Collection of One-Shots

》unwrapped

Loki had been in a mood as of late. Sure, he almost constantly in a bad mood since being dropped back on Earth under the guise that as recompense he would help serve and protect the realm he had so foolishly tried to rule. Over the past two weeks, it was even worse. The group was tolerant and after the first year they had, albeit unwillingly, came to accept that Loki wasn't going to do anything stupid again. Yet even with his place on the team, he had sulked around the tower for two weeks, coming out at odd hours to raid the fridge, run to the library, and then disappear again. It was infuriating, especially for you.

You had tried to get him to let you into his room after the third day, had tried to ask Thor what he thought was wrong with his brother and if he knew anything that would cheer him up. He didn't. Now, at first, he was a royal pain in the ass, especially to you. A plain mortal with no quirks or strengths. That, in a way, made you the perfect mother for the Avengers, and that was what made Loki dislike you so much at first. Over time though, the God of Mischief had slowly warmed up to you. Of the entire team, you were the only one who didn't treat him differently.

And so within the first year, you and Loki had become an item, as Bucky liked to call it. Even Tony had to admit he was better behaved. But even with the year, you still couldn't break through the walls he had built up these past two weeks and that made you irate.

There had been a plan brewing in your mind for a day or two, it was a crazy one, to say the least. Wanda objected to it after she had accidentally read your thoughts as you came storming into the kitchen to make a sandwich. After apologizing for the intrusion, she dispelled her concerns, as Loki's negative energy had been tenfold, something the witch picked up every time she had to walk past his room. That gave you a few second thoughts, but not enough to thwart the plan.

It was a set of deep blue, lacy lingerie that you dug out of the very bottom of your pajama drawer, so dark it was bordering on black and still adorned with the price tags. You slipped into the matching set and threw on one of Steve's t-shirts that had gotten mixed into your laundry, and a pair of baggy sleep shorts. "FRIDAY?" The disembodied voice responded with a pleasant: "Yes, miss?" You looked at your appearance in the mirror and sighed. "Can you put me through to Loki's room?"

"Loki. I know you're in there and I'm heading down to your room, right now. Please, let me in. Don't turn me away, again." There was no response and you frowned, setting out the door anyway. It was late and the residential halls were largely silent, though you had reason to bet Bruce and Tony were still bustling around the lab. You stopped in front of Loki's door and knocked thrice and to your surprise, he opened the door. "What?" He snapped.

You stumbled back at his appearance. Gone was the pale-skinned god, in his place was something. His eyes were red, dark and dangerous and his skin, caught between the low light of his room and the bright light of the hall was a mix of cerulean and navy. Your breath caught in your throat, but despite this sudden revelation, you remained steadfast. "May I come in?" Loki seemed so dumbfounded by the gentle request that he could do nothing but step to the side and let you into his sanctuary.

"What's wrong?" You ask, reaching out for his hands before he can stop you. His skin, though still soft, was colder than normal, and adorned with raised markings. Loki gritted his teeth together and ripped his hands away from you. "Everything," he exclaimed with his back to you. His shoulders, bare of clothing, were heaving. "Odin, Thor, you, me, everything." At that, your plan had been forgotten. "The old fool took what little magic I was allowed." That was one of the conditions of his punishment, the dark prince was only given a limited amount of magic. Just enough to enough his longevity and regenerative abilities, though he had managed a few simple tricks as well, but now, now it was all gone. Even his Asgardian visage.