Kara clutched her heart in her chest. She was a bit asthmatic, which didn't help her situation at the moment. After having run off due to the horrific sight she witnessed, she gradually began to lose oxygen; hence, she settled on sitting down on the grass outside, hoping the view of the bright, twinkling stars would calm her nerves.

Not that it worked, though.

Kara just merely sobbed and sobbed in solitude, her head buried in her arms as she sat down with a crouched figure. She knew things were too good to be true, noticing how she seemed ecstatic majority of the time. It had become a pattern for the poor brunette: feeling elated for a period of time, falling back into a pit of misery, rising up from that pit, allowing herself to feel happiness once again, then back to sadness.

"What am I going to do with my pathetic excuse of a life?", she muttered in between sobs.

"Make the most out of it."

Kara froze in her position. The sound of the voice had become familiar over her stay at the Avengers' facility, that she instantly knew who it was. She didn't even bother looking at the man to address his words.

"Leave me alone, Steve."

Instead of hearing footsteps, the young lady heard a soft chuckle escaping his lips. The captain took this opportunity to sit beside her on the grass, hugging his legs as he gazed up at the night sky.

"Beautiful, isn't it?", he commented, in awe of the stars scattered like splattered white paint on a dim canvas. Kara rolled her eyes. "If you're somehow going to connect me with those stars, sorry to say, but I'm gonna throw the nearest pebble at you.", she replied, making Steve's lips twitch upwards.

"It was worth a try.", he responded, shrugging. It was Kara's turn to laugh softly.

There was a few minutes of silence between the pair. The occasional sniff was heard, and Steve couldn't help but let his eyes flicker from the sky to the star sitting next to him at the moment.

"I'm so helpless.", Kara mused after a while. Steve shot her a look of sympathy. "You're not helpless, Kara-"

"Yes, I am!", she yelled, cutting him off. The soldier was stunned at this but kept an understanding expression. Kara sighed, running her hand through her hair and slightly pulling at it. "I'm sorry. I'm just... not in the most stable condition right now."

Steve nodded. "I know, which is why I'm here.", he added. Kara looked up at him with tear-stained cheeks. "To what? Scold me? Tell me 'I told you so' and all that bullsh*t?"

Steve twitched a bit at the curse word, but let it slide. "No."

"Then what exactly are you doing here, Captain?", she asked. Wiping away the fresh tears that had just formed in her eyes, she slowly met gazes with the super-soldier, only to see him staring at her with glistening eyes. For once, they remained trapped in that moment, neither bother saying a word. The pair let their eyes speak for themselves, their gazes saying more words than they could have imagined.

"I...", she trailed off, still not breaking her focus. Had she did, she would have noticed Steve's body inching closer and closer to her own, his face gradually dipping onto hers.

Then, it happened.

Kara felt the sensation of lips touching hers. Steve's kiss was gentle and sweet, which was expected, coming from a gentleman like him. It was obvious he was nervous, given the slight quiver in his bottom lip. After a few seconds, he slowly started to gain confidence, being as bold as to cup her face in his hands and deepen his kiss.

On the other hand, the young lady didn't know how to respond. The blond's kiss was a definite step-down from the ones she had received from Loki, but the innocence behind it somehow kept her in place. She had not been blind to Steve's actions, but she was not one to assume unless he made a move.

And now he did.

She let her arms support her from behind her back, her hands pressing on the grass. Both still had their eyes closed, one of them was feeling butterflies erupt in his stomach; the other had a wave of awkwardness wash over her.

"Loki, I have some great news for you!", Kara began, her hands holding her coffee mug tightly. Loki looked up from the pocket book he was reading. "Yes, love?"

The young lady couldn't contain her excitement anymore, that small squeals escaped her lips as she tried to form a coherent sentence. The god, on the other hand, chuckled at her expression, smiling as he analyzed her features.

"I got promoted today!", she practically yelled, causing a few heads in the cafe to look in their direction. The prince gasped in disbelief. "Oh my, that's wonderful darling!", he exclaimed, a wide grin on his face, obviously happy for his partner.

