As per usual, Loki's 'radar' detected Beverlee when she arrived at his room. She could see by his eyes he was happy to see her, but the expression on his face, especially the rueful smile, revealed even more. As she reached his bedside, they immediately embraced.

 "Doctor Reiss informed me of your condition," she whispered, "I'm so sorry."

"Don't be," Loki said sadly, stroking her back, "I'm accepting it as my punishment for killing Lowenstein."

"Don't say that," Beverlee scolded, "the doctors are working very hard to find a way to help you."

"Midgardians can be very diligent," Loki said softly, releasing the hug a little, looking into Beverlee's eyes, "but alas, they are not the least bit qualified, I think, to operate on me. Only one man possibly ever had that knowledge... and I killed him."

Beverlee released one of her arms, and reached out to touch Loki's cheek, "We're going to find a way to beat this, I promise."

"How can you promise that?"

"Loki, there has to be an answer out there, it's just a question of finding it."

"Beverlee, I'm not afraid to die."

"But I'm afraid to live without you."

"Sentiment," Loki said quietly, a small smile teasing his lips. He took Beverlee's hand from his cheek and kissed it, "do not mistake the context of my words, I do not wish to leave you. However, fate seems to have made other plans.  I am very sorry we will not be able to go out for Valentine's Day, as they feel it best to contain me here as a preventative measure for my health... and for others."

"If we have to spend the day here, so be it," Beverlee said, attempting to sound upbeat, "as long as we're together." She put her hand atop the one he continued to hold then looked at him with genuine concern, "how can you be so calm?"

"What else can I do, my clever girl? I'm stuck in what I believe you Midgardians call a 'catch-22.' What I have within me is dangerous, and I either have the choice of letting it kill me or have a team of incompetent medical experts to extract it the wrong way, which could lead to those involved getting injured or perish, along with the possibility that I could also perish with them. I believe... just letting things be... is the best way."

"No... I can't just stay here and  watch you die."

"Beverlee, please understand, this is the only choice for everyone's best interest."

"No..." Beverlee renewed the embrace, holding Loki very close, "no!" 

"I understand this is hard for you, it would be hard for anyone to deal with such a situation," he said, echoing her words from earlier, holding her as tight as he could without hurting her, "however, I'm still very much alive right now," he whispered, "...and hungry."

"I'll get us some lunch," Beverlee said, releasing the hug. 

"That's not what I meant."

He pulled her back into his arms and kissed her passionately.

Beverlee trembled with extreme bliss. Her arms quickly encircled him again. When their lips separated, "N-now?" she asked, stammering, "I-I thought this was something we agreed to do on our own terms... "

"Is this not a good time?"

"No, it isn't," Beverlee said quite reluctantly, "believe me, I want to, but I'd like to do this properly - and not in a hospital bed."

"Due to what the cyst is doing to me, I doubt they will release me to quarters."

"Let me see what I can do," she smiled at him, "after all, I am your clever girl."

"That you are." Loki smiled back. 

****

Taking her to leave from Loki, Beverlee returned to the waiting room. The Initiative members were still there, sitting and waiting for her.  She smiled, grateful that they did.

Maybe they can help me... 

They all got up, and Minerva gave Beverlee another hug.

"Are you all right, sweetie? How's Loki?"

"I..." Beverlee didn't realize how much she needed the warmth of this hug, "I'm... worried about Loki. He's, well..." she didn't know how to start.

"Let's take you to lunch and you can tell us," Minerva said, "I'm sure you could use a meal right now." 

"I-I can't," Beverlee said, sadly looking at the armed security guards, "at the moment I'm restricted to remain in Thor's quarters until the investigation is completed.  I was only able to come here with special permission."

"Let me handle this," Sasha said, walking over to the guards. 

The others couldn't hear what was being said, but they observed Sasha's conversation with the guards. They seemed to be quite interested in what she was telling them.  After a few minutes, the guards nodded at her. She then took her leave and returned to the others.

