I'M BACK! Despite popular belief, I did not die nor move to a country with no internet connect. I just took a hiatus to focus on my school work and sort out some personal drama.

I am not abandoning my sequel to My Love My Life . In fact, I might post the first chapter in the next coming weeks, but I will be posting slower for this one, seeing as certain characters are being divas and refusing to work with me. *cough* Mortifero *cough cough*

So... this little nugget of joy has been on my computer for a while, so I brushed off the dirty and dust, and decided to put up for all of you lovelies!

Disclaimer - I do not own Marvel or any characters in the Marvel universe... though I would not be complaining if Loki did get dropped outside my door. i do own all of my OC's.

WARNINGS! Abuse, major depression, self harm and some sensual (This is Loki we are talking about here) content.

ENJOY!

Eight years ago...

"Leslie! Hurry up!"

I hefted my books to a better holding position and attempted to move faster. "I'm going as fast as I- oh!" I watched all my books hit the ground. "I am so sorry, sir! I didn't see you there! Are you hurt?"

"I am unharmed."

"Good. Good." I frantically tried to gather all my books together. "I'm such a clutz. I should have watched where I was going."

"Do you require assistance?"

"Huh?" I looked up, adjusting my glasses and froze. I looked back down, hoping my blush didn't show. Oh my gosh, he is hot! "Um, no, I'm fine, thanks." I picked up the stack and struggled to stand. "I, um, I'm late for class. I need to get going. Nice meeting you!" I rushed off in the direction of my next class. I am such an idiot! 'Nice meeting you'? You didn't even ask his name. Brilliant Sherlock!

"Leslie, there you are!" I looked up to see my friend standing with her fists in her hips. "Now is not the time to dally. We are going to be late and miss the guest speaker!" Betsy grabbed my bag strap and started hauling me across the courtyard. "We wouldn't be in this mess if you hadn't gotten caught up with your books."

"Mrs. Miller needed help reshelving some things. She doesn't get a lot of volunteers to help her, you know?"

Betsy rolled her eyes and pushed me into the classroom and went to her seat. I sat down and organized everything only to discover I was missing-

"I believe this is yours." I looked up to see the guy from earlier holding my notebook out to me. I felt my blush return.

"Um, yes, uh thank you." I took it and hoped that he would leave. I was drawing attention.

"I don't believe I introduced myself. I'm Loki Konge, I am here on a research assignment."

I blushed even harder when I started feeling Betsy's stare on me.

"Uh, I'm… um…"

The guy, Loki, laughed. "Have you forgotten your name or is it 'Um'?"

I couldn't help but giggle at the unintended "A Knight's Tale" quote. I held out my hand. "I'm Leslie. Leslie Tarren. Nice to meet you." Loki looked at my hand for a second then took it and kissed it. I heard the entire class gasp and start chittering, and my blush returned.

"The pleasure is all mine, Leslie." he released my hand and backed away. "I shall take my leave. I hope our paths cross again."

I stared after him as he left. I just had a conversation (kinda') with the hottest guy I have ever seen. And he hopes to see me again! My heart was fluttering with joy and my brain was applauding my chance at non-spinsterhood.

A flick on my forehead brought me back. Betsy was standing in front of me with all the girls in this class. My heart stopped dead when I realized what had just occurred and who wasn't involved. I tried to shrink back into my seat to avoid the inevitable questions.

"Alright everyone in your seats! Girls, break up your little rally and get out your pencils. I hope you all did the homework because here is a pop quiz."

After a long class of enduring every jealous girls' stare, I escaped and attempted to flee to the library. I could hide in the backroom that no one knows about until things die down a little.

"LESLIE!" I walked faster when I heard Betsy yell my name. I rounded a corner to hide and ran straight into someone.

"We really must stop meeting like this." I looked up at Loki and smiled a little.

"Yeah. Uh... like I said earlier, I'm a clutz."

"I saw her go this way."

