How to Cure Pains and Heartaches
☆ Pairing: Loki x Reader
☆ Synopsis: After such a bitter end, Loki has no choice but to fade away. To his surprise he awakens in bed where he will be taken care of. Why? What do they want of him? Who's that lovely mortal?
☆ Word Count: 6,266
☆ Notes: Loki being a swooning darling, he's recovering from injuries in a fix it AU where he survives the attack on the Statesman and he gets to live on earth.
☆ Warnings: Mention of Loki's trauma and torture courtesy of the Mad Titan, fuck you Thanos. Mention of gaining weight (but it isn't given a negative conotation).
No one could deny Loki had gone through a lot of stuff, simply his Asgardian nature and the amount of exposure he had had with war from a young age would (rightfully) horrify most Midgardians, plus the pressure of being royalty and the responsibility it demanded with him.
In retrospect, Loki always knew his amount of responsibility were no way near as high as Thor’s, which allowed Loki to get some relief by following his nature as God of Mischief. But still: meetings, war council, royal balls, and in general trying to keep an image of perfection to most of Asgard other than Thor’s group and his parents who truly knew of Loki’s more playful nature, it was quite draining.
And that was before the true horrors.
That one trip to Jotunheim had been the source of over a decade of disgrace. Knowing all that battle would cause, he never would’ve let those three other Jotuns into the vaults of Valaskjalf.
After that, it was tragedy after tragedy. And the worst of them happened in the Sanctuary II.
At first, he thought some bounty hunters had recognized him, given they seem to know who he was, and the only reason they spared his life was because it would be about a matter of time until they’d bargain his life with Odin.
But after several months where he was starved, and his only contact was to be tortured, where the Black Order tore his body apart bit by bit, breaking bones, tearing skin only to throw him back into an isolation cell, where all that kept him together was his pride and the thought that Heimdall could see him and start a rescue mission, thing he learned years later couldn’t be done.
And when he didn’t cave in, they shattered his mind as well, using the Mind Stone on his scepter, giving him no choice but to submit. Everything bad in his life prior to that point seemed to be blissful field trip.
And for many years later he thought he would spend the rest of his life suffering to atone to the horrors he unleashed onto Jotunheim and New York. And by the time the Sanctuary II intercepted the Asgardian escape ship on its way to Earth, and he felt himself fading from reality… nothing had proved him otherwise.
At least he had protected his brother…
…
Who would’ve thought that the next time he opened his eyes he would be laying in a hospital bed, flowers by his ankles and a cervical collar? He had a thousand questions. Where was he? Who brought him there? Why had he been saved? Why couldn’t they let him just die?
Just when he thought it was another round of the same type of torture the Black Order inflicted on him, the door opened… Only about a few hours after waking up, and just in time when his stomach started growling.
The first time he saw you, you felt like a vision. Beautiful and most of it all, kind.
“Loki how are you feeling?” you smiled at him, as you stepped inside the room with a tray of warm food. The smell made his mouth water. “Were you waiting for long? Sorry, I didn’t hear you wake up.”
Loki was quietly staring at you. Not only because his throat was dry, but because he had no idea who you were or what were your intentions.
But you didn’t seem bothered by his silence. You just let out a little chuckle.
“You seem more active today” you smiled, “Usually you can only stay awake for a few seconds. Are you hungry?”
Loki wanted to be proud and say nothing, but his body’s needs were stronger, and a rather loud growl of his stomach gave it away how hungry he was, making his cheeks flare up in embarrassment.
“Don’t worry, I would be hungry too if I hadn’t eaten anything in 5 years” you spoke compassionately, but with a hint of humor.
5 years?!?
“How long have I been here?” he finally spoke, his voice was hoarse beyond recognition, and it hurt to speak.
“Oh, you poor thing, you must be thirsty” you said as you reached his food tray and grabbed a cup of water with a straw and placed it just before his lips. “About your question, a few weeks, a Stark satellite detected a faint life signal and Thor went to find you.”
You spoke in such a humane manner that Loki couldn’t help but lower his guard a bit, and he opened his mouth as you helped him drink.
The water was cold and fresh, it felt so relieving that he couldn’t hold back a sigh when he finished drinking, that only happened when the cup was empty.
You let out a soft giggle at the sight of him. It was then that he recognized you, sort of.
He vaguely remembered your laugh, it was faint, but if he pushed himself to think about it, it was there. He never saw your face, but the sound was familiar, so he concluded it must have been previous visits while he was still unconscious.
It was a pretty sound… innocent, pure.
“You mentioned my brother…” Loki asked. “Is he…?”
As he made his question, you set a table before him and the tray on top of it. It was a huge bowl of soup, and one of mashed potatoes. His stomach growled once again.
“Thor has been visiting you every day practically without exception” you told him. “He talks to you, keeps you updated about his life. Last week he came with Doctor Foster, it seems they started seeing each other again. But we’ve notified him you’re finally awake.”
You sat beside him on the edge of the bed and grabbed the spoon on the tray and started feeding him the soup. It was so warm, and the flavor was rich, that his eyes started watering. What cruel trick was all this kindness? When would this all go South?
His forming tears didn’t go unnoticed, and you cupped his face, your soft fingers caressing his cheeks to clean his tears.
“You don’t have a fever, does it hurt anywhere?” you asked.
“No… I feel per—” he choked on his words, “I feel perfectly fine… all things considered.”
“I’ll monitor your reflex later, but first focus on eating” you said gently. “You need to regain your strength.”
You didn’t have to tell him twice, he was so hungry that if he had had more strength, he would just hold the bowl and chug it all down. By the time he was onto the mashed potatoes he was a lot stronger, the second meal was just as tasty, seasoned just right to make him want to keep eating until his stomach popped.
He even let out a soft little breathy burp, which made you giggle again.
