Giftless

Chapter 18

You successfully pulled the all-nighter, watching as Loki healed throughout the night. You studied by the light of his bedside lamp for the entire night, one hand on the dagger next to you, just in case. Though you kept glancing at Loki while he slept. It was amazing to watch the healing spells work and he was very nearly healed by morning. He didn't stir the entire night, while the spells worked.

You were also grateful that he woke before your alarm went off so you didn't have to make any difficult decisions, such as whether or not to wake him before he was startled awake by your alarm. "Morning," you greeted him softly when he stirred.

His eyes flew open and daggers appeared in his hands as he jolted up, scanning the room for danger. "Easy, Loki, easy, it's just me!" you reassured him, though you had a dagger floating threateningly at your throat. You waited, without moving, for him to realize who you were.

Loki wouldn't hurt you, you knew that. Even half asleep, he wouldn't hurt you.

You hoped.

It took a moment for his eyes to calm as he took in the scene. The daggers all vanished and he pulled you into his arms with horror in his eyes. "Y/N! I'm so, so sorry," he exclaimed, then kept saying the words over and over again while he held you, rocking you as if he couldn't believe he'd nearly slit your throat. It was strange to hear him use your actual name, which is how you knew exactly how distressed he was.

"It's ok. I'm sorry you startled you," you replied soothingly. You had known he wouldn't hurt you, even if a dagger at your throat was terrifying. Loki had just had to remember that you were there, that it was you in his room. That he was safe. You knew the torture he had been through was what had made him so jumpy.

Loki kissed your forehead and finally loosened his grip, convinced he hadn't hurt you. "What did I ever do to deserve you?" he whispered against your hair.

"Are you feeling better?" you asked, instead of succumbing to his romance. Your alarm would go off soon and you'd have to leave for school. You wanted to make sure he was really ok before you did. "It seems like you've healed some." He had healed a lot, in fact. The wound above his eye and the gash on his arm still hadn't closed all the way, and he still had bruises and had obviously been in a fight, but you didn't think you had to worry about his safety.

"I have healed immensely, darling, but I appreciate your concern," he smiled down at you and could couldn't help getting lost in his eyes in that moment of seeing him so carefree.

Of course your stupid alarm started blaring then. You shut it off and got out of the bed. "You are going to school without any sleep?" he asked, frowning. He clearly didn't approve. And he somehow knew you'd stayed up all night.

"Of course I am. I have three tests today," you reminded him. You had been studying for the tests all night. You'd also been telling him about them for a week. He had helped you prepare yesterday afternoon before you went on your ill conceived walk. You kissed his forehead. "You seem healed enough that I can safely leave you to protect yourself. Feel better, love," you bid him. It was strange for you to say 'love' to him, but it seemed like the right word, and it earned you a smile from him, though his smile was tired and wan.

You left his suite to go get ready for school, though you knew it was going to be a long day. You snuck into Tony's suite on your way to breakfast and stole a couple of the energy drinks from his mini-fridge. You told myself you'd replace them, but you knew that was a lie. Especially since he hadn't caught you taking them. You downed the first one before you even made it to the dining room. You cursed yourself for not stealing all of them. He probably wouldn't have even noticed.