A New York Secret

Chapter Fourteen

Loki had fallen asleep by the time Mary arrived and knocked on the door. The sound made him stir, but he was very comfortable on the couch and didn't want to wake.

Meanwhile Emily stood from the couch and placed their empty plates on the kitchen counter before she unlocked and opened the door. "Hi!" She said softly. "Loki fell asleep while watching The Lion King. C'mon in."

Mary did her best to give Emily a smile, only holding one duffle in her hand. "Did he like it? Was that his first movie?" She asked curiously.

"He enjoyed what he watched of it. We also watched Pirates of the Caribbean. I think he likes it better." Emily stepped aside and let Mary in. "What's wrong?"

Mary thought about it for a moment as she walked in the apartment. "The pirate movie probably makes more sense to him, if you think about it." She pointed out with a shrug. "I guess everything is alright."

Emily nodded and shut the door behind them. "Where's all of your stuff?"

"I only brought a few things for the moment. I have the apartment until the end of the month, so I kind of want to see how things go here... before I move everything." Mary explained, hoping Emily would understand.

"I get that," she replied. "There's two bedrooms and a futon."

"Are you staying in here as well?" Mary asked, assuming that only left the futon for her.

"I am, but you can have the bed. The futon is in Loki's room, so I can keep an eye on him," she replied.

"That won't work long term though. If we... I stay here. I really can't afford my own place here in the tower." Mary said, sighing softly.

"If you want your own condo, I can get you one on this floor. I work here just as much as Stark and can have Jarvis make a key. Rent would be no issue," Emily explained.

"Staying with you is one thing, but I'm not taking an entire place for myself and not paying for it. All it would take is for your boss to get pissed. If anything happens between the two of you, I lose everything... again... I can't take that risk." Mary said, turning around, making an attempt to leave.

"Mary, I'm almost certain that me and Tony are no longer together anyway. You're welcome to stay here."

Mary stopped and turned to face Emily. "I will stay for tonight only because it's late." She agreed. "Why do you think you two aren't together anymore? An argument doesn't mean a breakup..."

Emily shut the door behind Mary as she walked further inside. "I haven't heard from him since he stormed out of here this morning. Normally he checks on me."

"Maybe he just needs some time? You two should take a day to yourselves or something, to figure things out. Or you could always surprise him with something? Like, to show him you aren't that pissed at him." Mary suggested. She left her bag by the door and followed Emily further inside.

Emily grinned. "I like that idea. He normally gets home around five. Maybe I could surprise him tomorrow?"

"I will stay with Loki if you want, so he isn't alone." Mary offered.

"I would appreciate that. I'm sure he would like the company," she replied. "There's still pizza on the counter if you're hungry. Loki ate all of the fries."

"Starving actually." Mary said, and walked over to grab a slice. "How is Loki doing on his feet?"

"He's using the walker," Emily commented as she sat on one of the bar stools. "It's slow, but he'll get better."

"I'd say that's pretty good already. It sounds like he does have some magic back... is he managing without the catheter?" Mary asked, then took a bite of the pizza.