“Don’t eat so fast!” you scolded him with a happy tone.
He found it in himself to laugh softly along with you.
“5 years without food, I remind you” he joked back. “I’ll eat as fast as I can.”
“You were blipped 5 years... you didn’t age a day.”
“Blipped?”
You spent the next few minutes filling him in what had happened. Thanos won, and half of the universal population vanished, for them it was only a few minutes at most… while the rest of the universe aged 5 years. Five years, where everyone thought he was dead, where he was dead.
Now, Loki wanted to cry. The amount of relief that washed over him made him rest back.
“Finally… I’m free…” he sighed. “It’s over… he’s gone…”
He tried covering his eyes when he noticed the sting coming from his left arm, he noticed a cast neatly wrapped around it.
“Your neck injury was the most concerning, but your arm and ankle were badly wounded as well” you explained, and he noticed another cast covering his foot from arch to his ankle. “Although your foot is mostly healed by now.”
He put some attention to his bandaged foot and wiggled his toes, which thank the gods responded perfectly.
“It’s a bit itchy” Loki pointed out.
“I’m pretty sure that’s normal” you chuckled and grabbed a pencil from your pocket, and sneaked it in his cast, and scratched his sole. “Here.”
But the touch, while it somewhat alleviated the itch, it had an unexpected tickly feeling that caused Loki to yelp and jerked his foot back.
“Hehe-hey!” he giggled.
“I’m sorry” you apologized with a soft chuckle.
“You’re lucky I’m too weakened to put a dagger to your throat” Loki spoke, but he noticed he couldn’t get rid of the amusement in his voice.
“Perhaps I should take the chance to really make you laugh then.” You smiled, twirling the pencil on your fingers. “Given you can’t do anything to stop me.”
“Don’t even think about it!” Loki blurted out, “If you even dare to… to…”
He felt his cheeks flush. It had been so long since he had been tickled, it felt silly, plus he was quite vulnerable right now.
“Don’t worry, I won’t do anything to upset you” you assured him, “…yet.”
You let out another soft laugh at the indignation in his face.
“Do you not know the consequences of crossing me?” Loki asked, “Are you that ignorant of the capabilities of the God of Mischief? I have terrorized this realm, Midgard bows before my power! I could finish you with a single hand.”
“What would you get out of it?” you asked bluntly. “You live here now; you would only lose.”
He looked at you and opened his mouth to speak, and then closed it again. Not only was he too weak right now to even keep that threat, but truly besides that little tickle you had been nothing to but kind to him, and even that had been with the intention to help him.
“Do you truly not fear me?” Loki asked after another moment of silence.
“Should I?” you asked with a happy smile.
Perhaps he found that little grin of yours to be too charming, it could be the fact that you had his food and water at your mercy, or it could be the fact that you were a purely friendly presence, which he hadn’t had in… he couldn’t remember for how long. But he truly didn’t want you to be scared of him.
“I suppose not” he finally said.
“Predictable.”
Loki let out a laugh.
“You’re a funny little one” Loki smiled.
Just then a loud noise came in as if something huge was stomping their way through the hall. Which proved to be not far off because soon a large blond figure tumbled onto the door frame.
“Brother…” both Asgardians said in unison.
The older brother’s eyes filled with tears as he rushed to the bed, and with the last self-control he possessed, Thor didn’t tackle the raven haired into a bear hug. Just… collapsed on his knees by the side of his bed.
“You’re awake…” the God of Thunder burst into messy sobs. “…Alive.”
In other times, Loki would’ve found Thor’s reaction ridiculous, mockable, or annoying… but after all they had been through and seeing the streak of his own hair tangled in one of Thor’s braids… he let out a soft sob as he gently reached to place his hand on Thor’s head.
“Ahem!” you cleared your throat to make yourself present. “As long as you’re careful with his neck, you two can hug.”
You smiled and left the room to give them space. Both brothers let out a laugh and Thor cradled his little brother in his arms, supporting his head as if he was a baby as his other hand was squeezing Loki.
“I told you the sun would shine on us again” Loki spoke softly.
“You idiotic, insincere, irresponsible, impulsive, inconsiderate fool!” Thor scolded him, sounding more relieved than anything.
“Oh, good, you ran out of insults that started with an I” Loki laughed.
“I beg you, brother. Never give me a scare like that again” Thor begged.
“In my defense, I didn’t fake it this time” he whispered.
There was an awkward silence as none of the princes knew what to say to each other, there was so much to say, but… where to start?
“I… heard you started seeing Doctor Foster again.”
That made Thor smile as started telling Loki what he had done with his life, how Asgard was doing, which was what finally broke Loki, hearing Asgard managed to live on was that finally burst into tears as he hugged his brother again.
The two brothers talked for hours, and for the first time in years, if not ever, Loki felt the conversation with his brother be purely lighthearted. He was so lost in the chat that it took him hours to notice…
“You’ve gained weight” Loki pointed out.
“Quiet, you imp…” Thor snorted. “It’s been tough these last 5 years.”
“I… did not mean to be judgmental” Loki assured him. “It just… I’ve been out for so long…”
“Well, don’t get used to this, I’m already exercising again, and I’m renouncing to beer… aside from social events” Thor said happily.
“Oh? I didn’t know you drank” Loki tilted his head. “But… good for you.”
Thor’s face darkened, making Loki immediately regret his comment.
“It was… Very rough five years…” Thor said again. “I suppose time wasn’t kind on me.”
Loki felt a pang of guilt settle on his chest, after Ragnarök he truly had no intention to pull another stunt like that. For once, he had every intention to stick by Thor’s side.
But at the time the Sanctuary II intercepted their ship, all Loki could think was protecting Thor. Because he knew that if anything happened to his brother, no one else would’ve had a fighting chance against the Mad Titan. But he had been reckless.
