Eviternity | Loki

the wild

♡ Mature-ish themes ♡ 

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❝ Her heart was wild,

but I didn't want to catch it,

I wanted to run with it,

to set mine free. ❞

~atticus

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Every bone in her body screamed at her to hunt. To run faster, to catch, to kill. Her bare feet were broken with every other stride, striking hard roods and unforgiving stones. Her calves stung as she raced through the brush, and it was a welcome feeling. The dull pain fuelled her rage, gave meaning to the hunt. It was truly intoxicating, and her body responded to each and every need.

Loki had fallen behind, and she slowed to a stop. They were on the outskirts of a clearing ahead, and she followed her trusted nose. Like a cat stalking her prey, she navigated through the trees. Then she caught a glimpse of them, the dull moonlight glinting ever so faintly on gunmetal. Her desire for a fight grew when she saw them, thinking of the organization they were loyal to. All the blood on their hands.

She flung herself at the first man from behind, sinking her freshly elongated fangs into his neck. Blood sprayed from the wound and she discarded the carcass. Shots rang out and she felt something hit her arm, then a searing pain in her chest. Even more angered, she ignored the bullets sinking into her torso, moving toward the others. She quickly disarmed the second, immediately sending a hard kick to the third man's ribs. He went down and she hit the second over the head with her newly procured weapon as the third tore the hem of her dress, still reeling. She would be lying if she said she didn't enjoy watching him gasp for air, laying helpless in the dirt.

Loki raced through the forest. Anxiety had set in the minute he heard gunshots, and he'd picked up his pace. Three more shots made his ears ring as he burst into the clearing. Her back was to him, her body silhouetted perfectly in the cold light. His stomach lurched as he observed their first target, mauled and crumpled against a tall tree. The other two were at her feet. He approached her cautiously, placing his hand on her shoulder. She whirled around, the gun at her shoulder height, pressed heavily against his ribs. Her eyes were distant, her face smeared with blood. Gently, he pried he pried the weapon from her hands, brushing her hair behind her ear.

"Asta, darling I know you're in there."

She snapped back to reality too fast, tears stinging her eyes as she took in the carnage.

"Oh god," she turned and looked into Loki's wary eyes. "Oh god, I...I am so sorry I didn't mean to, I swear." Her voice cracked and he interrupted her, wrapping her in his arms. He removed the torn strip of fabric from the hem of her dress, wiping the blood from her trembling lips.

"It's okay. You don't have to do this on your own. You'll never have to do this on your own."

She savoured the chill feel of his skin against her flushed skin, not hesitating to rest her cheek on his chest. His words were comforting. He was here with her, and he was with her to the end...not only as a team member. She was certain that Tony wouldn't have been so understanding in such a situation. She held herself together in his arms until the initial shock of their situation had wore off.

"What do we do with the bodies?" She pulled away unwillingly, crossing her arms over her chest and turning to examine the mess.

"I'll take care of it in the a little bit. You're more important right now." He extended his hand to her and she took it with hesitation, shaking her head.

"I'm fine, really." He rolled his eyes at her, sending her a sidelong glare. "Oh, what? I really am. I'm just a little shook up, that's all."

"See? Lets head back, we're in the middle of nowhere, and they aren't going anywhere anyways. We need to eat something anyways, and we'll have to be packing up soon. I can come back while you're packing."

She agreed reluctantly, falling into step beside him. He didn't seem particularly intent on letting go of her hand anytime soon, so she had to adjust her stride every once in a while.

"I can't believe I did that," shaking her head, a soft laugh escaped her lips. She looked over at him with a small smile, her eyes glittering. "I almost feel bad admitting it, but I don't really feel bad about it." His eyebrows rose as he glanced at her.

"Really? You don't feel like a horrible monster?" She scowled and hit his shoulder as he broke into a grin.

"No I don't. I feel. I feel like I have so much energy. I feel powerful, I feel this excitement, like I'm suddenly awake and life has just been a dream. Or maybe that I'm in a dream."

The night was as still as they come, not a rustle in the leaves or a mammal in the bushes. It wasn't long before they reached the bank of the river and she rushed to its edge, dipping her toes before taking the plunge. Loki watched her, meandering to the shallow crossing. Pulling her dress over her head and throwing it to the opposite shore, she flashed a friendly smile his way. He mustered a small one in response, looking away briefly as he crossed. She washed the blood and sweat from her matted hair and the rest of her body, painfully unaware of what belonged to her and what belonged to their targets. It tinged the water pink at first and she cringed, before taking count of the many sore places on her body.

"Loki, can you bring me a towel please." 

She leaned against the stone outcropping of the bank, her body still fully submerged. He wandered toward her, his hands in his pockets. His pale torso practically shone in the light of the all-seeing moon. He came to stop just short of her arms, a playful twinkle in his eyes as he looked down into hers.

"What if I say no?" Her face fell and she glared up at him, a blush tinging her cheeks.

"It wasn't a question." They were locked in a staring contest of sorts, when Loki broke contact momentarily. When he looked back, his features were playful, filled with desire.

"Oh, come on." 

His voice was enticing and she let go of the ledge to put distance between them. Her skin pricked with heat despite the cold water surrounding her. She was shocked, floundering for an appropriate response. Instead she looked away and he smiled wittingly.

"It's not a big deal, I've seen other women naked." 

Her anger was renewed at his comment and she swam toward the shore. The threatening scowl on her face made him laugh, and she fought to keep it. She found him truly infectious, and had to remember why she was angered. 

"Not a big deal, you've seen other women naked," she rolled her eyes and huffed. "Like that's supposed to make me feel better!"

"Well, I thought you were the confident, competitive type, but maybe I'd pegged you wrong." She gaped at him.

"You are unreal, you know that?" 

She bit her lip and beckoned him closer, her eyes hungry. He eased himself down onto the ledge, leaning to hover just over her. She pulled herself up out of the water gracefully, locking her lips with his. He kissed her back eagerly and she smiled into it, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. He didn't stand one single chance when she pulled him headfirst into the dark water.