I felt myself pale and frantically tried to gather up my books again. I reached for my STAT textbook and my hand brushed Loki's. I flinched away instinctively. His hand was freezing!

"I'm sorry."

"No, it's alright." Loki reached to grab a flyaway paper. He stopped to read the page. "Did you write this?"

I quickly snatched it from him. "That's none of your business."

"There you are, Leslie. I've been looking- Oh, hey there."

I heard the shift in Betsy's voice as she went from slave-driver to man magnet. I felt myself slump a little. Betsy was your stereotypical beach-blond cheerleader: willowy, pretty, perfect, nothing out of place. Her groupies follow suit. I'm the only exception: reddish hair, bigger built, and muddy hazel eyes covered with big glasses. I carry things, do homework, fetch other things, basically the maid of the group, but if it wasn't for Betsy and the Bees, I would be completely ignored, alone.

"I'm Betsy. I'm a friend of Leslie's."

"Oh, wonderful! Then you can help her carry these books back to her room. There are too many for her to carry on her own, as you can see, she keeps dropping them."

I stopped in shock. Please don't say anymore, I silently begged.

Betsy's eyebrow went up. "Oh? I'm sure that I can help lighten her load a little."

Terror gripped me. "No, it's fine. I just didn't have a good grip on them. See?" gathers all the books up, "All good. I don't need any help."

Loki looked at me with slight confusion, then at Betsy. "I believe I saw you earlier in Leslie's last class."

"Yeah, we have almost every single class together. Same major. Sports medicine, physical therapy specifically."

Loki nodded. "That sounds... admirable."

"It is," Betsy affirmed. "I wanted to do modeling, but Leslie wouldn't stop going on and on about how she wanted to work around the cute athletes. Isn't that right, Les?" I nodded like a good girl. "Isn't she precious?" I winced as she pinched my cheek. "She acts all shy, but she is a real hellcat. I tell her to slow down, but she won't listen to me."

Loki had an unreadable look on his face. "I see." I felt myself get dragged further down as Betsy continued.

"Anywho, enough about Les. Why are you here mister tall, dark and handsome?"

"I am doing research study in human behavior."

"Oh that is so rad! Well, I know everybody that is anybody in this place so feel free to ask if you need any test subjects." Betsy winked.

"I actually don't want any of my subjects to know I am studying them. That is the entire point of my study."

"Oh, I see. Well, there is this party this Saturday, totally on the down low, that I think you will find good hunting ground for your study."

Loki nodded. "I will think about it. Thank you for informing me."

Betsy grabs my arm and starts to walk away. "Well, it was great meeting you, but we need to get going."

I stopped to get a better grip on my books. "I actually have some homework to do and I think I will go to library because it's quiet. I know you wanted to go to the mall with the girls. Go on without me. I'm boring company anyway."

Betsy sniffed, thinking. "You're right and I wouldn't want you to do poorly on your homework." I caught the threat in her voice.

"I'll be fine. I just need a quiet place to work."

"Kk, love you. See you back at the dorm." With a kiss on the cheek, Betsy skipped off.

I hugged the books closer to my chest, trying to ease the ache.

"Why do you let her treat you so? Or is that how friendship works here?"

I paled even more, if that was even possible. "No no no no no. She just had a rough day. She's really a great person."

I glanced up to his face. The look he was giving me was somewhere between disgust and humor. I hefted my books higher and started walking. "I have homework to do. See ya."

Before I got far, a hand grabbed the top half of my book stack.

"What sort of gentleman would I be if I did not assist a lady in carrying her things?"

"A twenty-first century one," I replied dryly.

Loki's eyebrow went up. "I take it you are not entirely impressed with your generation?"

I sighed. "What I wouldn't give to be in the Medieval Era. A time of knights and chivalry."

Loki chuckled. "Men were even more disgusting back then, especially since women could not speak against them."

I glared at him. "Don't ruin my dream, laddybuck. Let me live with my fairytale delusions. It makes reality bearable."