“I— I’m sorry brother…” Loki apologized, and Thor smiled at him. “How’s Asgard?”
“It’s been difficult as you may imagine… but, you know… us Asgardians are stubborn, we’ve managed.” Thor smile. “Little Asgard is thriving!”
“Oh, I’m painfully aware, you’re all a nightmare” Loki joked, making Thor laugh again.
Despite his sarcasm, something in the way Thor said us Asgardians made Loki smile, by now Thor knew very well his true nature, and yet he still treated him as one of his own, like his brother, maybe not bound by blood, but by something stronger.
The conversation kept going until Loki’s stomach growled in hunger, but by then the sun had set a while ago. And it didn’t take long after when you had stepped in the room with a tray of food and Thor excused himself for the night.
The meals were simple and soft for a good while, porridge, broths and soups, sauce-less pastas, yogurts, Jello, but having a pretty mortal such as yourself literally feeding him and tending to his every whim made his recovery quite pleasant. Especially when he started eating solid foods again and the meals were a lot tastier.
“You’re healing quite fast,” you told him as you checked monitored his ribs for any soreness. “I’ve heard injuries usually take maybe 3 or 4 times longer to heal. …In the best of circumstances, but Stephen said your bones are practically all healed now.”
“If someone can pull out a miracle like that, a god should be the right place to go” he joked as he kept holding his shirt up so you could.
“That’s fair, also having the best doctors and technology at our disposal helps, doesn’t it?” you quipped.
“Do not underestimate my divinity, mortal” he said dramatically.
“Oh, yes, forgive me, your godly-ness…” you bowed just as dramatically.
“You’ve been gaining weight” you said as you prodded your stomach.
He let out a yelp.
“Rude” he said cheekily.
“No, I mean, you were practically nothing but skin and bones when we found you” you assured him, “I mean you seem healthier now. You must be in your healthy weight again by now.”
“Do not flatter me” Loki smirked.
“Flatter you?” you gasped out a laugh. “Nonsense, it’s been my care the reason you no longer look like a malnourished cat!”
He did not expect you to start prodding and squeezing his belly, instantly causing him to burst out laughing. Curse his gut for being this vulnerable to your playful fingers.
“Nohohohoho! Don’t!” he whined between cackles. “Stohohohop!”
“Oh my god!” you laughed and gave him a small breather “I didn’t even have to do anything… But if you insist…”
“W-What…? Insist…?”
“I won’t stop…”
“W-What? N-No! PLEHEHEHEASE! NO! STOP!” Loki begged despite his pride, but the way you kept squeezing his belly, giving his skin soft pinches made him wheeze out shaky laughter was too much. “NOT MY— NOHOHOHOHOHO!”
You started focusing on the patch of skin around his belly button, which surprisingly enough was even more ticklish than his navel itself. He started digging his heels onto the mattress as he arched and squirmed on the bed.
“Okay, okay!” you squeaked out as you grabbed his ankle, forgetting your playful attack, to settle him back on bed. “Easy there… you’ll hurt your foot again.”
He was more focused on catching breath, but he still felt you helping him stretch and move his ankle to check if he hadn’t hurt himself in the middle of his squirming.
“You’re… huff… huff… the worst nurse…” he groaned.
“Ask for another nurse who can deal with you” you chuckled as you gently tickled his sole making him let out a giggle.
You weren’t exactly part of the medical team, but after everything that had happened, the Avengers were understaffed, and every task that Tony’s technology couldn’t fill in were done by the Avengers themselves, his brother and Maximoff twins helped with cleaning, Bruce and Clint cooked, Tony handled the finances (in more than just been the Compound’s sponsor), and so and so.
You were a lab assistant, although, not in the medical field. Yet, given your friendly nature and bond with the God of Thunder, Thor himself had entrusted you to look after his most precious thing, his little brother. But under normal circumstances, you’d be working with chemicals or mechanics by the side of your mentors and the Spiderling.
Although now, you had been tasked solely to look after Loki, given no one else was capacitated to deal with him and you seemed to understand each other, and Loki even had friendly interactions with you. Or well, friendly for Loki.
“Get up!” you whined pulling him by his healthy arm.
“I don’t want to” Loki protested.
“Why not?” you huffed defeatedly as you let go of him.
“I don’t exactly feel excited to be sat on a cold table to be prodded and squeezed and all to get stabbed.”
“Injections aren’t the same as getting stabbed, you big baby” you laughed, as you poked his sides, causing Loki to jump and swat your hand away.
“It’s a sharp metal piercing my skin, isn’t it?” he defended himself as he crossed his arm across his chest. “Call me a baby if you please, but it doesn’t excite me being pierced by your tiny blades.”
“L-Loki… are you afraid of needles?” you asked with an amused smile, he could tell by your tone that you were holding back laughter.
“I am not!” he scoffed.
“Oh! You are!” you smiled immensely.
“Is this funny to you?”
“N-No… Don’t worry, it’s cute. I used to fear needles too, you know, when I was five.” You grinned.
Loki’s ears perked up.
“That was a lie” he smiled cockily.
“What?”
“That’s a lie” he repeated himself. “You either still fear them or just recently stopped doing so.”
“Wha— that’s…” your cheeks turning pink were the last tell.
“God of Lies, don’t bother denying it. I can tell when some lies to me” he grinned triumphantly. “Don’t worry, it’s cute.”
You huffed as you smacked the back of his hand.
“And here I was going to tell you my trick to control my nerves” you huffed.
“Which is…?” Loki asked, partly to tease you, but deep down actually wanting to know.
You shuffled through your bag and pull-out headphones and handed them to him. Loki forced himself to ignore the way your hand brushed against his when you handed them to him.
