Chapter Text
Today is the day you had dreaded for weeks. After studying the footage of the attack, you were outright scared to meet the God of Mischief. Thor was nice… not very godlike, though. But for you, he kind of became the big brother you never really wanted.
Everyone was told to assemble at the hangar. To wait for Thor and Loki's arrival. And right on cue there's the bright light of the Bifrost. As the golden shimmer fades, it leaves behind the Gods wearing their usual Asgardian royal attire. Thor's booming laugh echoed before his boots even touched the floor. Beside him, Loki stood poised and elegant—dressed in green and gold, a shadow of sly amusement curling on his lips.
The team's tension was palpable. Tony masked it with a too-wide grin. Steve's arms were crossed, watching closely. Natasha's eyes narrowed, always calculating. Thor stepped forward, clapping a hand on his brother's shoulder with more force than strictly necessary.
»Friends! It is good to see you all. I bring Loki, as promised. He comes in peace—and with much to atone for.«
Loki's eyes flickered over the group, lingering a second longer on you. »What a warm welcome.« He drawled, the words smooth and almost affectionate—but the undertone was unmistakably mocking. »Midgard's finest, assembled just for me. I'm honoured.« He made an elegant little bow, eyes glittering with mischief.
Tony couldn't help himself: »Just don't touch my espresso machine, Reindeer Games.«
Loki offered him a smile full of teeth. »Fear not, Stark. I have no taste for your mortal… bean water. Poison, I believe.« His gaze swept over you again, appraising, before he turned back to Thor, murmuring just loudly enough for you to hear: »Is this your pet human you spoke of? The nervous one?«
You fake a gag at Loki's remark and shudder. »We're not that close, I assure you.«
As Thor sees you his grin becomes even wider. »Ah, yes! Loki, meet—«
Loki cuts in, never missing a beat, »How adorable. I do so love a frightened mortal in the morning.« He grinned, not unkindly, but with unmistakable delight at your discomfort.
Thor urges towards you, embracing you with one of his signature bone-crushing hugs. You pat his back, coughing slightly.
»It's good to see you Thor...« He continues to introduce you to his brother, like nothing happened.
Then you finally face Loki and meet his gaze. And you freeze. His eyes aren't the icy colour that you were so afraid to look at. But they're glinting in a mischievous emerald green, beautiful even. And now he has caught you staring. Shit.
Loki arches an elegant eyebrow, the faintest hint of a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth as he catches your stare. He steps forward, just enough to make you feel the subtle pressure of his presence - like a cat testing how close it can get before you flinch. You immediately take a step back.
»Oh?« His voice is soft, and full of mock innocence. »I assure you, I don't bite.« His eyes flick to Thor, then back to you, unmistakably enjoying every second of your discomfort. »Not unless asked, at least.«
Tony coughs theatrically and Steve rolls his eyes. You tense at his remark but can't hide the faint blush already forming on your cheeks.
Loki's gaze lingers on you, assessing, playful, as if you're a puzzle he's decided to solve for his own amusement. »So, you're the one tasked with keeping Stark's little empire from collapsing every time someone forgets their password?« He leans in, conspiratorial. »That must be… exhausting.«
Thor claps your shoulder in a way that's both reassuring and slightly apologetic.
You tense but manage to answer »I'm sure it's less exhausting than fighting aliens on a battlefield.« Loki's grin widens, sharp and satisfied, he's clearly delighted by the effect he's having on you. He leans back just enough to give you a breath of space, but his gaze never wavers.
»Oh, I don't know about that,« he says, voice lilting with amusement. »At least on the battlefield, you can see your enemies coming.«
Thor laughs, slapping your back in what he thinks is a friendly gesture but nearly knocks the air from your lungs. You cough slightly, trying not to trip forward.
»She is quite formidable, brother! Do not underestimate her. She's the reason our comms work at all.«
Loki's expression grows thoughtful, as if considering this new information. »Formidable,« he repeats, tasting the word. He lets his eyes settle on you again, the smirk returning, softer this time. »I suppose we'll see.«
He steps past you, almost brushing your shoulder. »Lead the way, then. I am so eager to see my… new accommodations.« The word is laced with sarcasm, but his focus is still—unmistakably—on you. Thor offers you an apologetic smile and leads Loki to the conference room. The others follow, the mood is a tangle of curiosity, wariness, and thinly-veiled tension.
Loki strides ahead with the easy, regal confidence like he already owns the place, casting an occasional glance back—mostly for his own amusement. Tony lingers behind, catching up to you as the rest of the group files into the room. He drops his voice to a conspiratorial mutter.
»You alright, IT girl? Or did Loki's little eyes short-circuit your mainframe?« He flashes you a crooked grin, only half teasing. »Listen, just… hang tight after the meeting. You're up for something special. And don't look at me like that—it's not a punishment.«
You look at him with a hint of suspicion and enter the room last.
Inside, Thor stands proudly at Loki's side, hands folded like a proud parent at a school event. Steve takes a seat at the head of the table, Natasha settles with practiced nonchalance near the window, and Bruce Banner slides in quietly, offering you a reassuring, sympathetic smile. Loki already lingers on one of the chairs, one ankle comfortably propped over his knee. His eyes catch yours for just a heartbeat, just long enough to make you wonder if he already knows exactly what's in store.
Tony clears his throat, throwing a quick wink your way before the official discussion about Loki's new home begins. And in the pit of your stomach, a new, uneasy anticipation starts to brew.