"We were able to come to an agreement." Sasha said with a broad smile, "the guards are willing to follow us at a discreet distance as long as we take responsibility for you," she said to Beverlee, "so you can come with us."

"Thank you," Beverlee said, with a grateful smile, "but I'll need to return here soon afterward, I want to make sure Loki  also has the opportunity to eat something."

"Don't worry, Princess," Blitz said, "Chef will make sure Loki is provided for."

"Are you sure?" Beverlee asked with concern, "Lowenstein was a good friend of Chef Barber. Knowing what happened, he might not be as obliging to Loki as he was."

"Don't fret, Beverlee," Minerva said, "a formal 'regret to inform' memo was sent out to the agents, but the cause of death wasn't mentioned. Only those who need to know, like us, are aware of the situation," she looked at Beverlee with a sheepish look, "there is the possibility gossip and rumours have spread, but that's all Barber would know."

"I guess we won't know until we go," Beverlee said shrugging. "What's special for today?"

"Not sure, but no shoes or socks - no service," Jamal said, "Sasha, are there any clothes you or Minerva could temporarily let Beverlee wear?" 

"I got just the thing!" Sasha said, "we'll drop by my quarters, they're on the way."

They proceeded to exit the doors of the Med Centre, with the guards making sure they were a certain distance behind them.

****
 
Inside the cafeteria, sitting at a table in a quiet area, but also speaking quietly, Beverlee regaled to the Initiative members about Loki's plight.  They were horrified to learn how the situation for him had changed from bad to worse. 

"Poor Loki!"

"The doctors must know how to fix this - why are they stalling?"

"You must have been so scared when Loki was suffering from that nightmare!"

"We have to do something!"

"We do," Beverlee said, dipping an edge of her grilled cheese into her bowl of tomato soup, "and I need your help."

"Beverlee, if you know how to help Loki, just tell us what you need and we'll make it happen," Jamal said, taking a spoonful of his Greek quinoa salad.

"Unless we can't," Blitz said, sipping on a can of ginger ale, "and then do it anyway."

A pursed-lips grin appeared on Beverlee's face, "what we need, is access to those medical files and the notes. We need to learn what the doctors aren't telling us. But we also need someone in the medical field to help..."

"Beverlee, despite your first impression of Nurse Halsey, I'm sure she would lend a hand," Blitz said.

"We don't need Nurse Halsey," Minerva said, "we need Coulson."

"Coulson?!" Beverlee said, incredulous, "I mean, I know he's less opposed to Loki these days, but still... there's the chance he'll side with the medical team."

"Not necessarily," Minerva said, "don't forget, Coulson has a trusted team who have the clearance to all kinds of people and things - some so secret even we don't know about them. He's also very aware of how valuable Loki is to the team. Despite what happened in the past, we believe it makes Coulson feel better that Loki is an 'employee,' under his 'rule.' Plus, he would have to deal with Thor if SHIELD didn't make every attempt - within reason - to save his brother."

"Your logic is sound, Minerva," Beverlee said, "okay, let me just get some food for Loki and -"

Suddenly, Beverlee heard her name said close behind her. She turned around to see that...

It was Chef James Barber. He was holding a tall dark glass bottle and two shot glasses.

"Guys, could you give me a few minutes?" Beverlee asked.

Minerva, Sasha, Jamal and Blitz nodded and gestured with their hands in a waving motion to go talk to Barber.

Standing up, she walked over to him, and he gestured for them to sit an empty table for two.

"Beverlee, I understand you were there when Tom died," he opened up the bottle and poured two shots in the glasses, then moved one over to Beverlee.

"Yes... yes, I was," Beverlee said quietly.

"I've been hearing awful things..." Barber said, "but I don't want to believe them."

"What things?" 

"That Loki killed him," he looked at Beverlee closely, "that isn't true, is it?"

Beverlee gulped.  She had to be very careful, as she didn't want to upset Barber any further since he got the news.  She could see the loss of Lowenstein had taken a toll, Barber's face looked tired and pale. 