Loki stood up from his seat and proceeded to sit next to Kara, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and leaning in. "I think this calls for a celebration.", he breathed out, making his voice deeper than before. He knew perfectly well how this brought shivers down Kara's spine, and oh, how he loved seeing her flushed face as he did so. "Ye-yes?", she stuttered, her eyes flickering from his orbs down to his parted lips. The god wasted no time and crashed his lips onto hers with passion and desire radiating from his body.

...

"Come on brother, she has to go to work.", Thor whined, pulling Loki away. The latter wouldn't budge, enveloping her in his tight embrace. It was Kara's first day on the job as Senior Account Manager, and Loki insisted on dropping her off.

Kara chuckled at his actions. "Loki, I'll be home in a few hours." The Asgardian shook his head. "That seems like an eternity.", he replied, making Thor fake-gag in the distance.

The brunette rolled her eyes. "Oh, shut up. You know you have to go to 'work', too.", she responded, her head nodding in Thor's way. It was Loki's turn to whine. "But..."

"No buts. I'll see you later, Mr. Laufeyson.", she said with a wink, pressing a soft kiss on his lips. As she pulled away, she noticed how Loki still had his eyes closed, like he was still savoring the moment. "Take care of him, Thor.", she laughed, waving goodbye to her lover and entering the office.

-x-

Kara went home one day to find Loki burying his head in some documents. He was seated by the lampshade, a noticeable crease on his forehead. He didn't even hear her come in. The young woman dropped her bags gently on the floor, tiptoeing towards him.

When she finally reached him, she put her hands over his eyes, making the god smile softly. "If you think by any chance that I was startled, you are terribly mistaken." Kara rolled her eyes. "Pssh. Yeah, right. You didn't even see me come in."

Loki shook his head "No one can sneak past me, darling.", he replied, fully facing her and allowing her to capture his lips in a quick but sweet kiss. "What is that?", she asked with curiosity, pointing at the files in his hand. Loki shrugged. "I've been tasked to do a background check on this man by the name of Wolfgang von Strucker. It seems he's been making good use of the weapons my army left behind in the Battle of New York.", he replied, his fingers tracing the pictures attached in the document.

"Well, I think that's enough studying, my good sir.", she said, closing the folder shut and kissing his neck, making the god shut his eyes in satisfaction. "Hmmm, someone seems needy.", he remarked, rubbing his hand against her arm. Kara giggled. "Maybe."

-x-

This became a routine for the couple. Kara and Loki found it perfectly normal, since both parties ensured that despite being busy for the day, they would still manage to make time for each other, and please each other in any way possible.

However...

"Where are you going?", Kara inquired, munching on an apple as she flicked through the channels on the television. She observed Loki packing some important documents in a bag, along with some other essentials. "I have been summoned to stay at their facility for the moment. The situation with the artificial intelligence they dubbed as Ultron has gotten out of hand.", he replied, eyes focused on his task.

"How long will you be there?", Kara asked softly. She stood up and crossed her arms, her face harboring expressions of worry and longing. "I do not know, darling."

The brunette sighed. "No fair. You should be staying here, with me.", she huffed, plopping herself on the love seat nearby. Loki snickered, approaching her with love in his eyes. "You do know I came to Midgard for a reason, love." Kara rolled her eyes. "To redeem yourself in the eyes of your father, I get it."

The god smiled at this, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "You are exquisite.", he commented, grinning at her. Kara sighed. "I don't want anything bad happening to you." Loki took her hands in his, kissing them softly.

"Nothing will. You are talking to a god, after all.", he boasted, cocking an eyebrow at her. The young lady smiled at this, leaning forward to press a kiss on his cheek. An idea popped in her head, and she hurried out of the room. Loki was utterly confused at this. "What just happened?", he asked himself.

After a few minutes, Kara came back, clutching two phones in her hand. Loki looked even more bewildered. "Take this.", she said, handing him one device, to which the god recognized as a cellular phone. He sighed at the sight of the device. "Darling, you know I am not knowledgeable in the use of these Midgardian contraptions-"

He was shushed by the woman in front of him. "Just... take it please. Ask one of them how to use it or something. I just need a way to contact you, make sure you're alright.", she rambled, fiddling with her hands. Loki's heart melted at her concern. He traced her chin using his index finger and tilted it up so her eyes met his own. "All right, all right. I will.", he said in between soft chuckles.

