Loki's annoying runt

A Long Week

"Brother, have you noticed that Astrid may not be Midgardian?" Loki asked quietly probably thinking I was fully asleep.

"What do you mean?"

"Her powers are far too sophisticated to be that of a mere mutant. She rivals me."

"That is true but she was raised on Midgard, she has told me stories of growing up here."

"I have heard them as well but that does not make her Midgardian," Loki corrected as I made myself more comfortable by wrapping my arms around his and snuggling further. I figured I'd never get away with it if I were 'awake'.

"She seems to have taken a liking to you."

"Indeed..." Loki sighed. "I should get her to bed. I told her not to overdo it but she doesn't listen."

Loki edged his arm away from my grasp and wrapped it around my waist. His other arm went under my knees and he gently picked me up. I groaned unhappily at the movement but decided to keep my eyes closed. He must've chosen to walk to my bedroom because it took a while to get there instead of instantly arriving. He put me on my bed and tucked me in. I instantly missed his smell and body against mine. In my sleepy state without thinking, I reached out for him.

"Runt?" Loki asked instinctively as he was pulled down next to me. I didn't care what he might have thought at that point. I was tired but I wanted him near me. I rested my head on his chest and fell asleep quickly. He didn't protest but tucked the blankets around us.

The next morning I woke before he did and it took a moment to realize what I had done in my groggy sleepiness. I jerked up and noticed he had changed us both to our pajamas in the night. He, of course, wore nothing but silk pants. Luckily. I was in a baggy shirt and shorts. I woke him up from my jolt.

"I'm sorry! I-I don't know what came over me last night. You really didn't have to stay," I stuttered through my apology as he sat up next to me.

"Now you owe me is all," Loki smirked leaning closer to me.

"What do you mean?" I blushed and fidgeted.

"You stole me from my bed so you let me steal you from yours or..." He paused to let that sink in.

"O-or what?"

"I get to punish you for trying to trick me into believing you were actually asleep on the couch last night," he said very seriously but alluring. I wasn't sure whether to be scared or turned on.

"But-"

He shook his head, "You have your options or if you don't tell me by 7 Friday night I get to choose," he smiled wickedly. It was Monday, I had days to fret over the decision. He was already punishing me and he loved it.

The next two days were uneventful for the team, no missions or anything. Loki didn't bring up the options again though he would playfully smile at me every time I'd see him. He could probably tell he was giving me heart failure from his proposition and was enjoying it. Eventually, I tactfully brought it up to Thor not wanting to give him the wrong impression again.

"Hey, Thor, can I ask you something about your brother?"

"Loki? Of course!"

"I mean he's the god of mischief and all so I guess what I'm asking is he's not really a man of his word is he?"

"Hmm, that's a tricky one. It would depend I guess."

"What do you mean?"

"Loki isn't always a man of his word but if there's something in it for him then he's very dependable unless he finds a better deal. He's tough to follow sometimes. I hope that was helpful, Lady Astrid?"