“Just close your eyes and listen to some music” you smiled, “it helps with a lot of things. But if you need to you can hold my hand and squeeze it if you get scared.”
He smiled at you. “Thank you.”
“Tell you what, if you’re brave, I’ll make sure you have your favorite ice cream for dessert today. How does that sound?” you offered.
“I’m not a child you can’t bribe like that” Loki rolled his eyes, “… Two bowls.”
You nodded and helped him get up and walk to get his check up and vaccine. Given how long he had been in bed, he was still doing some rehab and needed help to walk longer distances.
And he did take your word and held your hand all the time, although he did notice it was you who squeezed his hand when the needle came out. He had even forgotten to put on the headphones by the time the needle was out. And you did keep your word of spoiling him with his favorite ice cream.
“The second bowl is gonna melt, so you might as well eat it with me…” he mumbled between bites.
In a few months Loki was practically fully recovered and soon he was starting his rehab trainings. And of course, he had already picked a sparring partner.
“Do not go easy on me” Loki stated the first time.
“Oh, you like it rough then?” you grinned as you two circled around each other on the sparring mat. “Duly noted.”
He was not one new to flirtatious exchanges. He had been alive for over a millennium, and he had had plenty lovers before. But for some reason your banter made him flustered and tied his tongue into a knot.
“If I wanted it rough, I’d pick literally anyone else, agent” Loki excused himself. “You couldn’t take me if you tried.”
“Couldn’t I?” you grinned, noticing his cheeks flare up.
Damn you, you tenacious and annoyingly perceptive little thing.
“In a fight, you pest” Loki huffed.
“Ah, bummer” you smiled cheekily.
And while it was true that your human strength wasn’t a match for his regular god-like standards, you actually provided an interesting challenge. Besides, he was still recovering so using his full strength wasn’t an option anyway. You were fast, and you jumped around him like a rabbit and landed the softest blows as he spun around you trying to follow or even read your patterns.
“What’s wrong, is the mighty God of Mischief unable to catch up?” you smiled as you poked his ribs lightly before sneaking away.
You didn’t expect Loki to yelp.
“D-Don’t!”
Your face was puzzled for just a second, but as soon as it had happened, you had put two and two together and grinned in an almost cartoonish way.
“I think this training just became more fun” you smile as you poked him again.
“Do not even think about it!” he huffed, as a nervous smile twitched its way into his lips.
“What happened to not go easy on you? I’m just obeying.” you grinned and started chasing him after.
The way you wiggled your fingers with a mischievous in his direction awoke something primally playful. And as a bright smile appeared on his face, he started running away from you.
“You will never catch me!” he called as he ran.
You laughed and ran after him.
He would never admit it out loud, but the way he felt in that moment was rejuvenating, he hadn’t done something so silly and non-transcendent purely for the sake that it was fun. But you were ditching training to chase him around under the threat of tickling him if you caught him. All for the sake of playing with him like a kid despite both of you being young adults. And even more surprising is that Loki found himself eager to play along, even if the idea of getting tickled made him nervous.
Which… eventually did happen, curse his weakened stamina and aching ankle. That day he also learned to fear when you threatened him with tickles, you were devastating when you wanted to be.
“Nohohoho!” he laughed as your fingers dug onto his stomach. “This is ehehehe cruel!”
By the time you had caught up with him you had already reached the living room and he had tumbled onto the couch.
“Oh my gosh, you’re so ticklish!” you giggle, your finger swirling around his navel.
“Ehehehehe! Get away from there!” he laughed. “Oh Norns! Stop it!”
“C’mon, Loki, you’re a big guy, you can take it!” you giggled and kneaded his belly sides with your fingers with terrifying skill.
But you were kind enough to give him a break.
“Gods abohohohohove, I’m begging you, dove!” he whined. “Don’t torturehehehehe me like this!”
But it somehow served to strengthen your bond. Loki already had a good concept of you, you were a kind and generous person. You were one of the few people he could’ve called a friend. But seeing you weren’t completely disciplined and were willing to break schedule to have mindless fun was relieving. He feared that living in a S.H.I.E.L.D. building would mean they expected him to become a soldier.
So, he started looking for you out of the designated times you had together. He had come to really like to come and annoy you when you were working, playing with your pencils, hiding your stuff, and of course tickling you to distract you when he was craving your attention… which happened pretty often.
“Lohohohoki!” you whined. “I’m wohohorking!”
“I’m not saying you should stop” he grinned as he skittered his fingers along your ribs and sides, just gently scratching over your thin shirt. “Take this as a test of your focus.”
“Nohohohoho, Loki!” you wheezed. “Ihihihit’s so bahahahad! Stohohohop ihihit!”
“Mm~ I’m not sure” he purred in your ear, knowing damn well how much it made you curl up in a ball. “I kinda like hearing the noises you make, they’re… what’s the word? Cute~”
You screeched as you hid your face with your hands, muffling your laughter. Norns, you were so precious. He may have been teasing you when he said you were cute, but he meant it.
You were a lovely company, helping him heal by doing his routines and rehabilitation regimes, while he reviewed the files regarding New Asgard. You massaged his healing ankle while Loki read the documents that were handed to him.
“This is absolutely atrocious!” Loki scoffed smacking the files. “What is this, Infinity Conez? Who approved this? Look at this! Thanos getting the Infinity Stones is a universal tragedy, but to my people more than anyone!”
“Well, that’s why Thor created the New Asgard Council” you reminded him. “He gets help ruling Asgard, and Asgard gets a group of capable people leading them. You have voice and vote.”
“They will hear about this” Loki said firmly. “I will not allow my people to see that when they go to the market! That’s just disrespectful and heartless!”
“I agree with that” you nodded. “I’d be hurt to see something that traumatic turned into an attraction, there must be a better way to make an ice cream store. What about B-Ice Frost?”