"It... it was an accident," she said slowly, starting to again feel the emotions when it initially transpired, "Loki was not himself, he was sleepwalking and suffering from an intense nightmare. We've since learned he has a manifestation within his chest that seems to have caused this suffering..." she took a deep breath, "and he may die from it if it's not treated soon. As for Tom, he didn't do anything wrong either... He only was trying to help Loki."

Barber looked at Beverlee, and for a moment didn't speak, then said, sadly, "so it is true."

"In a manner of speaking, as long as you see it in the right context," Beverlee clarified, "Tom was your friend, but he was also my friend as well as Loki's. Please," she took a risk, and placed her hand on Barber's arm, "it would be awful for us, especially Loki, to lose your friendship as well."

"Where is Loki now?"

"In the Med Centre," Beverlee replied with downcast eyes, "he feels so much remorse for what happened... He also told me he's not afraid to die, thinking his illness is a punishment."

"Thank you for being honest with me," Barber said. "I understand Loki has done some bad things in the past, but ever since I met him, I found it difficult to believe, short of what he does for the Initiative, that he could hurt anyone," he looked at Beverlee with a sympathetic smile, "the loss of Tom still hurts, and I know it will hurt for some time, but knowing that Loki is not to blame, it now hurts me to know that he is suffering so much. Is there anything I can do?"

"If it's not too much to ask, could you please prepare him his favourite lunch?" 

"Of course! Grilled cheese on sourdough bread and tomato soup." Barber smiled, "well, currently that's his favourite. "

"Thank you," Beverlee said, now giving Barber a grateful smile.

Barber picked up his shot glass then gestured for Beverlee to do the same, which she did.

"To Tom," Barber said and clinked it with her glass. 

"To Tom," Beverlee said with conviction.

They both downed the shot at the same time. 

The whiskey burned down her throat, but she didn't care.

At this point, she simply considered it liquid courage, as the next dilemma on her agenda was facing  Coulson. 

****

As the group approached Coulson's office, before knocking on the door, Minerva pulled Beverlee aside. 

"Look, we know how difficult things are for you and Loki right now," Minerva said, "and we know how much you both care about each other," she put her hand on Beverlee's arm, "we understand why you would feel like you have to shoulder the burden alone and convince Coulson to help. But Beverlee, " Minerva looked in her eyes, "I suggest you let us do the talking here. If Coulson asks you anything, go ahead and answer, but we've so got this."

Beverlee looked at Minerva. She was so used playing the role of Loki's advocate, it floored her that someone was offering to take that baton and run with it.  

"I trust you, Minerva," Beverlee said, feeling relieved, then looking at the others, "I trust you all.  Loki and I are very lucky to have you as friends." She took a deep breath, "let's do this."

****

To their surprise, but also to their delight, no convincing was needed on Coulson's part. They learned he had been informed of Loki's condition, but currently had much on his plate, so never had a chance to fully read the report yet.

Calling up the aforementioned report on his computer,  Coulson's curiosity was piqued.

"So they're calling it an energy cyst, huh?" Coulson said, "I know my people are already on this. If there's any Intel that can be found, we'll find it."

"Thank you, sir," Minerva said, then subtlety patted Beverlee's arm in a 'told you so' gesture.

Coulson looked at Beverlee, "how are you both holding up?"

"As best we can considering the circumstances," Beverlee said, shrugging.

"Well let me know if there's anything I can do to help."

"Thank you, and I will."

****

After leaving Coulson's office, once a short distance was made walking away from it, Beverlee punched the air in triumph, then she and the team high-fived each other.

"Beverlee," Minerva said, "the team needs to finish our duties for the day, so if you like, we can escort you back to Thor's quarters?"

"No, you've gone above and beyond," Beverlee said, "I don't have a problem with the guards taking me back."

"Coulson will most likely call us together once he knows something. So get some rest and we'll see you later."