"If I may frank, living in fairytale delusions has a tendency to make reality worse, making it easier to fall deeper into those delusions, creating a self destructive cycle."

"I don't see how my reality can get any worse," I muttered. We reached the library and I took back my books. "Thanks for your help."

"It was my pleasure." Loki did a half bow and walked away.

I watched him go, a small part of me begging for him to stay. Does he like coffee? No, he seems more like a tea person. Strong black tea or earl grey, maybe?

"I prefer oolong or my personal herbal blend that I created myself."

The blood drained from my face once again. "Please don't tell me I was thinking out loud…"

Loki just grinned. "I have no appointments tomorrow, if you require some assistance with your" he glanced at my books "workload."

"No, I'm used to this much work. It keeps me busy. Less time for daydreaming and self-destructive cycles of delusions."

"A bit of daydreaming can be good for the soul every once in awhile. Now when it becomes a habit, that is where problems can arise." Loki reached over to tug a loose piece of paper from my books.

"Like a star above the city,

I remain unnoticed.

Like a single drop of rain,

I drown in a sea of people."

I tried to snatch the paper back, nearly dropping all of my books again.

"Please, stop," I begged.

"Who am I to question my worth?

Where do I turn, if not to myself?

How can I be, in a swirl of nothingness?"

Loki grasped my wrist, paying no heed to the books he was making me drop yet again. I feel goosebumps race up my arms from his ice-like touch. He gripped the page of random words in his fingers, careful not to crinkle the paper.

"Words like this cannot lie. No one should suffer these questions. Why do you keep such a burden with you?"

I looked down at the ground, avoiding his gaze.

"It's none of your business. Please give that back," I quietly pleaded.

"Leslie, look at me."

I started to quiver from my suppressed tears, I shook my head. "Please, just leave."

"Not until you look at me and answer my question. Now, Leslie, look at me."

I slowly looked up to meet his startling green gaze. They are filled with so much… just so much. His gaze softened as he removed my glasses and wiped away my escaped tears.

"Why are such beautiful eyes filled with such sorrow? Why ask yourself if you are worth anything?"

Every wall I spent my entire life building crumbled. "Because no one ever has ever told me. I'm the outcast that everyone walks by."

Loki smiled sadly. "Until today. A random stranger helped you with your books when no one else gave a second glance."

"Yeah because I ran into you in the first place."

Loki shook his head. "More like I ran into you. Out of everyone the I saw in the courtyard today, you were the only one that stood out to me. You were trying so hard to blend in that you stood out all the more. You caught my attention because I wanted to know what would make an obviously intelligent woman feel the need to be like everyone else." My tears started to dry as he went on. Me? Intelligent?

"I know how it feels to be shunned for being different, to be in the shadow of another, but all it takes is one person, one voice to start a fire that cannot be extinguished as long as that person is there to stand beside you."

I tilted my head to the side. "What's their name? Your person, I mean."

Loki smiled. "My mother. She has made me who I am today. She taught me everything I know and is always there for me when I need her."

"She sounds like an incredible woman."

"She is a goddess among all others."

"Woah there Shakespeare! Let's not get carried away now," I giggled.

"There now. You look much better when you are happy. Your eyes sparkle when you laugh."

I blushed. "Um, thanks… Uh, Loki, can I have my glasses back? I'm kinda blind as a bat without them."

"Bats actually see much more than humans can, even though it is through sound, not through sight."

"Yeah, yeah, just give me back my glasses unless you want me running into things."

"Your eyesight that terrible?"

"Like I said, blind as a bat. Can't see anything clearly beyond a few inches from my face."

"Really? So you wanted to see my face clearly" his nose was now millimeters from mine "I would have to be this close?"

My eyes frantically darted across his face, my heart pounding hard enough to beat out of my chest. I had never been this close to any guy in my entire life, other than my step-dad and brothers. I took in his every feature. His eyes were slightly slanted and the most beautiful shade of green I had ever seen. His cheekbones were so sharp and pronounced as was his nose. As my gaze went lower to his lips, I licked mine slightly. When did they get so dry? And why is it so hot all of a sudden?

