The Soldier

sunrays lie all the time

„I told you this was not a good idea, Tony."

A voice. Fierce, stern, worried maybe. Judging for sure. It was far away though, like thick clouds lay between the words and Tessa.

Muffled voices were a usual background, but it was new she could actually understand what was being said.

The darkness lulled her in again, before she could find out who was talking.

„You will never drop this, will you? She is going to be fine, it's not your fault."

A woman, she sounds worried too. The sound of fabric against fabric. Whispering. Such soft voices, so... peaceful. They continued for a while, almost sounding like a lullaby, all melodic and soft and so calming. A beeping sound interrupted them.

„She appears to be sleeping longer than mortals do usually, Stark. Is something the matter with her?"
Curiosity. A bit of concern, but not hopeless. It smelled like it was going to rain soon, when Tessa fell asleep deeper again.

„I am so sorry."

Hoarse, guilty voice. Tony. She imagined him sitting beside her, usual position on his chair, arms crossed and some glasses he did not actually need.

Little did Tessa know of the sunken creature, not being able to sleep properly since what felt like eternity.

„Healing takes time. I told her to not wander around with a fresh, not entirely healed stab wound more than twice."

Analytical, somehow warm and cold at the same time and Tessa did not know how that was possible in the first place.

It was too warm. Until it wasn't.

Tessa shivered, sudden coldness stinging through her whole body. This was not Loki's typical Hello-I-am-here-cold. This was sharp ice burning through to her very core.

Do not ever do this again, do you understand?, he screamed at her.

'What do you mean? I was only sleeping -'

Did you really not notice that you were about to die?, the voice asked startled, not able to hide away some concern behind the clear annoyance.

There was still ice burning through her body and for a moment that pain was all she was.

'Loki, you hurt.', Tessa thought, hoping to calm him down. To make him stop. That burning electricity behind that usually so calming coldness. He calmed down, slowly, not hurting her anymore.

The last thing I saw you thinking was -

'Don't. Don't... say it. Just forget it, okay? I... have it under control.'

Well, it did not look like you have it under control. I can delete it, Tess.

'You can what, excuse me? You can delete... memories? That's... fucking scary. You didn't... you didn't delete anything, right? Don't... Don't ever delete something, okay? They are... I learned from them.'

Sentimental. Now I know where it comes from, at least..., Loki's voice trailed off, the stinging ice finally changing into what Tessa knew already.

Plan changed. I am here too now, just a floor under you. I noticed that Tony does not believe you were only my hostage. So it is time for a bit of acting. He will bring you to me to find out how you react, once you feel better. And... you will react as though you were nothing else than my hostage, do you understand?