“B-Ice Frost?” Loki asked.
“Yeah! A rainbow bridge themed ice cream store that actually gives a nod to your culture” you suggested. “The logo could an ice cream cone with rainbow sprinkles.”
“Hmm, I’ll notify that suggestion,” Loki nodded as he wrote it down. “Thank you.”
Months into knowing each other and spending a ridiculous amount of time together, and Loki started noticing how being around you boosted his mood, he couldn’t stop thinking about certain details about you, like the way you played with your hands when you were nervous, or how you scrunched up your nose slightly when you smiled at him, how your eyes sparkled when you were assigned a new project you had been excited for, the butterflies in his belly when you placed your hands on him even to greet him or help him stretch before training. And…
Oh Gods… he was falling in love with you.
For a while he didn’t know what to do with himself. He tried carrying himself normally. But it was overwhelming the way he felt about you, it took one look in your direction, and he felt his heart racing. Trying to avoid you didn’t work either, because his entire being craved being around you, so that didn’t last too long. So, at some point, he stopped fighting it. He knew there was no way a being as good as you would even look in his direction, he was a monster, who had done unforgivable things to your planet.
Surely, your kindness had a limit. Surely, once he was fully healed, you’d forget about him. In fact, Loki feared the day he’d be considered fully recovered and you’d abandon him.
“C’mon, lazybones. We’re late for training” you grinned as you pulled him from the couch.
“I do not feel like training today” Loki yawned as he stretched out his arms to you as an invitation to hug him. “Why don’t we watch a movie? You can choose.”
The way your resolve faltered was beyond endearing. Even if you two weren’t anything, it was common knowledge you were what they called a cuddle bug.
“Loki… it’s important you do your rehab exercises” you said softly.
“I am not in the mood for training” Loki repeated.
“Oh, is that how it is?” you said in a playful yet menacing tone. “I’ll have to persuade you then.”
“What? N-No! D-dohohon’t!” Loki burst out laughing when he felt your fingers over his belly. “Nohohoho! Not thehehehehere!”
“Get up!” you teased him as your fingers pinched the sides of his stomach.
“I don’t wahahahant to!” Loki laughed as he kicked the cushions with his heels. “I’m comfortable hehehehere!”
“It’s important you do your exercises, it’s part of your rehab!” you insisted. “C’mon, doctor’s orders.”
“I dohohohon’t follow a mortal’s— ahaha orders!” he wheezed when you found that damned spot below his navel.
“Then I’m not stopping, you’ll spend the evening as a giggly wiggly worm.”
He had to give you something, you knew exactly how to make him squirm. His hips were bucking trying to stop you and his hands were pushing your wrist, but he wasn’t used to dealing with a normal human’s strength, so he didn’t want to risk hurting you.
“Pleahahahase! Cut it— OW!”
Immediately you jolted and stop everything you were doing, cupping your hands over your mouth and looking at him horrified.
“Are you okay? Did I hurt you?” you asked.
“Yes, I’m quite alright. My back aches… that is all.” He assured you as he sat back up.
“I’m sorry, I should’ve been more careful, you’re still recovering.”
“Oh no, the back pain has been with me for quite a few years already” he said, wanting to ease your conscious.
“What…?”
“Well, yes. The Black Order aren’t exactly kind when they force you into their lines.” Loki said simply. “The pain comes back every so often.”
“I’m sorry…” you look at him. “Can I help?”
“Unfortunately, there’s nothing you could d—”
You surprised him by sitting behind him and started rubbing his shoulders, softly at first, feeling him.
“No wonder you are sore, you’re stiff like a board” you said feeling around his spine, soon starting to add more pressure.
He let out a few groans, it hurt a bit at first as you undid the knots of stress of his shoulders. He sighed as he soon felt himself slipping away.
“C’mere” you spoke with utmost softness, as you helped Loki rest on his stomach just to keep massaging his back. “Hehe, you take up most of the couch, I kinda forget how tall you are sometimes.”
“Sorry…” he yawned no even filtering his thoughts.
“It’s okay” you said amusedly, “it’s not a bad thing.”
Your hands rubbed his back with gentle and caring touch. You were so kind and meticulous. Your skill might be up for debate, you were good, but someone much pickier could argue there were professional masseuse that were much better. Perhaps that was true, but no one else had touched him so lovingly, so selflessly. You took your time, and he even noticed every so often you stopped to stretch your fingers that grew tired, but you didn’t complain, you didn’t stop.
He didn’t know when or for how long, but when he woke up you were still massaging your back.
“You snore when you sleep” you spoke in the softest voice, he didn’t want to get his hopes up, but you seemed endeared. “Had a nice nap?”
“Probably the best nap I’ve had since I was maybe 150 years old.” He said, letting out a chuckle at your confusion. “I was still a toddler by then.”
“I’m glad… you really seemed like you needed it” you said softly. “Do you feel better?”
He let out a yawn and stretch, rolling over on his back to look at you.
“Much better, thank you” he smiled politely.
“No problem…” you said with a shyness that was unfamiliar for him, he even got to see the pleasure to see a lovely blush adorning your cheeks. “Um… w-well… I’ll go to… you know…”
“Ah, of course…” he muttered as he saw you run off.
He was a little bit disappointed, but he tried not to think too much about your attitude for the sake of his sanity. Of course, he failed. It was the only thing he could think about
It made him build up the courage to go out for town and buy a bouquet. He thought about red roses, but he saw a bouquet of violets and purple sweet peas and white roses, he just knew that was the one.
He even used his phone for a change to ask you to meet him in the compounds garden, he hated using his cellphone. He had asked Banner to let him use his therapy flower greenhouse. He calculated the hour for the prettiest sky colors to ensure a romantic setting for his love declarations.