I nearly missed Loki's arms moving in my peripheral vision. His hands came into view and placed my glasses back on my nose. He smiled as he tapped my nose.

"There, right back where they belong." He stepped back to a respectable distance and bowed slightly. "I return this to you," he held out the paper "and take my leave. I believe I have distracted you from your homework long enough. I wish you a productive evening." Then he turned and walked away. I stood frozen for a few fluttered heartbeats before shouting after him.

"Lauren's Café, eight o'clock tomorrow."

Loki stopped and grinned. "I will be waiting."

Hours of trying to do homework later, I unlocked my dorm door. I hardly got any work done. My mind kept going back to Loki and his gorgeous face.

"Betsy?" I got no reply. Probably still at the mall, I thought. I sat down to sort through the homework that had been shoved at me. My eyes landed on the paper with my poem on it. I read it a couple times before going to crumple it up.

"Like a star above the city,

I remain unnoticed.

Like a single drop of rain,

I drown in a sea of people.

Who am I to question my worth?

Where do I turn, if not to myself?

How can I be, in a swirl of nothingness?"

Dark lettering caught my eye as I crinkled the paper. Turning the page over, I looked at the addition.

"A shining star can lead a lost soul to safety.

A falling star can grant the most heartfelt of wishes.

A single raindrop can break a dam.

A lonely tear can turn stone to flesh.

Never question worth.

Turn to the heavens for answers that lay far beyond understanding.

Nothing cannot exist where something is present."

The bold handwriting stood out against the light paper. It was the answers to my questions. The answers I needed to hear.

A heavy weight on my stomach forced me consciousness. I sat up, trying to breath. I fumbled my glasses into place to see Betsy standing over me with two of her Bees, smoking cigarettes.

The smoke around me filled my lungs and made my body convulse with coughs.

"You can't smoke in the dorms," I wheezed.

"I rule this dorm. What I say goes, and my eyes are everywhere."

"Yeah," said the Bee to Betsy's right. "You can't even take a shit without her knowing."

"Lea, shut up." The obnoxious redhead listened.

Betsy drew in another lung full of smoke and blew it in my face. "Now, a little bird told me that you were trying to take something that is mine last night. Right after I specifically claimed him as mine."

"W-who? Lok-ki? W-w-we were just talk-king!"

Betsy laughed. "Then how come Gina here saw you two nose to nose. You were looking rather breathless too."

"I-I-I…"

"Stop stammering and answer me."

"I t-tripped and he caught m-me," I forced out. "I hadn't been that c-close to any guy b-before so I was a little shell-shocked."

Betsy blew another lung full of smoke at my face, pondering my words. "Hold her." The Bees grabbed my arms and held me down. I tried to scream, but Betsy harshly covered my mouth. "Now, you are to sit still and take your punishment for defying me, then you are going to your little date with Loki a tell him that you never want to see him again. Are we clear?"

Tears streamed down my face. I wanted to nod so badly, but I just shook my head. Some small part of me wanted this new stranger. He made me feel… beautiful, whole, intelligent. That part of me didn't want to let him go.

Betsy growled and roughly turned my head. Sharp burning filled my senses as she pressed her cigarette butt right on my pulse point. I screamed against her hand and tried to wrestle free.

"Wrong answer." She reached for one of the cigarettes the Bees had discarded. "I won't ask again." This one she placed right at in the hollow of my collarbone, followed quickly by a third mark on the other side. Tears coursed down my face at the pain.

Then all the hands disappeared. I curled up and tried to not move.

I felt a piece of clothing fall onto me. "Get up and get dressed. You have a date in half an hour." I grasped the clothing item and saw it was turtleneck sweater. It would be painful getting on and equally painfully getting it off, furthering my punishment.

I wept as I dressed under the scrutiny of Betsy and the Bees. I stood, cowed before my betters as they asked questions like, "What one earth could he see in you? You're overweight and not even remotely pretty."