Kara merely pouted at him. "You find me amusing?", she asked, raising an eyebrow. Loki smirked. "Oh, very much."

-x-

"So, how's everything going back there?", Kara inquired, her phone pressed between the crook of her neck and her shoulder as she cooked dinner for herself in her apartment.

"Exhausting would be an understatement. However, it is not something your prince could not handle.", Loki replied, the familiar pride in his voice as he spoke. Kara smiled at his words. "I'm glad you're okay. Just... update me whenever you can, alright?", she continued, sadness creeping in her voice.

"I will. I promise."

-x-

"Why isn't he answering my calls?", she asked, hearing the sound of the phone ringing in her ear. Kara sighed. "What am I doing? He's out there saving the world. I should not be so selfish.", she scolded herself.

Just then, the news came on. Kara immediately increased the volume and sat down comfortably on the sofa.

"Breaking news! Numerous civilians were saved from peril today by none other than Captain America with the aid of two seemingly enhanced individuals. Bystanders report seeing a male running 'incredibly fast', removing innocent civilians out of the way from a train accident caused by the machine with artificial intelligence who the Avengers have labelled as Ultron. The other individual has been described as a young woman with the ability to shoot red hex bolts from her hands.

Also in our report, it appears that Loki, the mastermind behind the world-famous Battle of New York, has joined the Avengers in their endeavors having been spotted multiple times alongside his Asgardian brother, the Mighty Thor. In this video, he could be seen assisting Natasha Romanoff, or more famously known as Black Widow, as she limps towards the paramedics with noticeable gashes on her face and wounds on her body."

It was the first time Kara saw Loki in action. She couldn't deny how proud she was of her boyfriend, trying his best to make a change in the world. But she would also be lying if she would say she didn't feel her heart sink at the sight of Loki wrapping his arms around Agent Romanoff, holding her tightly against his body.

"I'm being silly. They're colleagues. Nothing more, nothing less.", she reassured herself, shutting the television off and ending the call and resuming her previous work.

-x-

"Sorry, call cannot be completed as dialed. Please try again.", the voice on the other line spoke for the fifth time already. Kara was beginning to grow worried and at the same time, annoyed.

"Surely he must have some free time, right? Is he deliberately not answering my calls-"

Just then, the ringing sound of her phone made her jolt up in surprise. She frantically grabbed her device, taking a good look at the caller ID.

It was him, finally.

"Hello?! Hello?!", she practically yelled at the phone, making Loki pull the phone away from his ear and cringe at the sound of her voice.

"Yes, indeed. It is I, my love.", he muttered with a small smile.

"Are you all right? I've tried to call you several times. I was worried something might have-"

"Relax, my dear. Everything is fine. Well, technically not, given the whole 'world domination slash annihilation Ultron has planned for us.", he replied, sighing.

Kara's eyebrows furrowed. "Oh, honey.", she started, until she heard some shuffling on the other end. "I have got to go now, sweetheart. I promise to call you soon.", he responded, sounding quite perturbed.

"Everything all right?"

"We have just finished a background check on the Maximoff siblings. The captain wants us all present as we interrogate them.", Loki answered. "Oh.", Kara merely said.

"I'll see you soon, darling.", he said.

"I love-" Before Kara could even finish, Loki had already hung up.

"-you."

-x-

The following days were dreadful for Kara. Given her new position, her work load doubled, tripled even. With all the fuss about Loki and The Avengers, she found it difficult to concentrate, especially since that's what all her colleagues seemed to take interest in.

"Do you see that Loki guy? It's funny how he's in The Avengers now, huh?", one of her co-workers said as she listened at a distance. The one he was talking to nodded.

"Yeah, I know. Plus, that witch girl. They're calling her Scarlet Witch. I think she's pretty cool. And she's way hot, too.", the other replied. Kara felt her insides churning.

