A Tale of Mischief and Mutants

S.H.I.E.L.D Headquarters

—-Loki—-

After finishing breakfast we say goodbye to Mary and head straight to S.H.I.E.L.D headquarters in New York. They have some supplies I requested for my plan namingly deactivated inhibitor collars, a device through which they will be able to hear my conversations with Amora, and a device in which we can communicate back and forth without it being obvious.

The group is dressed in the same clothing they were wearing during their battle with Amora's army yesterday while I am in my 2012 armor. I have brought along some Asgardian bonds. I'm not thrilled to be seeing Sam in them especially not the chains. I can tell she's trying to hide her anxiety at the familiarity of her current situation having already secured her deactivated collar around her neck. Rogers takes notice of my choice in clothing.

"I gotta say, it's not the most reassuring thing to see you in that armor."

"I thought it was fitting considering the circumstances."

Rogers nods. Sam glances in my direction as the S.H.I.E.L.D agents start to secure my three teammates loosely into the restraints. It will look secure but they will be able to break out at any time, all the same I feel I'm breaking a promise now. She holds up her hand to the S.H.I.E.L.D agent her hand is shaking ever so slightly a clear sign of her hiding the tsunami of anxiety that's surely hitting her now.

"Do you guys still have that sedative on hand?"

The agent, a guard who had worked with Sam when she was staying here, seems confused.

"Yes, why?"

"Go get it if I'm unconscious I don't need to be in chains."

The agent looks to me I don't respond I would like to hear her reasoning. He looks unsure of what to do but wanders away to go find it after standing for a bit. Rogers objects.

"Sam I don't think-"

"If I'm unconscious Loki won't have to worry about me during the most critical part of the mission. It won't last long and I know you've got my back if anything happens Steve. Just wake me up when we're thrown in a cell assuming we're together."

She's pretending not to be bothered by the chains but I know better. Its likely she will end up in them before the missions over and she doesn't want me to change my mind at the last minute because of this. There's also the fact that she's filled with worry over facing Amora and angry enough over what she's heard that she doesn't know if she can hold her tongue. She looks at me looking ready to argue expecting an objection.

I nod and she smiles slightly. Though it would be easy for someone to harm her during that brief period of time it's highly unlikely to happen. This will prevent a lot of complications that could come up and jeopardize the mission because of our relationship. I trust both Maximoff and Rogers to defend her too Maximoff is kindhearted and Rogers is an honorable man. The man out of time questions me for my opinion.

"What do you think?"

"If Sam thinks that is for the best I will not overrule her, and I trust the two of you will defend her should anything happen."

Maximoff nods.

"You have my word."

Rogers nods as well. The agent comes back and approaches Sam with the syringe. I see fear cross Sam's face for a moment though she quickly covers it up.

"You may want to lay down on the gurney over there so you don't fall."

She stands for a second unmoving then complies. The agent steps closer uncapping the syringe.

"It should last about two hours."

I go over to where she is lying down and kneel down at eye level with her. Without exchanging words she pulls me into a kiss. When we pull away I brush a strand of hair from her face and rest my hand on her cheek.

"No matter what happens never doubt that I love you mortal."

She smiles and her cheeks turn a shade of pink. She takes my hand from her cheek and holds it.

"I love you too Lo'."

My expression mirrors hers at her words. Still holding her hand I move slightly to give the agent room to work. Sam holds out her other arm for the sedative. Outside she's somehow managing to look calm and collected but from the way she's gripping my hand I know this is utterly terrifying to her being back in this place, back in this position.

She falls asleep in seconds and we quickly get to work making our way to Amora's base it's heavily guarded but I should be able to get us through if not by persuasion, then with a magic shield. Amora will likely call off her Marauders when she sees a familiar face.