I followed Betsy outside trying my hardest to not move my neck. A block away from Lauren's, Betsy stopped. She turned and grabbed my neck, pressing on the burns. "You are going in there to tell him you never want to see him again. Is that understood? Two minutes after he gets there, I better see you walking out of that front door." I nod, fighting the tears. "Good, now go."

I walked quickly to the doors and rushed into my sanctuary. I walked right up to my usual spot.

"Mornin' honey! Your usual?"

"Sorry, Dana, not today," I answered. The cook and owner of Lauren's Café started. "Just a water and a pen, if you can spare one."

"Sure thing, Les! And where did you get that sweater? That color is all wrong for you."

I chuckled at my queer friend. "It was a present from my grandmother," I lied. "It was kind of chilly this morning so I decided to let it see the light of day."

Dana snorts, setting down my requested items, then takes a sudden breath. "Now that there, is a tall drink of water." I turn to see Loki walking up to the doors. I quickly scribbled my note and excused myself to the restroom. I hid around the corner, just within earshot.

"Mornin', handsome. What brings you to this side of town?"

"I am meeting a friend, ma'am. Perhaps you know her. Straight auburn hair, hazel eyes and glasses."

I heard Dana laugh. "You must be looking for Leslie. You just missed her. Real weird though, for as long as I have known that girl, she has never turned down my flapjacks for anything, and today she does." Dana pauses. "Must be the stress of a new school year, I'm sure she's fine. Now, how do you know my sweet girl?"

"We ran into each other yesterday. She was the one that suggested that we meet," Loki replied.

"Hmm, well she did scribble something on that napkin there before she disappeared."

I dared peek around the corner. Loki picked up my note. After reading it, he folded it and put it in his pocket. He smiled at Dana and left. Through the blinds, I saw Betsy swoop in and follow him as he walked back towards the campus. I made my way back to my seat and slid back into it.

"There you are honey! This gorgeous man came in and was looking of you."

"I know."

"Then why did you… That bitch!" Dana threw down her towel as she caught sight of Betsy walking after Loki. I could see the fight rising up in her eyes. I reached over and touched her arm.

"Dana, it's nothing. Just leave it."

"That hunk was here for you and that man-stealing bitch made you stand him up."

"She didn't make me do anything," I said quietly.

I didn't see Dana reach over and pull down my collar. I bit back a scream as it scrapped the burns. "Didn't make you do anything, my ass! I'm taking you to go get those looked at."

"Dana-"

"Maurice! Take over for me while I'm gone. I'll be back in and hour or two."

"Sure thing, boss," the fry cook yelled from the kitchen. Dana dragged me from the café and to her old Ford.

Within fifteen minutes, I was sitting in the ER waiting to be seen. Dana filed her nails as we waited.

"Leslie?" I stood and followed the nurse back, Dana right behind nurse handed me a gown and left. Dana waited outside the curtain as I took off the painful top and donned the medical gown. I sat on the cot and picked at my too short nails. Years of nail biting had them all the way back to the quick.

The nurse came to bandage the burns and asked, "Abusive boyfriend?"

"Tyrannical man-stealing bitch is more like it," Dana said.

The nurse snorted. "Jealousy, huh? This must be some guy."

I blushed. "Yeah, he is a real gentleman."

"Well, maybe he can give my boys a lesson or two," the nurse chuckled. "They could use a good example, care to share?"

I laughed. "He is his own person. He isn't mine to share."

"Well, then." The nurse stepped back. "You are done. I'll go find you a different shirt. That shirt will irritate the burns more."

"Thank you."

Dana came and sat in the chair next to me. "What did you put on that note, honey? I have never seen a man act so casual in getting stood up."

I looked down at the ground. "Something surrounded by nothing, slowly becomes nothing."

"What fortune cookie crap have you been reading?"

"I wrote it. He would understand."

"Uh-huh, and how long have you known this guy?"

"Less than twenty-four hours."

