Chapter Seven

Happy Ending

The next couple hours pass in a blur. As soon as the words fall out of my mouth Tony has me on a plane to California with the promise my things will be sent there the following weeks. Now, I'm walking onto the California coast, my feet nearly simmering when they hit the sand. Of course, Tony got me the swankiest apartment possible and it's right on the beach. Men are loading what I've brought with me into the place, so I changed into a bathing suit and headed towards the ocean. The heat sears my skin while the water laps at my toes. Warmth does nothing but remind me of the one I forgot. The one with hands colder than ice, but a heart just beginning to thaw. I shake my head.

"It was for the best." I say aloud, looking down at a little shell in the sand. "This way he'll have gotten what he wanted and won't have to deal with me anymore. It's better for him. Really." I try convincing the shell and sigh when it buries itself in the sand. "Fuck you too, shell." My eyes shut as I turn my head towards the sun, then walk into the water. It really is better this way. There's no chance he'll get bored with me and be immune to my teachings, and there's no way he'll punish administration when this was my choice. It's a win-win, right? I try convincing myself, but the hole in my chest is preventing my mind from believing. Groaning, I duck under the waves as if to drown my thoughts there.

* * * * * * * * * *

When I get back to my apartment it's quiet and still smells like the wood they used to build it. A stark difference from the facility where everything was made from steel, concrete and glass. A few pieces of temporary furniture are here and a big suitcase with clothes for the while I don't have the rest of my stuff. Sighing, I rub my temples.

"It was 'for the best'." I mock myself and look up at the ceiling. Suddenly, the door swings open to reveal a pissed off Loki and a smiling Thor. "Uh..." I start as Loki walks in as the complete embodiment of a storm cloud. He stops just in front of me, blue eyes darker and sadder than I've seen. Slowly, Thor reaches in and shuts the door so we have some privacy.

"So, that's it? We make love, then you flee across the country?" He asks in a soft voice, but I know there's anger simmering underneath.

"It's...you have to know that this is for the best." The words are bitter as they leave my mouth, but they have to be said. Instantly, he starts shaking his head.

"No, I don't think that. I think this is far better." He wraps his arms around me and his cold seeps through the thin fabric of my cover-up. My hands hold onto his arms, whether to keep him close or to prevent him from moving closer, I don't know. I swallow and my eyes shut for a moment at being held close to him again. "You think so as well, I can read it on your face." He whispers.

"Loki...we can't." I stand my ground.

"We can. I spoke with administration." My eyes snap up to his in shock.

"What?" He nods with a smug smile on his face.

"Sam Wilson and Thor came with me and denied to supply our services if they wouldn't allow us to be together. They agreed rather quickly." Loki tells me happily as I absorb this. "So, come back with me. Be mine, darling."

"Loki, it's...I'm..." I struggle to find my words. "I'm scared." His entire body stiffens at my words and I watch him in confusion.

"Ah. I see." He murmurs and my eyes widen when I realize what he thinks I meant. I tug him back to me and shake my head.

"No, no. I'm not afraid of you. I'm just...I'm worried about where this could lead; you and I." Relief floods his features and a small smile returns to his face.

"Is that not part of the thrill of the adventure, dear?" Loki asks and the hope in his voice tugs at the corner of my mouth.

"It's thrilling to jump from a building until that last foot." I shoot back to stall. "If you couldn't tell already from the lug you've already met, I'm not great in relationships." Loki meditates on this for a moment before I see a light go off in his eyes.

"Tell me your concerns. One by one." He requests eagerly.

"Uh, I get boring." I name the first that comes to mind.

"You have never bored me." Loki combats immediately. My eyes narrow, ah, I see what this is.

"You'll get tired of being with the same person." I challenge.

"I've lasted this long without hating Thor and I assure you that you are far more diverting." He responds immediately.

"I work most of the time."

"I am part of your work therefore I truly don't mind." Loki answers happily, not having any trouble with this at all.

"I'm not a goddess or queen." I state, my mind starting to scramble for more excuses.

"You are to me." Loki replies smoothly. I purse my lips and swallow nervously.

"You'll fall out of love with me." This time my voice is quiet and my eyes flick down to the lack of space between us.

"That's what it is, isn't it? That's what you are worried most about?" He asks and I nod sheepishly. "Darling, have you not listened to me at all?" His tone is so earnest that it makes me look up into his eyes again. "When an Asgardian falls in love it is eternal. I know I may not be Asgardian by birth, but I was raised in their ways. Besides, I can think of no better life than one spent with you." Loki declares with the utmost sincerity. "I swear it." He continues when I fail to answer. Smiling softly, I reach up and gently caress his cheek.

"I believe you." His eyes light up and his smile takes over half his face. Before I can say another word, he plants a joyous kiss on my lips. We break apart when we hear the door open.

"Ah, good. So, I have a little sister, huh? Well, you're already better than Loki." Thor announces and walks over, embracing me and spinning me around. I let out a strangled laugh as he squeezes just a little too tight.

"Thanks Thor." I wheeze after he sets me down with a wide grin. Loki is quick to wrap his arm around my waist to keep me from his brother and pecks my cheek affectionately. "How did you both get here so quickly anyway?"

"I flew us here." Thor responds proudly. "Shall we get back?" He asks us both and Loki nods.

"Grab onto my back, darling?" Loki requests and guides my arms around his shoulder and chest, interlocking my hands.

"I'm sorry, what's going on?" I ask as Loki wraps my legs around him as well.

"We're flying back. Don't worry, we'll be there in less than thirty minutes would you say, brother?" Loki asks as they link arms.

"Um, what?" My voice jumps up a couple octaves.

"Let's try for ten!" Thor yells happily, then we're off and shooting through the window. While I manage to keep in my scream, I'm confident I'm squeezing the breath out of Loki. Eventually though, I get used to it and watch the world speed by me in a blur. Too soon, we land in the yard of the Avengers facility. "Twenty! Not too bad." Thor announces proudly as Loki detaches himself from him.

"Wow." I blink and finally unlock my fingers from one another, then drop off Loki.

"Realizing you chose the wrong brother?" Thor teases as Loki shoots daggers at him with his eyes. An amused smile forms on my lips as I shake my head.

"No, tall, dark, and handsome is definitely my type." I rest a hand on Loki's shoulder as he smiles victoriously. Thor holds his hands up in surrender, then walks away with a smile. I flinch as Loki suddenly stoops down and picks me up bridal style to carry me inside.

"And when I thought I couldn't care about you more." He tells me, his eyes looking down at me in contentment. I shake my head, but I'm smiling. We arrive at his room since mine still has boxes in it, and Loki sets me down gently. "I was thinking we'd have a nice dinner, then retire." He suggests. I nod while wrapping my arms around his neck.

"I like that idea, but what if we have dessert first?" I counter offer and press my lips to his, moaning slightly when his hands curl up in my shirt.

"Sounds perfect." He murmurs against my lips before pulling me even closer. And it is perfect.

A/N; Hope you enjoyed, darlings! Please vote and share!