A Tale of Mischief and Mutants

The Photograph

—-Loki—-

The next day we are relaxing at home I'm currently reading a book while Sam is doing something on her phone.

"Loki it looks like a reporter got into the party."

Sam has gotten into the habit of keeping up with the news and gossip surrounding the Avengers because she ends up in some articles from time to time.

"Hmm?"

I'm focused on the book so she shoves the phone onto the page I look in shock. There's a photograph of us kissing at the party.

There's also an article accompanying it with the headline:

-'Who is Loki's Low Key Girlfriend?'-

I read the first paragraph of the article.

-'Loki Odinson, currently an Avenger, who our readers might be familiar with because of his career as a notorious supervillain and attack on New York, has been spotted at Tony Stark's Halloween party. The couple is fittingly dressed as Kylo Ren and Rey from Star Wars...'-

I suddenly feel ill I try and stay out of the news cycle as much as possible. All me being in the news does is remind people of what I did. No matter the reason I'm in the news they always bring it back to New York. I'm filled with anxiety.

"I knew I shouldn't have taken off the helmet."

Sam looks at me a bit confused. 'They'll all be reminded.' I run my fingers through my hair nervously.

"Loki are you ok?"

I find myself angry Sam had pretty much told me to take it off.

"This is your fault! You shouldn't have convinced me to take it off!"

"Loki I-"

I storm away. All the work that I've done to keep myself off the radar has been undone. I won't be able to walk around in any city without someone recognizing me now that they've been reminded by a headline that captivating.

I don't want them to remember I just wish everyone would forget about it. I wish Sam hadn't convinced me it was ok to go to the party. I go outside it's freezing but I'm unbothered by the harsh chill wind. I take out my anger by practicing my magic.

——————————————————————

Eventually I go back inside feeling a bit better now that I have let off some steam. Then I hear it, Sam's crying I suddenly feel immense guilt. It was wrong to yell at her she couldn't have known. My anger got the best of me. 'I am an oaf!' We've never gotten into an argument with each other that ended in one of us walking away before, we always found a solution. She's in the bedroom. I quietly tap on the door as I come in.

"Sam?"

She continues crying. I speak softly and sit on the other end of the bed looking down at the floor. I'm not great at apologizing but this situation requires it.

"Mortal, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have yelled at you, you couldn't have known."

She sniffles.

"I just don't understand. Why were you so upset? Are you ashamed to be with me?"

I'm taken aback I had forgotten about her own fear of being rejected because of her status as a mutant. I want to kick myself. 'I'm a fool!' I should have properly explained why I was upset.

"No! That's not it at all Sam!"

She looks up from the floor over to me.

"Then why?"

I sigh.

"I just... every time I end up in the news they're reminded."

I look away ashamed of how I've behaved and anxious about how this news will affect me. She scoots closer to me.

"Lo' you can't let what they think dictate how you live your life."

She pulls me down so I'm leaning on her. I'm really angry with myself now. 'How could I be angry with her?!' She's the best thing in my life.

"I'm really sorry I've been a fool today."

She chuckles slightly and brushes her hand through my hair comfortingly.

"You're forgiven... I love you."

There's a tear running down my cheek. 'How is she so perfect?!' I lean into her more.

"I love you too."