Where Am I?
You wake in a bed that is not your own. You get up and start looking at your surroundings, realizing that you don’t recognize the room you are in.
It’s still dark out. This has to be a dream. I can’t be here. Hold on, pull it together. You’ve first got to figure out where you are.
After finding the closest thing that could double as a weapon, a small hand-held mirror, you slowly open the door and make your way out to the hallway. You take great care to be quiet as you go down the hall, rounding the corner and freezing as you realize you turn into a very packed living room. You stand there in awe as you quickly recognize who is sitting in the room.
Tony Stark. Natasha Romanov. Clint Barton. Bruce Banner. Steve Rogers. Wanda and Pietro Maximov. Thor and Loki Odinson. Bucky Barnes. Peter Parker. Vision.
No. Way. It’s the Avengers! What the fuck?!
Wait, why do I know them? How did I get here?
Your brain is racking to think of what to do, if you speak up, if you just leave. Ultimately, you decide to head back to the room you came from. As you start to back away, you accidentally back into the wall and can’t help the small noise that escapes you. All pairs of eyes dart to you and you freeze, looking like a deer caught in headlights.
Natasha is the first to speak up. “Who are you?”
“Where did you come from?” Tony questioned.
“So much for those security protocols Tony,” Steve says sternly. You start to panic, knowing that you don’t belong here, you drop your improvised weapon and start to run back in the direction that you came, only to smack hard into a chest.
“Did you really think that would work?” Loki says with a slight chuckle. You just stare at him, silenced by the mischievous and…curious look in his eyes. How did he do that? He was just…but…I don’t…what?
Loki grabs your forearm and leads you back to the room where the rest of the Avengers are waiting. Loki keeps the gentle but firm grip he has on your arm.
“There must be a reasonable explanation for this. I mean this place is plastered with cameras; can’t we just watch them?” Tony reasons. Everyone starts shaking their heads in agreement, shockingly including your own. “F.R.I.D.A.Y., pull up the security footage starting at 11pm last night.”
The flat screen on the living room turns on and starts to play the footage where they find…nothing in the room you came out of. “Fast forward please, I don’t want to be looking at nothing for hours.”
You fight a giggle as the video speeds up, there is more nothing. Until a bright green light appears and you appear on the bed, undisturbed by the apparent teleportation that just occurred and continue to sleep. You lay completely still, blissfully unaware that you are not where you started the night. The video stops and there is only complete silence.
Everyone stares at the screen for a beat, then all eyes move to you, except Loki’s who is still staring at the screen in disbelief. The silence breaks and the questions begin to flood in.
“What powers do you have?” “Are you even from this world?” “Do you have any family we could call?” You cannot even begin to answer one question before another is asked, cutting you off. It’s not until Wanda shoots a red beam up towards the ceiling that everyone stops talking, giving her a grateful look in return.
“This is not the best way to go about this.” Wanda states. “All of you badgering her isn’t going to help.”
“She seems unable to answer simple questions,” Tony interjects.
“You haven’t given her the chance to answer anything before asking the next,” Wanda retorts.
“Let’s start with your name, my lady. What is your name?” Thor points out. A pregnant pause encapsulates the group.
“Do you know your name?” says Bruce, echoing Thor’s question.
“I…I don’t remember anything.” you say sheepishly, wishing you could disappear. Loki senses your anxiety and speaks up.
“I think it would be best for this little one to stay here for the time being, help her figure out how she can get back to whence she came.”
The suggestion is met by more silence, except from Tony who turns to look at Loki and coughs as he tries to cover his laughter. The rest of those in the room, with the exception of Thor of course, are very curious to potential ulterior motives Loki might have. You are thankful for the offer while trying to ignore that it puts everyone else but Thor on edge.
“How about Steve and I take her down to the lab and do some blood work, maybe her DNA will be in a database somewhere.” Bruce quietly interjects. “Is that ok?” the question directed at you. You look to Wanda and Loki before answering. This does not go unnoticed by Steve.
