Caged

Loki was much more receptive to living with you than you had expected, he simply followed, albeit handcuffed, you to the tower, a trail of armed agents behind you. Your heels clinked against the dark tiles as you exited the lift, leading the group towards a large iron door.

“Obviously for Stark to agree, he made some modifications to the apartment,” you said, gesturing at the door. You typed in the code, only you, Stark and Thor were privileged enough to know it. As you opened the door you shooed the agents behind you to stay behind, hoping Loki would see it as a kind gesture.

“Don’t worry gentlemen, I am more than capable of handling Loki.”
Loki just smiled at that and followed. As we entered I put down my things in the foyer and turned to him, to his surprise unlocking his handcuffs.

“Wow doll, are you sure you want to do that.”

You rolled your eyes.

“There are enough drones and agents ready to strike at all times, you cannot do anything.” You replied, “Would you like a tour?”

“Yes ma’am.”

You slipped out of your heels, with your new pay raise a pair of holey stockings were insignificant.

“Ok Loki, there are security cameras in every room, except my bedroom and ensuite and your ensuite. We will be monitored at all times so no funny business.”

He chuckled, “Me funny business? Never.”

You chose to ignore that and continued. “The glass has been replaced, it is the strongest glass money can buy, and you are aware of how much Mr Stark has I’m sure.”

Exiting the foyer you were greeted with the living room, despite its size it was almost barren, two couches surrounded a glass coffee table, obviously courtesy of Stark there was a massive television. The kitchen off to the side was no different, sleek and impersonal. In each corner of the ceiling in the open living space was a small machine.

“See those machines up there?” You said pointing at them, “Those are power dampeners, they have been tested on your brother, they work.”

Loki glanced up at them for a second then looked back down at you. You had never actually been so close to him, he must have been at least a foot taller than you. You could feel his warmth.

“Well, this is boring, will we be sharing a bed?”

You involuntarily coughed, “As if.”

He jokingly pouted, “Shame.”

---

He had been in his room for the last two hours, you would be worried but you had access to the security cameras, you could see him. Stark had been giving enough to provide a variety of books in the apartment, as well as a television in both bedrooms. Stark and Banner had been incredibly serious when discussing the fact he was not allowed access to the internet, even the news channels on the televisions had been blocked. He was effectively isolated from the outside world. Your thoughts were interrupted by a noise from outside your bedroom, your breath got stuck in your throat.

“Loki,” you heard someone yell and you sighed in relief. Thor. He knew the code so he could visit his brother. You peeked your head out from behind your door and his gaze caught yours. His face broke out in a grin.

“Hello,” he beamed, “Has my brother treated you well?”

You shrugged, “I haven’t seen him since we got in, he’s holed up in his room.”

“Well that simply won’t do!” Thor replied, moving towards Loki’s door.

“For a secure building the walls sure are thin,” you heard Loki drawl as he opened his door just before Thor could reach it. You once again felt a blush creep up the side of your neck. No longer was he in his Asgardian garb, he had a tight grey shirt and sweatpants on. Like he could hear your thoughts he looked at you and cocked his head for a moment and returned his gaze to his brother, who was in a similar getup. They looked weirdly normal, almost like they were just two ‘Midgardian’ men, not Asgardian royal Gods.

---

Thor suggested dinner, so here you were sitting across from two Gods, both stuffing their faces with Chinese takeout. You ate slowly, never having particularly enjoyed eating in front of people, especially two incredibly attractive men who you harboured school girl crushes on. Loki looked at you curiously but chose to remain silent, unlike his brother.

“Are you not hungry?” Thor inquired.

“Ah, no I ate earlier,” you smiled, a futile attempt to hide a grimace.

Loki peered at you curiously, your sessions with him had made it clear he could read almost anyone. As if he has heard your thoughts, he resumed eating, paying you no mind.

Thor continued maintaining most of the conversation for the rest of the night, recounting tales from his and Loki’s childhood.

“He was a scamp this one,” Thor boomed, nudging Loki’s side. “Used to pull pranks on the maids all the time.”
Loki rolled his eyes and remained quiet. You let out a small laugh, you could clearly imagine a young Loki causing chaos back on Asgard. You watched as Thor lit up as he talked about his relationship with Loki, his forgiving nature is one of the things you greatly admired about the god. You saw Thor glance at the clock on the wall, 9pm, more than late enough you thought. He got up and bid his goodbyes.

“I will walk you out,” you offered, getting up. You trailed behind Thor’s large frame, before going ahead to open the door.

“Goodnight,” Thor whispered, muttering your name. You blushed as you watched him make his way to the elevator, slowly closing the door.

“Interesting.”

You jumped, spinning around to Loki standing behind you, leaning against the foyer’s doorway. You blushed under his intense gaze.

“What,” you replied, ignoring the thump of your heart, which began with Thor and was now exacerbated by Loki’s presence.

“Your little crush on my brother is most amusing,” he smirked, peering at you.

Your eyes widened, “As if.”

He chuckled, “It’s kind of cute how you think you have a chance.” His scrutiny made your face burn red before you calmed yourself.

“Frankly your opinion doesn’t matter to me, you are simply an annoying roommate,” you huffed, pushing past him.

Sinking into your duvet, you cringed at your actions. Great job, telling the man you were tasked with building a trusting relationship with that he was not only annoying, but his opinion didn’t matter. You almost felt like apologising… almost. Loki was literally the God of Mischief, it was basically his job to rile you up. This was Loki, he had just committed atrocities a week earlier, he didn’t care about your opinion, he probably had already forgotten.