****

Back in Thor's quarters, Beverlee was mentally exhausted after all the events of the day. She looked at her watch and noticed it was only early evening. She knew Thor would return soon, but thought in the meantime she'd take a short nap. Climbing up on the bed, she pulled the covers around her, then fell asleep. 

Before long, she was being shaken awake by Thor.

"Where's Loki?!" Thor said, irked, "he was supposed to be confined with you here! When I find him..." he called out into thin air, "brother, you can't hide from me!" 

"Thor, take it easy!" Beverlee said softly, not fully awake, "a lot has happened since you left this morning. I assure you, Loki is not breaking any rules or playing any mischievous pranks."

"You're wearing more clothes," Thor said. 

"Yes," Beverlee confirmed, "please sit down, and I promise to tell you everything."

From a bag Thor had been holding in his hand, he took a box from it, then placed it on the bed by Beverlee with some plastic cutlery, then sat in his easy chair, retrieving a similar box and more cutlery. He looked at the extra box in the bag and sighed. 

Beverlee opened up the box in front of her and discovered it was Chinese food - and one of her favourites - sweet and sour chicken balls with fried rice.  Did Thor know, or did he ask Chef Barber? No matter how this meal was procured, it was a very sweet gesture. She thought of Loki,  hoping he felt the same way when he got his favourite lunch.

"Thank you, Thor," Beverlee said, with a soft smile, "I haven't had Chinese food for so long."

"My pleasure, Beverlee. I wanted you to feel like a guest, not a prisoner."

"Well, mission accomplished." Beverlee sighed, and looked at Thor with a sympathetic expression, "it wasn't long after you left when a nurse and two armed guards came to retrieve Loki..."

After Beverlee explained what was going on, Thor immediately said, sounding very concerned, "how is Loki right now?"

"Why don't we take that box of food over to him, and you can find out?" Beverlee replied with a smile.

Thor nodded, returning her smile.

****

The visit with Loki in Med Centre - without any armed guards - felt wonderful to Beverlee. She was able to give him another hug, Thor was able to give Loki his food in a box - which was General Tso Chicken with rice - and the three of them connected in conversation - that didn't, for the time being, lead to any arguing. 

"Beverlee," Loki said with a warm smile, "thank you for lunch. Chef Barber delivered it personally, and we had a very nice talk. He said something thoughtful about you," he blushed a little,  "'there are many things in life that can make you want to give up, but when it comes to that friend of yours, Loki, Beverlee is worth living for.'"

"I could have told you that, brother," Thor said, looking at Beverlee with a grin, "I hope Coulson comes up with answers to remove that energy cyst."

"Thor!" Beverlee said upset, "Loki wasn't supposed to know about that yet!"

"What?" Loki asked, confused and a little worried, "how is Coulson involved in this?"

Oh Thor, why can't you keep your mouth shut?!

"Please don't be cross with me, Loki," Beverlee said slowly, beginning to feel nervous, "I know what you told me, and I while I respect your decision, I did what any Midgardian would do... I went to get a second opinion."

"Whose life is it, Beverlee?" Loki asked, his voice sounding resentful, "why did you not consult with me first?"

"Loki, she was only looking out for your best interest," Thor said.

"Thor, this doesn't concern you," Loki snarled, "she went behind my back and..."

"Loki, I wasn't alone in this," Beverlee attempted to explain, but was getting annoyed, "Jamal, Blitz, Sasha and Minerva - they assisted me. We don't want you to die if you don't have to! Why are you not happy about this?!" Then a thought came to mind, "Oh, know why... you're still on about Lowenstein, isn't it! You think you have to die to atone for what you did...."

"Get out!" Loki roared, "both of you GET OUT! NOW!"

Beverlee could see glistening moisture in Loki's eyes. It broke her heart to see him so upset. They had never before had an argument that built up to such a fever pitch. Whether this behaviour was stemming from his cyst or something else, she had to comply to show respect.

