My Love, He Keeps Me Warm

Chapter Six

"Anthony? Where are you?" Loki growled, stalking around the room. He knew he was in here. He had just heard him. Surely, he wouldn't have left the room, leaving Loki to find him amidst those others.

Surely.

Snarling to himself, he slammed a cabinet door shut. Jarvis was of no help; Tony had apparently ordered him not to giveaway his hiding spot. He wouldn't even tell him if he had left the room.

"JARVIS! I ORDER YOU TO TELL ME IF HE LEFT THE DAMN ROOM OR NOT!" Loki roared, knowing it was futile when he heard no laughter following his outburst. If Anthony was in hearing range, he would have laughed at his anger. Loki knew that much.

'"I'm sorry, Mr. Loki, but I am unable to-"

"Never mind, you damned machine."

Huffing, Loki walked to the door and opened it just a crack. He really did not want to face that Steve, or any of the others, after what Tony had to save him from just yesterday. He knew they would never look at him the same again, and he would rather take the muzzle than for them to think him so weak. Well, maybe not. That thing was terribly uncomfortable, and if he had the muzzle on then his hands would undoubtedly be bound, which would open him to an onslaught of attacks.

Lost in his wandering thoughts for a moment, Loki didn't notice the heavy footsteps heading towards the open door until they were right upon him. With a mortifying squeak, Loki closed and locked the door before the Captain could say a word. Loki leaned against it, cursing his stupidity.

"Loki, I want to talk to you. Could you open the door?" He asked gently. Fuming, Loki turned towards it and placed a hand on the smooth wood, opening his mouth and reaching for his magic. He flinched back when he remembered that it was gone, and gulped loudly. "Please, Loki. I won't touch you, okay?" Steve offered nicely, but Loki could hear the annoyance it edged.

"No," He growled. "Leave. I have no wish to speak to you," He spat, his hand curling into a fist against the door.

He wasn't answered for a moment, other than a barely audible sigh. "Okay. This time, Loki, I'm not asking you. Open the door." He growled, and Loki bit his lip. Jarvis would unlock the door if the Captain told him too, but if Loki ordered him to keep it shut the super soldier could just as easily bust it down. Closing his eyes, Loki unlocked the door, retreating to stand by the bed after he did so. "It is open," He stated loudly, pasting on a look of indifference to hide his fear.

Stepping inside, the Captain turned and closed the door behind him. Loki's eyes widened, and his body began to tremble. If he had merely wanted to talk, he would not have shut, and now locked the door, Loki realized with horror. The Captain seemed confused for a moment, before realization washed over his features and he put his hands out in front of him, the palms out and fingers splayed. A signal of peace. "Get out," Loki growled, reaching behind him to grip the bed tightly.

"I only want to talk-" Steve began, his hands still out as he spoke slowly, as if Loki was a dim-witted child.

"Then why lock the door?" He spat. He was determined not to show the Captain how fearful he truly was, and hostility was always the best cover. He narrowed his eyes at him and fought the temptation to smooth his messy hair down. The Captain had obviously been awake for hours; but Loki's hair was still wet and dripped down his back, frizzing out as it slowly dried. "Look, I only locked it so I know the others won't burst in and you won't try to get out. Like I keep saying, I only want to talk to you. Please, Loki," He sighed, running a hand down his face.

Loki still didn't trust him, but he relented, sitting lightly on the edge of the bed. The Captain was obviously relieved, and walked to the bed and perched near Loki, before jumping off of it suddenly and looking down in horror. "What?" Loki snarled. He acted as if fire laced the sheets.