Minutes earlier his heart was thumping so loud it was drumming in his ears. He felt his mouth dry, and he was sweaty.
“Loki?” he finally heard your voice as you walked in.
“Over here!” he called as he set his bouquet, behind him, barely hiding it behind himself. “H-Hi… Thanks for coming.”
“No problem” you smiled. “I didn’t know you wanted to try Bruce’s gardening therapy. That’s really good.”
“N-No… I— Uh… I just wanted to… have some privacy.”
“Oh?” you asked as you sat behind him.
“I just… wanted to uh, give you this… as a thank you” Loki said, handing you the bouquet. “You’ve been exceedingly kind to me for months, helping me heal, keeping me in check, and that massage the other day… it really helped me feel better.”
“It’s been my pleasure. You’ve been a lovely patient” you said sweetly as you smelled the flowers.
“T-That’s not the only reason why I wanted to… see you here…” Loki barely spoke out, his mouth felt dry, and he felt lightheaded. “You’ve been a delightful company and a wonderful friend… I can’t say that about a lot of people, and probably even less can say the same thing about myself…”
“That’s not true.” You cut him off. “You’re funny, well-mannered, smart, educated, charmingly stubborn, and a stimulating company. There’s not a boring moment with you around.”
Loki’s cheeks flushed at your sweet words, you weren’t even trying to, but his heart fluttered.
“T-That’s why I mean, you are… a— uh… this is ah— not easy to say… but you… um… I appreciate you.”
“I like you too, you’re a lovely friend” you said sweetly.
“N-No… I am not trying to be friendly” Loki said in a quick gasp of courage. “I-I would like to f-formally court you.”
“Court me…?”
“I think here on Midgard it’s addressed as dating…” Loki said, bracing himself for rejection.
“I’d love to.”
“What…?” Loki asked.
“I’d love to go out with you” you said, gently kissing his cheek.
Loki grinned happily.
“Tomorrow at 8?” Loki offered, “I— we could go to a nice restaurant, I’ll take you there. I could ask for a chauffeur to take us… we— we could…”
You surprised him with a little poke on the ribs, that cut him off with the urge to giggle.
“8 is perfect, I’ll drive us to wherever you like” you smiled, “Just pick a restaurant. But, how about tonight I take you for a nice dinner inside and a movie on the lounge room?”
“I’d like that, very much” Loki smiled softly as he pressed his forehead against yours.
He saw you intertwine your fingers with his own, causing him to smile. You lovely thing. It was a lovely sensation. As you pulled him up to his feet, so he’d follow you inside. Which he did with a bright smile.
What a lovely life he had found on Earth.
| MASTERPOST |
591 notes
·
View notes
Jotunheim
Masterlist / Main Masterlist
Asgard 2011
Thor's coronation had, by all accounts, been a disaster. The day had started fine, the palace was buzzing with excitement as Asgard prepared for a new monarch. Of course, nothing ever went as planned and the triumphant day was interrupted by Jotuns, Frost Giants, breaking into Odin's weapons vault. The Destroyer Odin kept had stopped them but from what Astri heard from servants gossiping, they had been trying to steal back the casket that Odin had taken from them over a thousand years ago.
Now, Astri could hear Thor's angered shouts through the castle as she sat in her room. Her slightly too-tight dress was pinching at her hips. She had spent a lot of the past two weeks with Loki who was still unhappy with the AllFathers decision. Of course, she couldn't listen to Loki's complaints without something to eat and had gained some weight since Thor had been named heir. Loki had told her it wasn't even noticeable this morning when she had confided in him.
Maybe he was right but her clothing was starting to say otherwise. The book in her lap was beginning to bore her, she rose and placed it neatly on her shelf. Her eyes scanned the many bookcases she had in an attempt to find something more interesting. Perhaps Loki would want to visit the castle's well-stocked library with her or maybe he was off trying to calm down Thor, a task Astri had never been good at.
Astri closed her eyes and slowed her breathing. She and Loki had been trying to mentally link themselves together for short periods, a technique Frigga had told them about but was never able to master herself. It proved to be incredibly hard for both of them and Astri understood why Frigga had given up on learning. Not only was it mentally draining, it physically exhausted her as well if she pushed too hard. Not to mention, there was no way to even get into Loki's mind if he did that thing he did where he closed his brain off to her. According to Frigga as long as the other's mind was open, and they were both strong enough to receive the bond they'd be able to briefly link their minds together. The idea was so that they'd be able to communicate and see each other's surroundings.
She could feel his presence as she concentrated harder. Thor's voice was muffled as the link slowly established. The fuzzy image of the castle's hallways formed as she tried to see Loki as well. A harsh bang on her door pulled her out of whatever progress she had been able to make. She groaned in annoyance as she pulled her chamber's door open to be met with of all individuals, Loki.
"Good try with the mental link, Astri." He said when she met his eyes
"Oh please, like you could have done any better." She scoffed crossing her arms
"I couldn't have. Why do you think I said good try?" He smiled reaching out to gently tug at her long hair
"Stop it." She said batting his hand away
"Get ready, we're going to Jotunheim, " Loki said
"Excuse me?" Astri balked, her eyes going wide
This had to be the most reckless, crazy thing Thor had ever dragged Astri and the others into. Sure, there was that time he had tried pranking Heimdall with her and Loki's help but that was an entirely different game. Speaking of said man, Heimdall stood at the entrance of the Bifrost ready to most likely send them all back home.
"Leave this to me," Loki said as they dismounted from their horses
"Oh this'll be good," Astri mumbled as Loki confidently sauntered up to the Bifrost keeper.
"You're not dressed warm enough," Heimdall said
That was not what Astri had expected to come out of his mouth. Apprently neither did Loki since he seemed rather surprised as well.
