I Die Without You

Prompt 10: Temptation

Still lying on Thor's bed, Beverlee continued to hold Loki in her arms, keeping him relaxed and calm. They both remained quiet, as there really were no words to say that would make a difference at this time.  

Loki had a lot of things running through his mind, with one of them being the members of the Initiative. He was more than concerned about what they would say or even do to him once they learned the truth about Lowenstein. However, looking over at the beautiful woman who was holding him close, the person they were thrilled to see him with... he didn't seem as worried. If they saw her supporting him through this, he suspected they would most likely do the same. 

The memories of Lowenstein ran through his head with a vengeance. He didn't recall one of them ever being unpleasant. If it wasn't for this doctor, he might not still be part of the Initiative. He might not have even gotten closer with Beverlee.  Why didn't he ever do something to thank him while he had been alive?

Beverlee could hear Loki's breathing increase. She held him even closer and whispered, "Shh..." She wasn't begrudging him of his feelings or grief, as she also was feeling the same. The death of Lowenstein felt like an open wound and they were both still in shock. Time was needed for them to process everything that happened. 

But she also knew Loki was hurting inside, she couldn't even begin to imagine how he was enduring all of this. While she was giving him all the compassionate care she could muster, an idea came to mind. It was rash, but life was short and he needed some real comfort right now. 

She released the embrace and changed her position, then looked at his face. It beheld such a vulnerable expression which was not the least unexpected. Giving him a warm and affectionate smile, she kissed him on the cheek. After that, she slowly cupped his face with both her hands, fingers touching the nape of his neck -  and kissed him passionately full on the lips...

The kiss lasted for quite a few seconds, and it elicited a delicious contented sigh from Loki. His hands soon reached up to hold her head in the same manner, "Beverlee?" he whispered once their lips separated, "I don't understand."

"Loki," she whispered, "I've denied you for far too long..."

Loki moved to kiss her, their lips touching again was such a delight to his senses. During the kiss, Beverlee shifted her body to lie atop his.

His arms moved to hold her firmly against him, with one hand on the small of her back, the other again finding the nape of her neck.  

This time when their lips separated, Loki took a moment to gaze into her eyes. He had always looked forward to this moment...   

Then, releasing an arm, with the back of his hand, he gently caressed Beverlee's cheek, "No. I can't do this... Not like this, not now."

"Loki?" Beverlee whispered, "I don't understand."

"Believe me, it would not be unwelcome to give in to this temptation... and make love to you right now," he looked her endearingly, "I can't help but also relish the very thought of us being caught by Thor in the throes of passion on his bed and how exasperating that would be for him... But our situation is less than ideal..." a sympathetic smile came to his lips, "I want us to remember our first time as a moment we came together because... we chose to do so on our own, and was not driven to it for the sake of pity or to ease suffering..."

Beverlee's eyes were downcast, "I'm sorry, I..."

"You have nothing to apologize for, my clever girl," he stroked her hair, then carefully returned her to lay beside him, "considering what you were willing to do for my sake... your actions speak volumes," he leaned over and kissed her forehead, "it is why you continue to remain precious to me."

Suddenly the door chime sounded, and it made Loki and Beverlee jump.  

"Stay put," Beverlee said to Loki, pulling the very oversized sweater closer around her. She moved off the bed and walked over the door, pressing a button to open it. 

There were two armed guards and a woman dressed in a Med Centre uniform.  

"My name is Nurse Clara Halsey. Sorry to disturb you two, but we're here to take Loki to the Med Centre," the woman in the Med Centre uniform said, "after what's happened, we are compelled to assess and evaluate him for his physical and mental health."

Beverlee nodded, "Please wait here, I will go get him," she could see Halsey was about to say something to barge in, but Beverlee took a step forward, lifted up both her hands, then said as calmly as she could, "with respect, we are willing to do our part to  comply, please do yours and not make this any harder on us."

The woman seemed taken aback with Beverlee's words, but instead of getting offended, she simply nodded then made a gesture with her hand to proceed.

Beverlee made her way back to the area of the bed. Loki was already up, and borrowing one of Thor's robes to put over his pyjamas.

"I heard," Loki said, "what do you think?"

"Looks really good on you," Beverlee said, admiring the burgundy robe contrasting with his lighter blue pyjamas, "it brings out your eyes." 

"Maybe I'll forget to return it to Thor," he said with a grin.

Together they walked back to the door where the guards and Med Centre employee were waiting. 

"They only want you,"  Halsey said to Loki.

"Where he goes, I go," Beverlee said resolutely.
 
"As you wish." Halsey acquiesced.