"All right, Loki, suit yourself," Beverlee said, biting her lower lip to prevent herself from crying, "we're going."

****

Back in Thor's quarters,  Beverlee was sitting on the edge of the bed beside the God of Thunder, his arm around her in support. 

She felt sick inside and began to question herself about her actions, however, she couldn't find them any other way but justified. Then a terrible thought came to mind:

Am I doing this more for him or for myself? 

"Beverlee, Loki was upset, but I'm quite sure his feelings for you have not changed," Thor said, his other hand moved to her chin and gently tilted her head up, "don't let his outburst make you give up on him." 

"I won't," Beverlee said sadly, then shrugged, "I can't. He's the best thing that..." her voice cracked, "that ever happened to me..." she closed her eyes and tried to fight back tears. 

She discovered it was futile.

Seeing Beverlee had become so upset, he released his arm from around her, then moved onto the bed to kneel behind her. His arms came around her waist.

"Thor? What are you...?"

"Move back onto the bed."

Thor pulled her, well, more like slid her back to the head of the bed, where they resumed their original positions - now both sitting up against the headboard, his arm around her, and she nestled close beside him. 

"Thor, how could I have been so foolish?" Beverlee said, sniffling, "I know now I should have talked to Loki about going to see Coulson first, but..." she took a breath, "I felt I HAD to do SOMETHING... It never even occurred to me that he might have had something else in mind."

"Beverlee, while Loki was correct when he said to me, 'open communication was never our family's forte,'" Thor said, "it's easy to see that you two have developed quite the skills. Whether you made an error in judgement or not,  remember - you are not some stranger, you are someone he has come to trust implicitly.  Just give Loki some time. I also believe my brother sometimes doesn't realize how good you are to him," Thor smirked, "...and people think I'm thickheaded," he gently stroked Beverlee's arm, "it will be all right. Rest now."

What Thor said was comforting, and it eased some of the self-loathing she had been harbouring.  Overworked emotions were now making her feel drowsy. She had no choice but to trust Thor and that the situation would somehow resolve itself. Allowing herself to close her eyes, she fell asleep against Thor's strong body, being held securely by his arm.

****

When Beverlee awoke, she felt a bit bleary but more refreshed.  However, she was no longer being held by Thor, he didn't even seem to be in his quarters. Instead, she found herself in bed, tucked under the covers - her socks and shoes removed. 

She smiled, grateful for Thor taking care of her last night. It was rather nice being in his company and wouldn't mind doing it again but under better circumstances. 

Stretching, she looked at the nightstand, then noticed a note and plate with two Pop-Tarts, and a mug of coffee.

The note read, "Morning, Beverlee - enjoy breakfast!  When ready, the guards will take you the briefing room."

Beverlee chuckled at the presented meal, then picked up a Pop-Tart. Taking a bite, she discovered it was strawberry-flavoured. 

Not bad!

She got up, got refreshed, then finished consuming her breakfast. As she did so, there was something on Thor's chair that got her attention.

It was her clothes from Loki's quarters - which appeared laundered and folded. 

There was also a note: "Investigation over - Loki cleared!"

It took them long enough,  but glad they saw it our way.

For a moment she thought about Loki and hoped he was all right. 

Beverlee was grateful to Sasha for lending her some clothes yesterday, but there was nothing more comfortable than wearing one's own. She changed into them quickly, the feel of the fabrics against her skin helped her feel more in control and confident.

Let's do this...

She opened the door - and as expected, the guards were there.

"To the briefing room, please."

****
 
When Beverlee arrived at the briefing room, the usual suspects were there; Coulson, Thor, Doctor Reiss, Jamal, Minerva, Sasha and Blitz.

But someone seemed to be missing.

Beverlee took a seat beside Thor, she looked around the room, then asked, "where's Loki?" 

"We're having this meeting first," Coulson said, "after, we plan to have you be the messenger to present to Loki on what we've come up with. Spoiler alert, they are glad tidings."