"And you two have a secret language?" I could hear the underlying tease and knowing in her voice.

Shaking my head, I played with my fingers. "He read some of my scribbles. It is related to that."

"Oh, I see." Dana scooted closer. "What dirty secret did he read?"

"Nothing dirty, just personal."

The nurse came back with a big t-shirt. "It'll be big, but it is better than that skin tight corset you call a turtleneck."

"Thank you so much."

Dana turned to leave. "You shouldn't let that bitch get in your way. You have let her walk all over you long enough."

I stayed quiet and just left. Dana followed me to the car. "You know that party is tonight. I bet Betsy is going to drag you. Want some decent company?"

I laugh. "Yeah, sure! But after you spot James Young, you'll drop me like last week's laundry."

Dana faked a look of complete horror. "I would never abandon a friend for a one night stand!"

"Yeah, yeah. Just drive, Cleopatra."

Dana's prediction was correct. Betsy had me dress up in a ridiculous outfit that covered my bandages and dragged me to the party. As soon as I was there, I found a semi-quiet corner to sip on my beer. The partiers around me just danced, drank and chatted on. Betsy jumped from attractive boy to attractive boy every few minutes, getting as many of them under her thumb as she could. Dana found me and sat with me until she got up to refill our drinks.

I sighed. In an hour, I could slip away when everyone was drunk. I was looking for my friend, who was taking too long, when someone spoke right in my ear.

"This is honestly the last place I thought I would find you."

I jumped flailing my arms around, hitting someone in the face. When I settled two seconds later, I saw that it was Loki. He was chuckling as he rubbed his jaw.

"Looks like you have graduated from running into me to hitting me."

"I'm so sorry! I thought you were-"

"Someone of a less savory character?"

I blushed and nodded.

Dana squirmed through the crowd and handed me my new drink. "They didn't have any more of the good stuff left so I had to make due with what they had. And the guy serving the beer was totally checking me out, I mean, he's no James Young, but I can't keep my standards high all of the time. Beggars can't be choosers, I suppose."

"I believe no one should settle for anything less than perfection," Loki said.

Dana's eyes widened when she saw Loki standing next to me. "Oh, I didn't see you there, Mister Tall, Dark and Handsome! I see you finally found the girl you were looking for. Leslie can be a bit slippery at times. I don't think I introduced myself properly last time we met. I'm Dana Ramsey. I've known Leslie since she was an itty-bitty, scared, little freshman two years ago."

Loki took Dana's hand kissed it. "It is a pleasure to meet a genuine friend of Leslie's." I flinched at the backhanded insult towards Betsy and the Bees.

"Leslie!" I heard Betsy yell above the music. I caught a glimpse of her waving me over with a scowl on her face. Dana grumbled and grabbed my arm to kept me in my spot.

"You are not going over there," Loki hissed into my ear. "You are going to pretend that you didn't see her then walk outside with me and Dana." He took my other arm and all three of us walked out of the smoky air and into the night.

Night air filled my nose and I calmed instantly. I turned my face to the sky and sighed. "This is perfect."

"Careful, honey. Don't tear your bandages."

"Bandages?" Loki asked concerned.

Before I could tell Dana to not say anything, she started going on about how Betsy had burned me to make me do her bidding. "If I was still a student, I would report that bitch to the campus police. Hell, I'm going to the actual police in the morning."

"Dana, she burned me. I am the only one that can press charges."

The my friend pursed her lips and nodded. "Agreed. You're coming with me."

Terror filled me. "No, I can't!"

A pair of hands rested on my shoulders. "Breath, Leslie. You are hyperventilating."

I focused on my breathing until it was once again normal.

"LESLIE!"

My heart stopped at Betsy's voice and slowly turned to face the wrath of the queen Bee. Betsy stood with five or six of her groupies, all arms were crossed. I automatically stepped away from Loki and Dana, my only pillars of strength.

Betsy smiled an unnervingly sweet smile. "Did you not hear what I told you earlier today?"

No words came.

