Shadow of a Villain

Loki Laufeyson – The Villain

After finishing our pastries, Amelie and I left the coffee shop and began walking back to the tower. She continued to chat animatedly and I smiled slightly at her enthusiasm. As we reached the lobby and called for the lift, she begun talking about a book she was reading. “Do you like to read? I imagine Asgard has an amazing library.”

The lift doors opened and I motioned for Amelie to enter, following behind her and pressing the button for the floor our rooms were both on. “The Asgardian library is unlike anything you could possibly imagine. Unlike anything you have on Midgard. It’s the only thing I really miss, I wasn’t able to bring anything with me, not even my books.”

“I have a few, you can borrow some if you like.”

The doors opened as we reached our floor. I looked at Amelie as we walked, frowning slightly. Why was this woman being so nice to me? Though she didn’t know everything, I was certain she must have known some of what I'd done.

I was the villain.

I grimaced slightly at the thought. Though I'd accepted the role I'd once chosen to play, I didn't find it easy to admit that it bothered me how my actions had affected the people who lived here.

I looked down as we walked side by side. “Are you sure? Books are a precious thing to loan out.”

“I think I can trust you. We can go to a book shop soon too so that you can have more choice. I can’t imagine there’s much in your room at the moment, if you didn’t bring anything with you." She shot my grin. "What's the Asgard library like?”

I smiled. "The walls are lined with books in ornate golden frames as far as the eye can see; a wealth of knowledge in every direction. One could spend weeks in there and barely scratch the surface." Amelie's eyes were wide, I could almost see the picture taking shape in her mind. "It was in some ways an intimidating thought; that you would never be able to master all of the knowledge contained in that one room. There have been those who forgot their own ambitions and passions to pursue this knowledge instead."

We turned a corner, heading down the main corridor towards both of our rooms.

"The library itself is beautiful. Stained glass stretches across the ceiling, bathing the room in rainbows of light, and intricately detailed paintings of Asgard’s history adorn every wall. There are even great marble statues, as high as ten men, stretching up to the tallest shelves."

"Wow." She breathed. "I wish I could see it one day."

I stopped as we finally reached her room, but she didn’t pause as she opened the door, leaving it wide open for me to follow.

I hesitated for a few seconds before walking inside, leaving the door open. It occurred to me it might feel less intimidating for Amelie if I didn’t close it, though I was unsure why I bothered to think about it too much. 

As I looked around, I was hit with how her this space was. I hadn’t known Amelie very long, but I was quite certain that if I were to be put in front of a line of rooms, I’d still be able to identify this one as hers. Everywhere I looked, it radiated her light and energy. Most surfaces held at least one potted plant, giving off a welcomingly fragrant scent. The bookshelves were filled to capacity; almost every wall from floor to ceiling brimming with literature. There was no apparent order and I couldn't fathom how she knew where each title was situated.

Amelie slipped her shoes off before joining me at the shelves. “What are you into? Fantasy? Sci-fi? The classics?”

I looked across the books, trying to decide what I felt like reading. “I have to confess, I have a bit of a soft spot for a good romance.”

“Don’t tell Tony, you’ll never hear the end of it.”

I smiled as I began pulling a book down to take a closer look. “Noted.”

“That’s a good one. Carlos Ruiz Zafón - he’s a Spanish author.” I flipped the book to admire the binding, tracing the embroidered title with my fingers - Shadow of the Wind. “It’s not a typical romance, more of a thriller, mystery sort of vibe.”

I tucked the book to my chest. “Perfect. If you’re sure Ms. Amelie, then I would very much like to borrow this.”

Amelie beamed at me, seemingly pleased with my choice. “Of course! I can’t wait to hear what you think of it.”

The next few days passed by uneventfully. A new assignment in Phoenix had taken most of the Avengers away from the tower and those that remained were busy helping them. I took the opportunity to read the book Amelie had lent me, pleased to have reading material I was actually interested in.

I closed the book after finishing the second to last chapter. I hadn’t expected a Midgardian author to be able to write such a complex story and I was impressed, albeit slightly begrudgingly..

Pushing up from my bed, I placed the book on my bedside, before heading out towards the main lounge. It was early morning, and only the Winter Soldier was present, sat at the kitchen island quietly eating his breakfast. I nodded in greeting as I took a water bottle from the fridge. He nodded back, face unreadable.