"Do tell," Beverlee said. 

"Much of this I cannot go into detail," Coulson explained, "because the parties involved need to remain classified. What I CAN tell you though,  is that somehow that modified weapon that Loki was shot with had an anomaly about it, so when Loki was hit, there was some residual energy that stayed in his system. It was such a small amount, and that's why it was not detected during other post-assignment medical examinations. It's only taken this long to finally manifest itself into something we can see on a scan."

"Okay, so we know how it happened," Beverlee said, "what's the solution?"

"You'll all believe it a ludicrous idea when you hear it." Coulson replied, "even I was not convinced, but yet, this is what we need to do..."

He told them.

The room erupted in many voicing their disbelief and agreeing how ludicrous this theory was. However, soon after the initial shock of what was suggested was out there, they all took a moment to think about it, then realized it was crazy enough to be effective. 

Beverlee, who wasn't a scientist, thought the idea was a cross between fighting fire with fire and the ending of Old Yeller.  It truly was ludicrous. But if the others believed it would work, and she trusted these people, who were she to say otherwise?

Standing up from her chair, Beverlee said, "shall I go tell him now?"

"Please," Coulson replied, "it will take time for the proper preparations to be made. Calibrations have to be made to the instruments and such." 

"Would you like me to go with you?" Thor asked, looking at her with concern.

"No," Beverlee said quietly, "thank you, but I think it's best I do this myself," Beverlee placed a hand on Thor's shoulder and gave him a small smile, "oh, and thank you for breakfast."

Beverlee then began her long walk to the Med Centre.

****

As she walked down the corridor, she was not too keen about seeing Loki. She couldn't believe she was even having these feelings or lack of them for that matter. What had happened last night that had her in tears, left her feeling numb and ambivalent today. 

She tried to think of a happy memory with him to try and alleviate her mood, but it wasn't easy. The fear of experiencing a happy thought, only to know if Loki's mood was still sour when she saw him, would crush her.

Then she realized something - this was their first fight.  All relationships sooner or later faced this - it was part of human nature, including Asgardian and Jotun. This also was a part of strengthening the relationship...

She began to find herself quickening her pace. As she continued to think about Loki, she began to have flashes of memory, of the good times they shared... How did she ever think this could be the end for them?  

This is just a blip. 

We will learn from this.

We won't let this break us.

She got to the point where she was almost sprinting to the Med Centre.

When she got to his door within the patient ward and opened it, she could see Loki had an uneasy expression on his face. Gone was the upset and rage from last night. Not only did he look uneasy, but also anxious.

"Beverlee?" He spoke, in barely more than a whisper, "I'm... I'm sorry."

Dashing to his bedside, Beverlee immediately put her arms around him. "No, I'm the one who's sorry; I didn't listen to you."

Loki's arms came around her in kind, and he clung to her tightly. Beverlee adjusted the embrace a little so she could look at him and say, "Please forgive me."

"I forgive you," Loki said, his eyes glistening with moisture, "as long as you forgive me."

"Of course I do." Beverlee also had moisture in her eyes. "Let's make this official," she said, smiling, her lips quivering a little.

She leaned forward and kissed him passionately on the lips.

"Your clever girl is ready," she said huskily, once the kiss ended, "but I need the God of Mischief to assist me to secure our... appointed place."

"Appointed place?" Loki asked, raising an eyebrow, "is it nearby?"

"Very," Beverlee replied, "a place with a comfortable couch."

They looked at each other, both smiling big, sharing a conspiratorial look.

**** 

Dr. Reiss had returned to his temporary office after doing rounds and checking on the progress of what was involved for Loki's procedure.  As he closed the door behind him, he could hear certain sounds coming from within the office, and tracking where he was hearing them. 

When he located the source of the sounds, he was in shock... but instead of confronting the situation, he quietly backed away, making sure he didn't disturb the two people on the couch.

He decided to take a long lunch. 