“Yeah, I guess so. Can Wanda and Loki come with me?” Bruce looks to Wanda who nods immediately. Loki is about to say no, but he looks down at your worry filled eyes and caves, unable to do anything but nod.
“It’s settled then. Tony can set up your room and the rest of you will figure out food. Maybe pizza, something easy.” Steve instructs. As everyone goes their separate ways and you follow Loki and Wanda into the lab, a sinking feeling of dread overcomes you.
This is not going to be solved easily.
******
“Alright, all done with the blood draw. Now I’m going to take your fingerprints, if you are in the system, we should get a match within the next couple days,” Bruce says.
“So, I’m at least stuck here ‘til then, unless I remember who I am,” you respond. You look at your hands and fidget before Bruce takes your left hand to start taking prints, the thought of being stuck here makes you incredibly anxious. At this point, you’re just hoping that you’re coming across nonchalantly.
Yeah, this totally happens all the time. Just teleporting to an unknown time and location. Just a usual weekday.
Unbeknownst to you, Loki and Wanda could hear your thoughts rattling on and on and gave each other a small knowing look. Steve stepped up to be in front of you now that Bruce had finished, hoping that he could get some helpful information.
“Do you have any idea if you have any family nearby? Or an apartment or home?” Steve asks you.
“I…can’t remember anything. I barely remember going to sleep in the room I was in before I ended up here,” you answer sadly. “I wish I did. I want to know what I left behind. If I left anyone behind.”
“Well, until you do figure anything out, you are more than welcome to stay here.” Wanda reassures. “There are lots of people here for you to lean on if you need it.” Every word that left her mouth had you relaxing. You knew in that moment that you were going to rely on her heavily to keep you distracted. Then there was Loki who, for some unknown reason, you were drawn to in a similar and yet different way.
The way he was standing right now was piquing your interest. While Wanda was parked slightly behind Steve, he was almost hovering behind you very protectively, silently questioning all the stuff Bruce had been doing. He hadn’t left your side since you bumped into him on your initial get away attempt, which was very comforting to you. Still don’t know how he did that. You gather some courage, looking to start asking your own questions.
“I want to know where I am,” you ask, willing your voice to stay calm.
“You are in Avengers complex in New York,” Steve answers, confirming your suspicions as to why you recognized their faces and names.
“This might sound silly, but what year is it?” That raises a slight smirk and chuckle out of Loki, who answers your question as he moves into your eyeline to the right.
“It’s September 2023.” Your body relaxes instinctively, which is a good sign. “Do you think that this is the same year and month that you experienced before you ended up here?”
“I think so, but I have no reason to believe otherwise.” Looking directly at Loki, you ask “Do you think that I did this myself?”
“I believe it is possible,” he responds. “I have my own methods of testing that I could do if you wanted to find out. I assume you are talking about the possibility of magic.”
“Yes, given that you managed to beat me in the hallway despite being behind me when I started to run. Not to mention the big green ball of light that got me here.” That earns another small chuckle from Loki for your second moment of bravery.
“I would help as well,” Wanda adds, moving to your other side and putting her hand on your back, her thumb rubbing small circles.
“Alright, I’m all done with everything,” Bruce interjects. “It should also be getting close to dinner time as well if you’d like to come eat.”
“Dinner has arrived,” F.R.I.D.A.Y. announces as if on cue. “Thanks F.R.I.D.A.Y.,” Steve responds. “Loki and Wanda will show you your room after dinner.”
As you make your way to dinner, your mind wonders with a million questions, Wanda and Loki noticing your silence but choose not to press. The meal is pizza like Steve had suggested, but it’s a wide variety of pizzas with multiple different toppings, leaving you slightly overwhelmed at your choices. You pick up a plate, then hesitate, feeling like you do not deserve this, but a reassuring nod from Wanda tells you it is ok. You settle for pepperoni and wait for everyone else to be seated before you take the last open seat next to Loki. You notice that he appears to be a bit of an outcast in the group as he sits at the corner of the table, endearing you to him.
