Flash
What made him stay? What compelled him to remain by her side that night, not to leave…?
In silence, he stared at her peaceful face, partially hidden against his neck, where she had nestled into the hollow of his collarbone. He ran his fingers through her long, wavy hair, scattered like silk across the pillows. It was soft like cotton, smooth like satin, and carried a delicate scent of vanilla.
That sweet, cookie-vanilla aroma enveloped her entirely — unique and unforgettable.
They were still completely naked, covered only by a thin blanket adorned with tiny red patterns. Their clothes remained on the floor, untouched. Everything around them was exactly the same as before — except for him.
He should have left already. He should have returned to Asgard.
Carefully, trying not to wake the girl sleeping beside him, he rose from the bed. He dressed in the clothes lying on the ground and left the room, heading straight for the living room.
There was hardly anyone there, except for Natasha Romanoff, who stood at the counter pouring herself some coffee.
Does this woman ever sleep?
“Coffee?” came her question from across the room.
“Sorry?” he replied after a moment, sounding distracted.
“Do you want a cup of coffee?” she repeated, raising the coffee pot slightly.
“Sure,” he sighed, sitting down at the kitchen island.
A moment later, Natasha placed a steaming white cup in front of him. She sat down beside him, pulled her phone out of her bathrobe pocket, and began scrolling through her messages.
Loki was intrigued by the small device — how a simple touch could make so many different things appear.
“What is that?” he asked, peering over her shoulder.
“This?” she said, glancing at the phone. “It’s a funny little invention — used to communicate with the world. You can write messages to people or post updates where everyone can see them. You can also talk to people live, whether they’re far away or right next to you. It has other fun features too.”
“Interesting. And what do you call it?” he asked, even more curious now.
“Phone, smartphone, mobile… Depends who you ask. It’s a gadget of the future. But as far as I know, they’re only made here on Earth,” she chuckled.
“You might be right. In Asgard, we still use ravens and messengers to deliver messages,” he said with a slight shrug. “Searching the entire castle just to pass along one trivial thing can be maddening.”
“See? Earth has its perks,” she smiled faintly. “Have a good day,” she added, heading toward what was likely her room.
Maybe he should stay? With her?
Maybe the decision he made last night wasn’t a mistake after all.
Could it be… he was falling for her? Was it even possible for him to feel something like that — to truly love?
He took the untouched cup of coffee and returned to Wanda Maximoff’s room.
When he opened the door, she was still asleep — lying in the same position he had left her in nearly an hour ago.
She looked heavenly. Like an angel.
Her long reddish hair, those mesmerizing green eyes, soft skin, full raspberry lips, and the perfectly shaped body that fit so effortlessly beneath his hands.
She had been made for him.
She was meant to be his light in the darkness…
He sat on the edge of the bed and looked at her radiant face once more.
Her eyelids began to flutter, but instead of opening, she only squeezed them shut tighter, then ran her hand across the spot where he had just been lying — until her fingers brushed against his.
She flinched, quickly opening her eyes and sitting up in bed, pulling the blanket up around her.
She looked startled — maybe even shocked to see him still there.
She ran a hand through her hair and muttered something under her breath, too quietly for him to catch the words.
“I brought you some coffee,” he said, handing her the cup and saucer.
Still somewhat stunned, she took the cup from him.
She sipped the warm drink, and whatever emotions had flooded her moments before began to fade.
She stared into his eyes, smiling slightly — and he did the same, utterly captivated by the unearthly glow of hers.
“How did you sleep?” she asked playfully, setting the cup on the nightstand.
“Surprisingly well,” he answered, a mischievous smile forming on his lips. “Must be your doing.”
“Mine? I don’t remember,” she laughed softly, leaning closer. “You’ll have to remind me.”
Loki placed a hand gently on her cheek, pulling her toward him and kissing her deeply — starving for the warmth of her body.
He kissed her like a man possessed, needing to feel her consume him once more, just as she had the night before.
He wanted to feel again how much he loved being near her… having her for himself.
***
They stood together, wrapped in each other’s arms, on one of the lower floors of the tower — hidden from sight.
No one could know what had happened between them last night or what now existed between them.
Neither of them was fully sure of their feelings yet, so it was better if no one else knew — for everyone’s safety.
“Do you really have to go?” she asked again, resting her head on his chest.
“I do…”
“We could have more time. Please tell me you feel it too,” she said, pulling back slightly, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.
“I do. I feel it too,” he replied quietly, eyes downcast. “But I have to go.”
He turned away and began walking toward the stairs that led to the roof — where the Bifrost would take him and his brother back to Asgard, to the place where he belonged.
“Promise me you’ll come back to me,” she whispered.
At those words, he turned back to look at her one last time.
Her eyes sparkled in the lamplight — like stars, damn it.
“Please…” she murmured.
“I promise, my dearest,” he said, voice heavy with pain, and turned to climb the stairs.
As soon as he was out of sight, she collapsed to her knees, tears streaming down her cheeks.
What had she done?
She never believed this could work, and now it was too late to undo it.
Why hadn’t she let him leave earlier?
Would it have hurt less than this?
Yes.
Did she regret her decision?
Yes.
Did she know he’d find out eventually?
Yes.
Was she ready for the consequences?
No…