****

"So you're saying Coulson found a foolproof solution to rid me of my energy cyst?" Loki asked, laying beside Beverlee under a blanket (stolen from the patient ward) on the couch, stroking her now dishevelled hair. The knowledge of what put her hair in that state made him very pleased with himself... he certainly knew Beverlee also was.   

"It appears so. I guess Midgardian medicine isn't completely incompetent," Beverlee replied with a wry smile, her hand stroking Loki's chest.

"Ask me that after the procedure," Loki said, looking at her with affection.

"You mean, you've changed your mind?" Beverlee asked, "you don't have to, short time or a long time, I'll take you as long as I can."

"You've already proven that darling," Loki smiled seductively, then captured her lips in a deep kiss, "what you've explained means this procedure will destroy the cyst within me. Nothing too invasive, and low risk for anyone to get hurt."

"Loki, you might experience some pain," Beverlee said, "but I'll be there with you, and offer some compassionate after-care," she winked at him. "But I have to ask... what changed your mind?"

"To me, existence without Lowenstein felt very bleak..." Loki said, "asides from the loss of my adoptive mother, I never realized how much a world changes when we lose someone. I felt this world we created together was no longer the same... it made me apprehensive for the future. My future. Our fight last night just added to my dark thoughts, I felt so alone. But just when I thought things were at its darkest... You came back, asked for my forgiveness, you kissed me with so much passion, and then... us coming here...  You showed me, no matter what happens to us, happiness can still continue." 

"Oh Loki," Beverlee gave Loki a sympathetic smile, "someone told me once, change is inevitable, and has hidden opportunities," she rolled over and pushed her back against his chest, his arms coming around her protectively. "but certainly not always or easy..." she wriggled her body a bit to get comfortable, "Lowenstien was a big influence on our happiness, we'll always be grateful and remember what he did for us. But I suspect he won't be the only one, I bet we'll run into more people who will add to our happiness... I mean we already have Sasha, Minerva, Jamal... and even Blitz."

"And Coulson?" Loki suggested in an amused tone.

"Him too," Beverlee replied with a chuckle. 

Loki kissed the top of Beverlee's head. With their bodies nestled very closely against each other, and tired from their exertions, they both closed their eyes and drifted into a peaceful slumber.

https://youtu.be/8SMcixGyI5c

**** 

 "Are you ready, Loki?" Dr. Reiss asked his patient.

"Yes." Loki replied, "now tell me again about this procedure and how it's safe." 

"Easy, Loki," Beverlee said, putting a hand on his shoulder, "I know you're nervous." she gave him an encouraging smile, "Coulson assures me they took lots of time to calibrate the equipment and did several hundred simulator tests. It's going to be okay."

"Shooting me in the chest with a concentrated beam from a Chitauri energy weapon doesn't exactly sound like the definition of 'okay.'"

"Hey," Beverlee said softly, then moved her hand to gently touch his cheek, "nothing's bad is going to happen. You're going to feel some discomfort for a few seconds as the cyst is neutralized, and then that's it. You go to Med Centre to recuperate and I bring you some mushroom and broccoli pizza."

Some glistening moisture appeared in Loki's eyes, "I love you, Beverlee."

"I love you too, Loki," she leaned forward and kissed him.

"Beverlee," Loki said as their lips separated, "could you unfasten these wrist restraints? I want to do that again but hold you while doing it."

"This isn't a ruse to run away, is it?" Beverlee said in a flirtatious tone, "if you want to, that's perfectly fine."

"If I was to run, it would only be - to you," Loki said, looking at her longingly.

One of the Technicians nearby overhead their conversation and walked over to them.

"It's okay, Dr. Reiss still needs a few more minutes," they said and unfastened Loki's restraints. "I'll come back when we're ready."

Nodding their thanks and appreciation to the Technician, Loki and Beverlee then turned back to face each other. 

"Take two," Loki whispered, taking Beverlee into his arms - her own encircling him in kind - then slowly, gently and intimately kissed her. He could feel her body tremble.