Dinner comes and goes pretty casually given the situation. No one asked any uncomfortable questions which puts your mind at ease. As promised, after dinner Loki and Wanda showed you to your room. It was not the same one that you woke up in, figuring that it was probably for the best. You don’t think that you would have been able to fall asleep in that room again, although to be honest, you’re not sure you’re going to be doing much sleeping tonight. Your room next to Loki’s and across from Wanda’s room, another comfort.
“If you need anything at all, I’m just a knock away,” Wanda offers.
“Same goes for me, little one,” Loki echoes. “I’m sure you just want some time to process this on your own.”
You smile a sad smile and nod, say goodnight, and shut the door to your room.
Alone, finally. Only a few thoughts circle your brain, most of them involving this room. You start to truly take in your surroundings, the room very similar to the one you woke up in, crisp white walls, little decoration, lifeless. Attached was a massive bathroom for one person, you couldn’t believe the size. You decide a shower would be best for calming your nerves. It has the desired effect, and you soon realize you are way more exhausted than you thought you were. As soon as your head hits the pillow, you are fast asleep.
*****
Loki
Loki was still awake, reflecting on the events of the day.
She is unlike anyone I’ve ever seen. I felt her presence as she slowly walked up, pulling me from my usual disregard at the conversation occurring. She didn’t notice me looking at her, staring really, as I spot her, ginger curls a crazy mess, her enchanting eyes, one blue and one green, very unusual for a mortal woman. I’d have to make a note of that.
The sound she made when her back hit the wall made me smile, ever so slightly, and then I saw the fear as her eyes opened wide. I knew she was going to run; I couldn’t let her get away that easily. Luckily, teleportation was something that I mastered from a very young age, so catching her was a simple task. “Did you really think that would work?” As soon as her head hit my chest and she looked into my eyes, she had me in her grasp, whether that was her intention or not. I know I have to protect her at all costs. She will become the reason for my smile and laughter in the days to come.
******
During the first two weeks of you being at the compound, you mostly stick to being around Loki and Wanda. You mingle with the others during the day, mostly Steve and Bucky. Peter teaches you pop culture when he’s at the Tower, even though you don’t get most of it. There’s been no luck on your memories yet, but you’re trying not to let it affect you too much.
You were currently hanging out on a couch reading a book that Loki had let you borrow when Wanda practically floats into the living room and sits down next to you.
“We should do a movie night tonight,” she says while looking to see your reaction.
“That could be fun, did you have a movie in mind?”
“Ok, get this, there’s this actor, Tom Hiddleston, who looks just like Loki, and I want to prank him. The movie is called Crimson Peak and I’m hoping that the title will get him to want to watch it with us.”
“Are you trying to get stabbed?” you say laughing.
“Oh, come on, you know it’s a great idea. Pleeaaaaase?” Wanda pleads as she gives you puppy dog begging eyes.
“Alright, alright, but you’re the one who gets to ask him. This was all your idea if it backfires,” you insist. The man in question wanders into the living room and you both look over and make eye contact with him.
“What?” he questions.
“I would like to do a movie night tonight,” Wanda states.
“With everyone? Absolutely not, I’m not being subjected to another one of Tony’s movie choices.” Loki says with a hint of disgust in his voice.
“No, just you, me and this one,” Wanda says, pointing at you.
“Wow, this one? Might as well be thing 3 at this rate,” you joke.
“Now that I could be tempted to partake in. Has a movie already been picked?”
“Yeah, I picked one called Crimson Peak. It’s a horror romance movie I found. The female actresses are pretty,” Wanda says, blocking her real thoughts of why she wants to watch it.
“Sounds promising enough. After dinner?
“Yup! Just come to my room and we’ll watch it in there.”