"Do you think you can deceive me?" Heimdall asked Loki
"You must be mistaken..." Loki smiled
"Enough!"Thor's harsh tone shut his brother up and wiped the smile from Astri's previously amused face. "Heimdall may we pass?"
"An enemy has never slipped past my watch until this day. I want to know how it happened." Heimdall said
There was no way in all the realms this was happening. Was it too late to return to her room and books?
"Tell no one where we have gone until we've returned," Thor ordered before walking past him and Loki.
"Whats the matter? Silver tongue turned to lead?" Volstagg smiled nudging Loki as he passed.
The Bifrost roared to life as Heimdall placed his sword into its holder.
"If your return threatens the safety of Asgard, the Bifrost will remain closed. You'll be left to die in Jotunheim." He warned
Astri tugged at the soft cloak she had dawned before walking out of her chambers with Loki. The Bifrost glowed a dazzling brightness before she was swept into it.
Jotunheim
When they had stepped out of the Bifrost's glow, Astri was shocked at how truly barren the land was. Heimdall had been right about their clothes. The wind was harsh and it stung at her face when snow hit her. Snow crunched under her boots as she followed Thor. They passed under huge rocks or maybe they were buildings that dripped in ice and snow.
"Stay alert and close to me," Loki whispered, his voice barely cut through the wind despite him being directly next to her.
What Astri presumed was King Laufey's castle was fully in their view before she knew it. It was smaller than Asgard's but it was monstrous. Before they could take another step, a bone-chilling voice overtook the harsh winds and snow.
"You've come a long way to die." the voice said
"I am Thor Odinson," Thor said
"We know who you are," it said
"How did you get into Asgard?" Thor questioned
"The house of Odin is full of traitors."
"Do not dishonor my father's name," Thor yelled
Suddenly, the horrible voice had a face as Frost Giant, most likely King Laufey, rose from an opening in the castle. More followed, almost appearing out of thin air. Astri's hand immediately dropped to her sword, ready to pull it from its hilt.
"Your father is a murderer and a thief." Laufey said "And have you come here to make peace? You long for conflict. Crave it. You're nothing but a boy trying to prove himself a man."
More Frost Giants emerged, this time flanking them. So much for getting in and out.
"This boy has grown tired of your mockery," Thor said.
"Stay on guard," Loki warned her quietly before approaching an angry Thor "Stop and think, we're outnumbered."
"Go, while I still allow it," Laufey said
Thank you, Laufey. At least Astri wouldn't be going to Valhalla today.
"We will accept your generous offer," Loki said with a slight bow
Astri's eyes widened as a large Frost Giant stood in front of Thor. Loki motioned for her to turn and she did but not before hearing the Frost Giant's words,
"Run home little Princess."
"Damn."
Loki's voice was the last thing she heard before Thor smacked the giant with Mjolnir, sending him flying backward. All bets were off as the Frost Giants quickly swarmed them. With her sword drawn, Astri quickly blocked a large hand encased in ice that came crashing towards her. She spun around, kicking at its large legs to bring it closer to her height. Her sword found a home in its stomach and she kicked it away. Another Frost Giant came running towards her, his ice sword at the ready. She met him blow for blow and her heart pounded in her ears when she sliced at his neck, bringing him down.
"At least make it a challenge for me!"
She turned to see Thor and Loki right beside him. She could hear Loki's words about staying close in her head as she took a few steps towards him. She was met with a blur of blue and ice as a Frost Giant jumped to the ground from who knows where. Another two joined him and cut Astri off from Loki.
"This one is rather small even for a female." One said
"Easier to kill." Another snarled
The third just laughed before swinging at her. Astri's sword went flying from her hands as she felt his ice make an impact with her armor. She was back on her feet before she could even blink. Another blow, this time from behind and she swore her back popped with this hit. She reached for her knife as she pulled herself up.
"A small weapon for an even smaller girl." One of the giant's words fueled her anger as she stood.
No more waiting for their blows. Astri made the first move and ran at the one who spoke. She ran and lept off one of the ice chunks that the giants had manifested. Her knife made a sickening sound when it made contact with the Frost Giant's face. His glazed-over eyes told Astri that he was indeed dead as she tried pulling her knife out. One down two to go...if she could just get this damn knife out. Ok, it wasn't going to budge. Astri turned her gaze to the other two she had yet to kill and saw them running towards her. Looks like they didn't take kindly to her killing their friend. Screw the knife and screw her missing sword. It wouldn't take much to blow these fools away. She could practically smell the fear on one of them when her magic went flying them. She quickly lifted them into the air, ready for her next move. A loud angry cry hit her ears and she turned to see another Frost Giant coming towards them. It was rather comical the way they all fell when she sent the two she had flying at the third. She watched as they hit each other and then fell off the cliff behind them.
"Astri! Let's go!" Sif yelled
Astri's eyes widened when she saw Volstagg and Hogun were holding a bloodied Fandral.
Loki rarely felt truly fearful. Sure, there was the time he had cut a chunk of Sif's hair out and then that other time when his mother got so angry with him about something he did to Thor that she ran out of words to yell at him. But, all of those fears didn't amount to what he was feeling when he saw Astri surrounded by three Frost Giants. He was desperately trying to work his way across the battlefield to where she was but the enemy seemed to be never ending. The moment he cut one down, another sprung up like they were in some endless queue.