She hadn't told anyone about her relationship with the God of Mischief, nor did the latter to his teammates. They believed in the concept of private relationships, and didn't want anyone else meddling in their love lives. The only person who knew about them were Thor and Jane, since they were the reasons they even met in the first place.

But listening to the conversation, she couldn't help but think about this witch girl. Loki must be spending a lot of time with her.

"Who am I kidding? He loves me.", she whispered to herself, shaking away her thoughts.

"Duh, right? Plus, I think both of them are sorcerers or something? I think they'll make a great team.", he added.

Or great couple, don't ya think?", the other answered with a wink. Had they both looked up from their talk, they would've noticed Kara storming off in the opposite direction, tears brimming her eyes.

"Where do you think you're going, miss?", her boss's voice boomed from afar, startling her and the rest of her officemates.

"Just heading to the bathroom, sir.", she replied, not daring to look him in the eyes.

"You've been in and out of there for the last hour, Kara. There's a ton of pending work on your desk.", he said with a serious tone, arms crossed. Kara bowed her head to avoid his gaze.

"I'm sorry, sir. I-"

"I don't want to hear your apologies. What is going on with you?", he boomed, making Kara even more embarassed than ever. "A few weeks ago, you were the most determined employee I've ever had. Now, you're acting as if it was a mistake putting you in this position."

Kara paled. "No, sir. Not at all. I promise to get-"

"Bullsh*t promises.", he cut her off, silencing her in an instant. "You're becoming incompetent. One more mistake...", he started, pointing a finger at her. The young lady gulped in fear.

"... you're gonna get demoted."

-x-

After a week...

"Hey, how's it going?", a familiar voice sounded on the other end, and Kara couldn't help but smile at the sound.

It proved hard to smile with swollen eyes, though.

"Okay, I think.", Kara's voice cracked, making her best friend worry.

"Honey...", she began, her eyebrows furrowed together. Kara chuckled. "What do you expect me to say after getting demoted?"

Jane sighed. "Have you told him about it?" Kara shook her head, but remembered that her friend couldn't see her. "No. Why bother?", she said in a defeated tone, playing with the broccoli on her plate.

"You've got to tell him sooner or later, though. He's just busy. He and Thor are.", Jane uttered, but that didn't convince Kara. "Yeah, maybe."

"Kara, I know that tone.", Jane's voice had a scolding tone. Kara cocked an eyerbrow. "What?"

"You're being insecure again. Stop it."

Kara let out a dry laugh. "Am not. Look, I'm just tired, I guess. It was nice talking to you.", she replied.

She could hear Jane let out a heavy breath from the other side of the line. "Please, Kara. You know we're here for you. Don't let your thoughts get to you."

"I won't. Bye, Jane.", Kara responded befire hanging up. She leaned back on the couch, pulling on her hair and crying her eyes out.

She just got demoted from her job, being replaced by a colleague who she deemed smarter than her, and more attractive. Personality wise, the new Senior Account Manager was absolutely perfect.

No wonder she was replaced.

Soon, her boss won't be the only one replacing her. She could feel Loki falling out of love for her, not hearing from him in over a week and a half.

It was too late for Jane's advice.

-x-

A few days before Loki left for Sokovia, he decided to pay his lover a surprise visit. He felt awful for not answering her calls and messages, and not calling back whenever he had the time to. It was just... he was utterly busy at the moment.

Being an Avenger was not a walk in the park as he had thought.

As he knocked on her door, he waited patiently for her to answer. The god became anxious, though, when a few minutes had passed and there still had been no one to welcome him at the door.

"Kara?", he called out, leaning his head on the door. Still, no reply.

He used his powers of teleportation to transport himself inside. What he saw caused his eyes to widen in shock.

Magazines were everywhere, scattered on the ground. The love seat was turned over, smoke was coming out of the kettle on the stove and filling the room, wrappers of candy and junk food lay flat on the coffee table, and the television was left on.

What disturbed him the most was that small pieces of glass figurine that appeared to have fallen from one of the shelves had a few drops of blood on them.

Panicking, Loki ran to her bedroom, and banged on the door. "Kara! Kara, are you there, darling?", he asked, his heart beating faster than a race car.