That’s exactly what you do. You and Loki help with cleanup and then start to walk to Wanda’s room.
“So do you know what this movie is about?” Loki asks.
“Nope, all I know is what Wanda said. I figured if I want to enjoy this movie, it would be best to not get a synopsis like Tony does on movie nights with the whole group.” At that moment you get to Wanda’s room and let yourselves in. You quickly settle on Wanda’s bed, Loki to your right, Wanda to your left. You shoot Wanda a knowing look as the movie starts. There’s a scary bit at the beginning that has you hiding behind your hands, but it’s only a few more minutes until Sir Thomas Sharp appears on screen.
Shit, he really does look like Loki. He’s so very attractive and your mind starts to wonder if Loki would look good in this period outfit that Thomas Sharpe is currently wearing. Wanda nudges you before too long and nods her head towards Loki, and you turn and see his mouth wide open.
“What’s the matter Loki?” you whisper.
“I see why you actually wanted to watch this movie,” Loki answered, shooting a pointed look at Wanda.
“What do you mean, Loki?” she jokes.
“You think that this Thomas Sharpe looks just like me and you thought that it would be funny.”
“Well, it’s really Tom Hiddleston, but yes,” Wanda retorts. “I thought you’d find it funny.”
“It wasn’t totally silly, but I do wish I had his outfit. Do you think I’d look good in it?” Loki said looking between either of you. Your eyes widen and a smile grows on his face. “Maybe if you’re good I’ll put a suit on for you.”
Your brain practically melts at the thought of Loki dressed in a Victorian era suit. Your train of thought then wanders to Wanda in Edith’s yellow dress. You sit quietly for the rest of the movie, and surprisingly, all three of you are completely enthralled in the movie. The movie goes on and as the action kicks up, you grab each of their hands. You hold your breath Edith is trying to leave in the elevator before getting stopped by Thomas.
“You lied to me!” Edith exclaims.
“I did,” Thomas answers.
“You poisoned me.”
“I did.”
“You told me you loved me.”
“I do.”
You’re grasping onto each of their hands tight as your heart desperately hopes that the two of them can have their happy ending. You look over at Loki and he is laser focused. You look over to Wanda who is all tears ever since Thomas said he loved Edith, so she’s trying not to become a complete blubbering mess. The movie ends and the three of you all take a collective breath.
“Well, safe to say we all agreed that was a good movie,” you say, looking to Loki while you gave Wanda a minute to clear her cheeks of tears.
“I will admit that this Tom fellow does look a lot like me, although if we could maybe not watch another movie with him in it for a while. It felt like I was watching myself in another life.”
“Did you like it, Wanda?”
“Are you kidding? I loved it. I was so glad that he did the right thing, especially since it ended up that he wasn’t going to be with her.” Wanda was proving to be the most hopeless romantic out of the three of you, to the surprise of no one.
You looked down at your hands and realized you were still holding onto both of their hands and begin to blush.
“What about you, darling?” Loki asked.
“I really enjoyed it. I mean Thomas was easy on the eyes, Edith was incredibly naïve but that worked for the movie. Now all I want to do is dress in some of her outfits, I bet I’d feel like a princess,” you intend to rattle on and on about the movie when you start to feel small circles being rubbed on the back of your hand by Loki. Your body becomes wrecked with desire, and you pull your hands from theirs and stumble out of the room. “Well, that was fun. We should totally do this again and ok bye,” you rushed as you slammed the door behind you and practically sprinted to your room.
You shut your door and put your back to the door as you slide down to the floor. Your heart is racing, and you can still feel their hands on yours. You’re kicking yourself mentally for leaving like that, but clearly you were not thinking straight. I barely know them; it’s only been two weeks. What is happening to me?
What if I actually want Loki? What if I actually want Wanda? How could I want them both?
I am so in over my head.
