"Deep breath in..." Bruce inhaled gently, "...and out." His shoulders lifted and his chest expanded as he repeated the cycle, his eyes closed and his mind struggling to remain clear given the palpable anxiety filling the room from his daily relaxation partner. "Where has your mind gone today?" he asked cautiously.

"She's dead."

"She's not dead, Steve. Deep breath in...and out..."

"Then why can't I shake this feeling?" he exhaled heavily.

"Because your wound too tight and your mind is an asshole," Bruce chuckled for just a second, but quickly regaining his focus. "In...out..."

Steve inhaled deeply and held his breath, unaware that he was even doing it; his heart was racing and it was impossible to relax. It wasn't that Bruce wasn't trying, either. They had been at this for nearly an hour and he felt no different. In fact, he might even feel worse. "What am I missing? Why did he take her?"

"Because he's an asshole too. Breathe, Steve."

"This isn't working."

Bruce opened his eyes and let out a frustrated groan, leaning back against the wall as he studied the rigid posture of his friend; he could almost see the tension that Steve was carrying in every muscle, and the pain that his mind was causing him written in his expression. He wanted to help him, but he wasn't this kind of a doctor, and he could only speculate on what their shared therapist might do. With a sudden resolve, Bruce raised himself to his feet and gave a firm clap of his hands, reaching down to help Steve up.