"You mean what you told her to do when you burned her?" Betsy glared at Dana. No one ever talked to her like that, and like hell would it start now.

"She put those there herself, cross dresser," she scoffed. "She is quite the drama attention whore. You know I wonder if she learned it from you. I mean who else would keep hanging around college parties even after they are banned from campus?

"Now, Leslie, should I tell them about the razors under your bed? Or maybe even about the sleeping pills? Did you learn those little tricks from your gay friend too? Play the weakling to get the most attention."

I glanced around to see people coming from the house to see what the ruckus was about. Betsy was loosing all my dark secrets, even the ones Dana didn't know about. I could feel the stares coming from all sides, though Dana's I felt the most. She knew enough to know that Betsy degraded me into depression, but I never told her about the sleeping pills or my self harming. I didn't need to turn to know that Dana was hurt and worried. My scars were where no one would see them. Tears filled my eyes as everyone's judgement came down on me.

Betsy continued. "And here you are breaking your word to me. You said that you were going to steer clear of the new guy, and-"

"That's not true," I said quietly.

Betsy stopped and glared at me. " 'Scuse me? What did you say?"

I swallowed, trying to find the courage that made me speak before.

Betsy laughed. "Stop acting so weak. We all know you are a manipulative bitch that takes whatever she wants, whenever-"

"Stop it!" I screamed. i couldn't take this anymore. "I'm not anything like that! If anyone here is manipulative, it's you!" Betsy stiffened and stepped back slightly, eyes dancing over the gathering crowd.

"Since day one, I have done everything you asked: did your and your groupies' homework, ran errands, picked up your drugs from your dealer, covered for you in class when you were too hungover or high to go. And what do I get in return? The blame when your stash is found, ridicule when your grades aren't as they should be and every degrading comment that makes you feel better about your weak personality and shitty insecurities. Fine! Yes, I take sleeping pills and cut myself, but it is because you shoved me so low that I needed to feel everything and nothing to feel like I have some control over my life. You made me feel less than human… No, scratch that! You made me less than human just so you could be on the top of the world without all the work needed to get there. I don't care about your shitty home life or that your parents prefer your brother, that gives you no right to treat someone like an animal. So you know what, Betsy? Go to hell!"

I turned and walked out of the crowd that had gathered. I stormed and fumed for a block or two before a celebratory yelp sounded behind me. I turned just in time to catch Dana flying into me.

"Honey, I'm so proud of you! You stood up and put that bitch in her place. Though I am mad at you for not telling about the pills or the cutting, but that lecture will have to wait until after we celebrate. You joining us, handsome?"

I looked over Dana's shoulder to see Loki leaning against a tree, a half smirk on his face. "It would be my pleasure to join in such festivities."

Dana let me go. "It's settled then drinks and flapjacks on me back at the café. " Dana walked ahead chattering on and on about growing up and spitfire.

As my friend got further away, the realization of what just happened hit me. My legs gave out as my head swam.

I was caught and trapped against Loki's chest before I hit the concrete. "Breath, Leslie. It's over. You don't have to deal with that witch ever again."

I let myself be held while I let my brain and body get back in sync. "Did that really just happen?" I finally asked.

Loki laughed. "Yes, it did. You were brilliant. I didn't know so much rage could fit into such a small package."

"I'm not small. You're just larger than average."

I felt Loki chuckle. "My point stands."

I pushed away from Loki to look up into his face. I saw the awe and pride in his eyes, and I blushed.

The color quickly drained from my face as something hit me. "My stuff is still back in the dorm! My books, clothes, everything! Who knows what Betsy will do!"

Loki chuckled. "Don't worry, litt raseri. I'll take care of that problem. Now, Dana is probably wondering-"

"Will you two hurry up? I was at the café when I realized you two- Oh, nevermind. I'll be going." Dana turned on her six-inch heels and started walking away.

"Dana, wait! This isn't what it looks like!"

Loki pulled me flush against his chest. "And what exactly does this look like?"