******
For the next month, the debate about how you would even pick between the two of them keeps you up most nights. When you do sleep, you think back to that very first movie night and it goes much further than that. You wake up most nights breathless and as if you can feel the lingering hands all over you. At least I have something to look forward to every night.
Almost every night since that first movie night, the three of you will sit in Wanda’s room and watch a movie together. Sometimes you just simply sit in silence and watch the movie, and other nights you have deep conversations about life and your fears. You feel completely comfortable around them and opening up to them is easy.
“Movie night tonight?” you ask Loki as he passes you by in the living room.
“You know it. Whose turn is it to pick?”
“Wanda.”
“Are we placing bets on if it’s a romantic comedy or anything else?” Loki jests.
“Nah, my money is on romantic comedy. Our girl likes what she likes.”
“Oh really? You confident about that? How about this; if you’re wrong, you get to sleep in my bed with me. If I’m wrong, I have to sleep on the couch while you and Wanda sleep in her bed.”
Oh. My. God.
“You’re on.”
After dinner comes and you both are in Wanda’s room going through the movie collection. Your heart is threatening to beat out of it’s chest. You are trying to keep your thoughts to yourself, so Wanda isn’t influenced by them as she picks.
“Ooooo, this one! 27 Dresses!” Wanda exclaims. You look over to Loki for any kind of recognition.
“Have you seen that one before?” you ask him.
“No, I haven’t. What kind of movie is it?” Loki says.
“It’s a romantic comedy,” Wanda says as she gets it set up. You make eye contact with Loki, daring him to say anything about your deal.
“Alright, let’s get it started,” you cede.
You plop in the middle of Loki and Wanda on her bed, Loki to your right, Wanda to your left, the same way it’s been since that first movie night. The movie starts and you allow yourself to become consumed by it. Wanda and Loki were both watching your reaction, but for different reasons. Wanda has obviously seen this movie before and hopes that you love it as much as she does. Loki has absolutely no interest in the movie but wants to see your reaction and is simply enjoying spending more time with you and Wanda now.
As the movie continues, you relax against the headboard. Loki’s arm has extended across your shoulders, and you find yourself leaning into the crook of his arm. You try not to react to being basically cuddled up to the god of mischief and keep watching the movie. Wanda tears her gaze from the movie and looks at you and Loki cuddled up together and gives a small smile. She feels like she’s missing out, so she looks at you, waiting for any signs of rejection, while she lays a hand across your thigh. Your heart flutters, you’ve been wanting to make a move for a couple of nights now, but it seems they both decided to be brave first.
The movie ends and none of you want to be the first to move. Loki looks at you and is the first to break the silence. “What did you think of the movie?”
“It ended exactly as I thought, but I still loved it,” you admit. “You certainly know how to pick ‘em Wanda,” you add as you stare up at him from his shoulder.
“Would you like to reveal your deal to Wanda, dear?”
“Hey! You started it! I simply just picked correctly.”
“Can someone enlighten me on what you are talking about?” Wanda interjects.
“Loki made a bet on what kind of movie you would pick. I said you would pick a romantic comedy, Loki didn’t believe you would have picked one, so I won, and he lost,” you brag.
“Well done, draga moja. Do you win anything for this bet?” Wanda asks.
“Oh yes, she gets to sleep in your bed tonight and I am banished to the couch,” Loki adds.
“Is that so? Well, it is getting rather late, wouldn’t you say?” Wanda says before pulling you away from Loki and into her arms instead. “You’ve been banished, sir.” You giggle as she pulls back the covers and cover the both of you, tucking you into the crook of her arm. “Good bet, Loki. You should lose more often.”
“Are you kidding? All he wants to do is win; I just know your movie choices better than he does.”
“Yes, yes, darling. I lost, you won, now get to sleep.” Loki sets himself up on the couch and before going to sleep, he takes a long look at you two and smiles.
You feel sleep to overtake you as your body relaxes into Wanda’s arms, the ghost of Wanda’s lips pressing a kiss to your forehead.