I started heading back to my room before he spoke. “You don’t have to separate yourself from us, if you’re living here then everyone might as well get used to you.”

I turned back to face him. He hadn’t looked away from his food, but still appeared sincere. Walking slowly, I returned to the kitchen and perched myself on one of the bar stools. I left enough distance between us so as not to make either of us feel uncomfortable. “Thank you.” I said stiffly.

“Don’t mention it.” He watched me, seeming curious. “I’m Bucky, I don’t think we’ve had a proper introduction.”

It was the most I’d heard him speak since my arrival. I smiled tightly, feeling awkward. “It is nice to meet you; Bucky is a much better name than the Winter Soldier.”

Bucky raised his eyebrow, a slight smirk on his face. For a second I wondered if I’d crossed a line, before he snorted. “Anything’s better than that.”

I smiled, surprisingly relieved to not have offended him, and took a sip of water. Clint and Dr Banner were next to enter, with the Doctor talking excitedly about something that sounded extremely complicated. As they came to the kitchen, he waved to Bucky before spotting me. “Morning Loki.”

I was surprised by his ease. He launched straight back into his explanations, but Clint was eyeing me cautiously. He seemed extremely wary of me. Given how we’d met; I could forgive him for that.

Bucky motioned for Clint to join us. “I didn’t know you were back.”

Clint hesitated before taking a seat next to Bucky, furthest away from me. “Got back a few hours ago. Think the others went straight to bed before the meeting.”

“Were you successful?” I kept my eyes on my water, unable to look Clint in the eye as he turned to face me.

Again he hesitated before responding. “The mission was a success. No one was hurt and we got what we needed.”

Nodding, I watched Dr Banner as he busied himself making his own breakfast. “That is good news.”

Clint kept a suspicious gaze on me as Amelie and Ms Romanov appeared. Natasha was obviously pleased with the outcome of their mission, but Amelie looked exhausted. Ms Romanov moved around the island to stand beside Dr Banner, who seemed suddenly tongue-tied in her presence.

I looked to Bucky who smirked and nodded once, confirming what I was thinking.

Clint turned to Amelie, smiling smugly. “Morning! This is a bit late for you, no?”

Amelie glared at Clint, catching me by surprise. I’d not seen her in a disagreeable mood before. Leaning with her arms on the worktop, she acknowledged me with a small nod, which I returned cautiously. “Mornings should be cancelled.” She sighed groggily before resting her head on her arms.

Clint chuckled as Natasha slid a coffee in front of Amelie. She took the cup in one hand, unceremoniously propping her head up with the other before holding the coffee to her face, breathing in deeply.

Ms Romanov shot me a look before smiling, amused. “Amelie’s not a morning person.”

I looked to Amelie again, she certainly seemed displeased to be awake. A sly smile spread across my lips before I stood and gestured to my empty bar stool. “Please, sit down Ms. Amelie. You look like you might slide off the worktop at any moment.” Bucky snorted as Clint eyed me, calculating. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes, unsure what motive Barton could possibly think I had for giving Amelie my seat.

In an extremely undignified manner, Amelie coerced herself onto the empty bar stool. Plopping down heavily, she looked back at me lazily. “Thanks.”

I smiled, amused, as Natasha laughed. “We got back in the early hours of the morning. We planned to sleep in, but Steve and Tony organised a debrief.”

Amelie scoffed quietly. “They do it to torture me.” She chided lightly, only semi-serious.

The others began to fill Bucky in on what he had missed. I watched their comfortable conversation, all familiar with each other in a way that made my heart ache. I decided to distract myself and make a tea.

“Ooo I’ll have a tea if you’re making one.”

I turned to Bruce in surprise. He had already returned his attention to his breakfast, and now the others looked at me expectantly. This was certainly a first. It was one thing for me to offer, but for a mortal to request anything of me was another matter entirely. Though, I supposed I didn't really have much of my previous status. I cleared my throat, pushing my indignation aside. “Anyone else?”

Natasha shook her head as Bucky gave me a thumbs up. Clint stared at me for a moment longer, seemingly deciding if I could be trusted not to poison them. I waited as he deliberated, feeling very much as though I were up for judgment rather than merely offering someone some tea.

Finally, he nodded. “Please.” I released the breath I didn’t know I’d been holding and made three teas. I set two of them down in front of Bucky and Clint, also sliding the milk and sugar between us.