Bargains [Loki x Reader (pt 29)]

Thor dropped from the roof to the still-open loading bay and clutched his hammer tighter.

Loki loosened his arms from around you and maneuvered you around to a seat. He made sure you were buckled in this time, then put a hand to your cheek. “All will be well.”

You nodded as the world shuddered between color and greyscale.

“Return her to me and no harm will come to you,” Thor promised.

Loki chuckled, then returned to solemnity. “I can't.”

“Many times I have heard you offer this same explanation, when you know you are quite capable of doing as I ask. This time is no—”

“I can't, Thor, and we both know why.” Loki shook his head. “I know you've seen the symptoms before.”

Thor ignored the comment and glanced in your direction. “There was a suitor, a child who became violent around her...”

“He is no more. This is not what I mean, though he was part of her illness. No, you know perfectly well which symptoms I refer to.”

Thor loosened his grip on Mjolnir and lowered his eyes. “I know not what to do to heal her. Mother's lullaby worked momentarily, but you speak truth, for once in a lifetime. We both know what lies behind her illness.”

“She requires assistance.”

“There is no assistance for her illness, not this time. With Jane, there was something to be done, but now...” It was Thor's turn to shake his head. “I cannot help her.”

“I can.” Loki put a hand to his chest and took a step forward. “Allow her to come with me, and all will be well, I assure you.”

Thor's grip tightened again, and he lifted his stern eyes. “You grasp at air, brother. You cannot help her, either. Perhaps the Man of Iron will find a cure for this.”

“OH, yes, or that great hulking beast you call a doctor,” Loki scoffed.

“I must return her.” Thor took a step back, instantly in defense mode.

The room sputtered to black and something pinched at the back of your neck. You gasped and counted the seconds until color returned. Seven.

Loki shook his head and extended a hand. His spear appeared, shimmering green as it shaped in his hand. “I knew no bargain could dissuade you from your path.” He took four long steps to reach the side of the plane, and pressed a button. A small storage closet hissed open.

Thor blinked. “Lady Darcy.”

Darcy rolled her eyes. She couldn't do much else, considering Loki had tied her hands and feet securely in long strips of rope. And he'd stuck a gag in her mouth. You guessed he didn't trust her. Or her snide comments annoyed him. She had probably called him Loco again.

“Return (Y/n) to me, and I shall return Darcy to you.” Loki stopped beside the closet and shrugged.

Darcy kicked both feet – she couldn't really separate them – and hit Loki in the ankle. He kicked her back. Darcy squeaked her frustration.

“If I do not accept this bargain?” Thor asked.

Loki shrugged again. “Would you truly risk the lives of two most beloved friends?”

“No,” Thor whispered. At least, you assumed it was as close to whispering as he would ever get. The man's voice really resonated. He cleared his throat. “You know without a doubt that you can dispel (Y/n)'s illness?”

“I do.” Loki nodded, and that deep longing returned to hide behind his eyes.

Thor stomped through the plane and easily lifted Darcy into his arms. She raised an eyebrow at him. He lifted his eyes to meet his brother's. “Treat her well. I will not have her perish.”

Loki gave a single nod.

Thor dove from the back of the plane with Darcy still in his arms, and Loki pressed a button to close the loading bay.

That was when you passed out.