"Don't let them touch you!" Volstagg had warned
The warning seemed to slip past his mind as he killed another Frost Giant. Astri's safety was still on his mind when the large blue hand met his sleeve. The cloth and metal fell away and a sudden coldness took Loki's entire arm. His eyes widened when his skin began turning blue instead of blistering like he expected. The Frost Giant in front of him gave him an almost knowing look before Loki killed him. His hands shook as his skin turned back to normal. What kind of cruel joke was this? A loud yelp from about fifty feet to his right broke his trance, he watched as a Frost Giant smacked Astri hard enough to send her flying. His feet quickly began moving towards her. His daggers found homes in the throats of each Frost Giant who dared get in his way. Fandral's loud cry stopped his warpath. He had been impaled by a long spike of ice. Loki looked over at Astri whose hands were now glowing their blue hue, ready to end the Frost Giants who had cornered her. She'd be fine without him for one more moment. He quickly killed the giant who had been ready to kill Fandral and then turned to Thor who seemed to be having fun.
"We must go!" He yelled at his brother
"Then go!" Thor yelled back
The ground rumbled as ice fell from what Loki had thought was a giant statue. A horrible-looking monster sprung to life as he ran after Sif, Volstagg, Hogun, and Fandral. A loud crack was heard behind them as Thor brought lightning down on the Frost Giants that were surrounding him rapidly. In the flickers of his brother's power, Loki saw Astri's sword lodged in a chunk of ice. He reached for it as he ran past and pulled it out rather easily.
"Astri! Let's go!" Sif yelled to the girl who was watching three giants fall to their deaths.
Astri couldn't believe what she was seeing. Not only was Fandral draped over Volstagg but a huge monster was hot on the friend's heels. She quickly began running as fast as she could beside Sif. The monster's heavy footfalls and sharp claws began breaking apart the ground they were running on. Suddenly, Fandral let out a victorious-sounding cry and Astri looked back to see the monster falling into one of the cracks its heavy weight had caused. They never slowed and ran on until they reached the cliff they had arrived on. The ground rumbled once more and to her horror, the monster had somehow managed to beat them to the edge of the cliff. This is not how she wanted to get sent to Valhalla. There was no way to turn around. Frost Giants were rapidly approaching as she looked at Loki who looked fearful for once. She reached for his hand and grabbed it. His skin was like ice and his eyes seemed desperate.
"Let's enchant it!" Astri yelled over the monster's growling, there was little chance of her plan succeeding since neither she nor Loki could enchant anything but they could try.
Before Loki had a chance to say anything, Mjolnir flew over their heads with Thor in tow and right through the monster. Thank you Odin for that magical hammer. The loud thuds of footsteps reminded them that they weren't alone. Behind them what seemed like every Frost Giant on the planet had gathered to kill them where they stood.
"Here," Loki said presenting Astri's sword to her.
"Thank you," Astri said taking it and dropping Loki's hand.
So this was it. Astri could feel her palms sweat as the first Frost Giants made their move. She did originally have plans of living much longer but things were now looking rather bleak. Shimmering light from up above stopped her dark thoughts as suddenly the AllFather was in front of them, mounted on his horse.
"Father! We'll finish them together!" Thor smiled
"Silence."
Odin's tone sent a shiver down Astri's spine as her king talked to Laufey. Astri couldn't quite hear what they had said but before she knew it a burst of light came from Odin and Laufey was sent flying back and away from them. The BiFrost opened once more and before she knew it, she was standing back on Asgard, Heimdall staring at them.
"Why did you bring us back?" Thor angrily asked
"Do you know what you've started?" Odin asked
Oh boy, this was not going to be a fun conversation. Astri looked at Sif, Volstagg, and Hogun who were leading Fandral away and to their healers. Astri immediately made motion to follow them, she had no desire to listen to another terrifying AllFather talk.
"Stay," Odin commanded, a harsh slam of Gungnir on the ground was all it took for her to freeze and scurry back to her spot next to Loki.
"I was protecting our home," Thor argued "You stand here giving speeches while Asgard falls. Our enemies laugh at us while you do nothing."
"You are a vain, greedy, and cruel boy!" Odin yelled back
"You're an old man and a fool!" Thor countered
Astri kept her gaze glued on the floor. She had always hated when others argued a fought in front of her. Frigga once said that it was her subconscious reminding her of her past. What part of her past? Astri wasn't sure yet.
"Yes."
Odin's suddenly soft tone had Astri's head snapping back up to look at the scene in front of her. Loki stood by her side, rather close while Odin and Thor argued.
"I was a fool to think you were ready," Odin said looking down
"Father..."
Odin shut Loki up with a loud shout and a point.
"Thor Odinson," Odin said "You have disobeyed the command of your king. Through your arrogance, you have opened the peaceful realms to war."
The Bifrost roared to life as Odin placed Gungnir into it. Astri looked at Loki worriedly. He avoided her gaze and kept his eyes on his father and brother.
"You are unworthy of these realms, your title, you're unworthy!" Odin yelled, ripping Thor's armor and his cape. "You're unworthy of your loved ones."
Astri's eyes widened, suddenly she had cause to be worried about Thor, the little blonde boy she had grown up with who was pretty much untouchable when it came to being in harm's way. Now, she was watching as he stripped of everything even his family. Of course, nothing could have prepared her for what happened next.
"I now take from you your power." Odin said as Thor's armor vanished from his body "I, Odin, Allfather cast you out."
Astri gasped and grabbed onto Loki as Thor was sent huddling back into the Bifrost which glowed as it took him who knows where.
"Whosoever holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor."
And so we've begun the first Thor movie. I was talking to a friend about this book recently and they said that Astri reacting the way she did to Thor's banishment didn't make sense since this is a Loki fic. I beg to differ. Astri was raised with both brothers yes she gets along best with Loki but she cares for Thor as one would care for family. Thor is a big brother to her in the same sense that he is Loki's.
I'd like to take a moment to say not to be a silent reader! I love getting comments, likes, and reblogs, stuff like that keeps me writing! Hope you are enjoying This Love so far :)
Taglist: (To be added comment below)
@buttercupcookies-blog
@666-gothic-bat-666
48 notes
·
View notes