"You're the best thing that ever happened to me," Beverlee said, feeling overwhelmed with emotion.

"I know," Loki said, winking at her.

They both laughed.

It was time for the procedure to be performed. Loki's restraints were refastened, and everyone who was involved in the procedure, including Dr. Reiss, Coulson, Beverlee along with several Medical and Engineering Techs took their places at their respective stations. 

Beverlee whispered to Loki, "just keep your eyes on me, I'll keep you focused, or should I say distracted, while this all happens." She stroked his cheek, gave him a sweet smile, then walked over to the area of the room where she was a safe distance away from the nozzle of the energy beam, but still could be seen. 

One Technician aimed the nozzle at Loki's chest, lining up where the beam would go to connect with the energy cyst for neutralization. He then locked the target in place. Loki wore restraints solely for his safety  - when the beam would hit, he would be held still and in place so the beam wouldn't deviate from its mark. 

 "Everyone ready?" Doctor Reiss asked. With no voice speaking to the contrary, "here we go!" He pushed the activation button. 

A blue beam of Chitauri energy shot out of the nozzle and hit Loki where the tech had targeted. Luckily the energy of the beam was not set at full intensity, it would slowly build up, which they knew would cause the patient some discomfort, but it just needed to penetrate Loki's skin for a few seconds, and then they could turn off the machine. 

So far, as Beverlee could see, Loki was doing okay. She gave him a sympathetic smile, and despite his restrained wrists, he was able to give her a thumbs up.

The Technician kept updating everyone with how high the intensity of the beam was getting.

Soon, Beverlee could see Loki looking tense. 

He must be feeling the beam now... 

"It's okay, Loki!" Beverlee called out to reassure him, "won't be too much longer!"

Suddenly Loki cried out in agony. 

"Loki! What's wrong?" 

"The beam...  it's too strong..!" 

Then Beverlee heard voices behind her yelling, "ABORT! ABORT!" She could see everyone was trying to shut down the beam from their locations, but no one was trying to help Loki!

Beverlee sprinted over to him, "we need help!" she screamed. Fumbling with the restraints - she found them too difficult to unfasten and cursed in frustration. Then she had an idea, "Loki, do you-you have any sharp weapons you're concealing?!"

He magically produced his dagger. Quickly taking it from his hand, she hacked at the restraints and cut him free. However, his legs were also restrained to the chair! She checked and found the chair wasn't attached to anything. 

"Forgive me," she cried and pushed the chair with such force to fall on its side.

She then heard someone yell, "EVACUATE THE AREA! IT'S OVERLOADING - EXPLOSION IMMINENT!"

Then emergency klaxon sounded.

For Beverlee, she didn't care - she had her own priorities at the moment. Quickly moving to the procedure chair, she hacked with determination at the restraints that bound Loki's legs. 

"Loki, your free," she said, "come on, let's get out of here."

But Loki wasn't moving.

Beverlee shook his shoulder, "come on!" 

Pushing him onto his back she could see the hole where the Chitauri energy beam had cut. There didn't seem to be any other specific damage that Loki could have suffered. He should be fine - why wasn't he moving?! 

Then she saw a flicker of life in his face, he was trying to talk. She put her ear close to his mouth.

"Get yourself out..."

"Not without you," she said, very adamant. 

Knowing this place was going to blow very shortly, she eased Loki up in a semi-sitting position, then put her hands under his shoulders. Partially rising, she dragged him to the corner of the room that was furthest from the malfunctioning equipment.  Then, as fast as she could, grabbed boxes, crates and waste cans to stack around them, almost like building a fort. 

Making sure this makeshift 'fort' wall didn't have many gaps, she then entered the 'fort,' and positioned herself to lie beside Loki.  She held him close, with her back towards the 'fort' wall.

Beverlee closed her eyes and just waited. 

A gentle sensation was felt on her neck.

The Chitauri energy beam machine exploded...