an: okay, uploading this uber quick cuz i gotta get to class. i know it dun look like it at the moment, but this will be thor/loki. i'll explain aaron next chapter's an. anyway, i don't own thor, loki, related charries. do own aaron, belle, etc. hope you enjoy. also, this is currently untitled. can you give me a suggestion?

"You really should stop picking fights with people who have the potential of kicking your fine ass."

Aaron responded with a lopsided grin because laughing would hurt. Hell, Belle's poking was hurting and he winced as she touched his bruised ribs.

"What the hell did you say to him, anyway?"

"I said the reason he had to drug and tie up his bedmates was because he didn't have anything to make them want to stay."

"Damn, boy. One of these days, he's gonna kill you."

"He'd have to catch me first."

Belle cocked a brow and looked over his mottled chest and face. She had already whipped off most of the blood. "I'd say he was able to catch you this time."

Aaron shrugged his broad shoulders and immediately regretted it. Belle sighed, grabbing the strips of cloth to wrap around his torso. "I'll call the sheriff. Tell him to let you have the next couple of days off. And you're gonna stay in bed, got it?"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," the tall blonde responded, allowing the shorter woman to help him stand. He was quiet for a moment, concentrating on trying to breathe without causing more pain to his abused ribcage. Ash had really done a number on him this time. Belle forced his arms up and she walked around him, applying the bandage.

"How's the bottom half? He do anything?" She stopped in front of him, looking up at him with her dark blue eyes.

He knew what she asking. "No. All he did was kick the shit out of me. Most of it was above the waist."

"Good, cuz I'd have to kill him."

"I'd like to see you try."

"Hey, I'm a doctor. I know things."

Aaron gave a little laugh, picturing the small woman squaring off against Ash Davenport who was even bigger than him. It was amusing. Belle grinned and gently slapped his bicep.

"Now, off to bed with you. It's late."

"Yes, oh threatening one."

"Hey, I'll disconnect your TV. Know what that means? No porn."

Aaron stared at her in mock horror, his beautiful blue eyes wide. "You wouldn't!"

"Oh, yes I wou—"

Her response was cut off by a rather loud sound in her backyard.