The Scientist (Loki x OC)

Pt. 27: New Friends

The voice of the newscaster resounded about the shared apartment, holding the attention of one Norse god. His human companion sat near him, on the floor, still in the process of fixing his damaged armored suit. The rips and tears littering it were all stitched up using various techniques, and the scuffs and stains all distant memories. The boots and shoulder pieces, however, were a challenge. They were not ripped but scraped and frayed. Such damage to hard material could not be sewn back together or scrubbed clean with soap, water, and alcohol.

Luna grabbed a few extra items from her room – quick-dry epoxy, a scrap piece of cardboard, and a flat stick – she believed would work in laying down and repairing the tattered areas. Loki kept a watchful eye on her, as he always did when she handled his close personal belongings. She didn't mind. It was the one time she meddled in the things she hadn't bought him, so as per common decency, she handled them in front of him.

"You think that'll work?" Loki chimed, his green gaze set on the woman seated on the floor.

She lifted her eyes to meet his. "In fixing it? I sure hope so."

"And if it doesn't?"

"I just keep trying different things until I feel like giving up." Luna returned her attention to the shoulder piece.

She smoothed the clear epoxy mix firmly and carefully till it was too tacky to continue. Slowly, she switched to the other side. The layers made it tricky, but she had all evening if she didn't want to leave the house. Loki was satisfied for the moment, the fridge was stocked with enough leftovers to last them the weekend, and, in case they were plagued by unwanted sleepless nights or the occasional dark emotion, the freezer had plenty of ice cream pints.

Loki stuck to his program. The subject matter interested him in a way Luna could not fathom. To each his own, she reminded herself. If he didn't attempt to create unrest under her roof, he could do as he liked. She liked the peace in her home too much to let someone else disturb it. It seemed he liked it as well and took steps on his own to ensure it.

Satisfied with the job she had done, Luna slowly got up, suit top in hand, and walked it to the empty chairs by the counter. She set it down on one, resting the undried epoxy patches away from any surface. She dusted her hands. Another job well-done, if she said so herself.

Upon returning from putting her supplies back where they came from, Loki called her attention.

"Tell me, who is that?" He pointed to the television playing a local news station, in particular at the figure the story was about.

"Him?" Luna confirmed. "That's our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man."

"Oh, I know that but who is he exactly? Beneath the mask?" Loki was a tad perturbed.

Luna shrugged and lied. "I wouldn't know. I don't think anyone does."

"They trust a hero they cannot see? Odd concept." The master of lies believed her. Another victory of the day.

"I'm sure people are skeptical, but he's never done anything malicious, and he helps out the little guy. You know, the underappreciated." A little slice of truth for him.

"Huh. I suppose he is appealing." Loki crossed his arms and observed the individual clad in red and blue. "Is he an Avenger?"

Luna chuckled, shaking her head. "Oh, no. No, he is not. Good thing, too."

"How come? He seems capable enough." Luna paused.

"Because, uh, he, uh, that's his job. You know, he's more of a freelance vigilante than one tied to an organization like the Avengers." She could see the look on Loki's face. He didn't believe her for a second. "You know, I don't really know. You know I mainly keep to myself, so any newbies go right under my nose." She waved a hand in the air.