The feeling from the previous night returned ten times stronger. My breaths were shaky and my skin felt flushed. Loki's lips were only a breath width away from mine. Cool hands moved from my ribs to my lower back and side, eliciting a shiver from me.

"Um… I- uh…"

"Shhh," Loki whispered as his lips closed the small gap to mine. My stomach did a somersault as this inherently complete stranger took my first kiss. This man's lips moved gently, yet possessively over mine. One of his hands pressed against my back, pulling me even closer. I gasped when I felt what must've been his arousal press into my stomach. When my lips parted, Loki moved his free hand to my neck and deepened the kiss. His tongue caressed mine, teasing it into battle. Hesitant, I explored the kiss, retreating when I thought I did something wrong. Loki only encouraged me to explore further, not backing down or recoiling at my experimental licks or nips. My fingers curled and grasped his shirt to keep myself upright. I felt myself whimper into the kiss, some primitive desire telling me it wasn't enough.

Loki pulled away, but kept his hands where they were. "I believe that you didn't answer my question."

My mind worked slowly, reeling from my first kiss. When words did come, they weren't the ones I was expecting. "Dana is going to start collecting bets if we don't get going." I tried to turn away, but Loki held firm.

"Bets for what?"

I shook my head, coherent thought returning. "It's too embarrassing..."

Loki now extremely curious, pulls me in tighter and proceeds to nibble my ear. "Care to reword that?"

I giggled at the feel of his lips against my ear. "Bets on whether or not I lose my virginity tonight. I mean- Oh stop that! You're distracting- you did just take my first kiss.""

Loki stilled and brought his eyes to mine. "You, litt raseri, are a virgin?"

I nod, my blush creeping down my neck. "I never really found any guys I liked until now. I was starting to think I was gay. Dana would've been proud and set me up with one of her friends."

Loki laughed, his hands now resting on my hips. "It will take a mighty warrior to bed you, litt raseri. That temper and spirit will be hard to conquer."

I pout. "I want to be loved and cherished. Whole, not conquered."

Loki nods in understanding. "Of course, now, I believe there are flapjacks and drinks awaiting us?"

I smiled and took his hand to lead the way.

Present day…

"Leslie, you are a miracle!"

"Jinny, get your ass to that husband of yours. I can finish up here."

My employee thanked me again and hurried out the door. I shook my head and hauled the last of the book crates into the back. As I put them on the shelf, the door tinkled.

"Sorry folks! We're closed," I announced as I walked out wiping my hands free of dust.

"Ms. Tarren?"

I stopped when I saw the men in suits standing there. I reached down behind the counter to my shotgun. "Who's asking?"

The shorter one stepped forward. "I'm Agent Coulson with S.H.I.E.L.D., and we need you to come with us."

My grip tightens. "Why?"

Agent Coulson replied, "It is a matter of global security."

With a snort, I leaned onto the countertop. "Let me give you a news flash, Agent, the whole damn world is falling apart, so this isn't news to me. Now please leave."

I turned to return to the back when I hear something set onto the counter. "Do you recognize this man?"

I stopped dead in my tracks. His hair was longer, he hadn't aged a day and he looked near desperate and exhausted, but that was him.

"I haven't seen him in five years. I can't tell you anything that you probably don't anything ready know."

Agent Coulson took back the picture. "We are not here for information about him. We are here because you are needed."

"That bastard left me five years ago and hasn't tried to contact me once. Right now the only thing I will "help" him with is breaking his smug smile."

Agent Coulson smiled. "Good because you are helping us get information out of him."

My day just got a whole lot better. "When do we leave?"

"As soon as you are ready."

I hurried and made a few calls to tell my employees that I will not be coming in for a few days and leave some instructions. The S.H.I.E.L.D agents drove me to my house so I could pack a bag. As I packed, I made a list of things I would say to inform Loki Konge on how much I despise him.

Litt raseri is Little Fury in Norse, and Leslie's poem is of my own making.

Please review! Let me know if I should continue.