His mind was put to ease when he heard some shuffling on the other side. The door opened slightly ajar, and he could get a glimpse of her disheveled appearance.

"Kara?", he asked softly, pushing the door gently. But the brunette wouldn't let him in. "Yes?", she merely replied, tone coming out cold and apathetic.

Loki was confused at her behavior. "What happened here, love? Why did I see blood?", he pressed, staring into her hazel eyes, which he observed were getting glossier by the minute.

Kara didn't speak. She felt some sort of relief seeing him there in front of her, alive and healthy, but somehow she couldn't bring herself to hug him, let alone kiss him like she always did before.

Slowly, she stepped out of the room.

"I needed you.", she breathed out, feeling her heart crack even more at the sight of him. Loki now had a full view of her: bloodshot eyes, messy hair, dark bags under her eyes, chapped lips and tear-stained cheeks.

She was the picture of brokenness.

"Oh, dear...", he trailed off, raising his hand to touch her, but she pulled away.

"I lost my position, my self-appreciation, my sanity and somehow I think I've also lost you in the process.", Kara said blankly.

"Love, you know that's not true-"

"I've cried for weeks, Loki!", she yelled, catching him off-guard. "I had no one to talk to because you're always busy. I was busy then! But I still had time for you!", she continued, banging on his chest. The god let her release her emotions, but watched as she slowly broke his heart.

"I'm sorry, darling. I'm here now, right?", he responded, trying to meet her gaze.

"You'll just leave the next.", she spat, glaring at him.

Kara's head was throbbing and her heart wanted to burst from her chest. Loki could feel the heat rising to his ears, and his eyes beginning to form tears.

Was she ready to do it?

"Darling, please-"

"Loki, it's not working out.", Kara spoke through deep breaths. The god stiffened at her words.

...

"Breaking news! A devastating attempt by the robot with artificial intelligence named Ultron to wipe out life on our planet was thwarted by the heroes known as The Avengers, with the aid of four seemingly new recruits: Lt. Col. James Rhodes in a metal suit similar to that of Mr. Tony Stark's, now known as The Iron Patriot; Wanda Maximoff aka the Scarlet Witch; former US Air Force Pararescue Airman Samuel Wilson now known as Falcon; and the adoptive brother of Thor Odinson, The God of Mischief, Loki Laufeyson.

We have yet to thank these mighty heroes and what they have done for not only America, but for the whole world."

Kara tore her eyes from the television screen of the cafe she was in, rolling her eyes at mention of Loki's name. "Good for him, all famous and all. Just as he wanted."

She felt her fists balling up and her jaw clench at the thought of him, and how she ended things between them.

"F**k you, Laufeyson.", she cursed, glaring at the screen.

A laughter broke her from her thoughts, causing her to look up at the source. She saw a blond man with electric blue eyes staring down at her, noticeably amused at her choice of words.

"I must agree. F**k all of them, indeed.", he remarked, gesturing to the empty seat in front of her. Kara, still stunned, gave him the go-signal to sit down.

"I like your rage, miss...", he trailed off. "Kara.", she responded. The man smiled.

"Miss Kara, how would you like a job?"

-x-

Kara decided to pull away, not wanting to feel Steve's lips against her own anymore.

"I'm sorry, I can't do this.", she stated, standing up in a rush and running away from the scene. Her tears were flowing down her cheeks once more, and she wanted them to stop.

Not knowing where else to go, she knocked on the door of the room of the only person she knew would give her comfort.

In a few seconds, it opened, revealing a sleepu redhead in her pajamas.

"Kara?", Natasha inquired, eyes still adjusting to the light. Without warning, Kara embraced her tightly, causing Nat to stumble slightly backwards.

"Woah there, honey.", she commented, rubbing her friend's back.

"Can I sleep here please?", Kara pleaded through wet eyes. Natasha opened her mouth to speak, but seeing her friend in this state broke her heart.

Being intuitive, she knew it had something to do with Loki. But being a friend, she decides against asking her what had happened at the moment.

One nod was all it took for Kara to break down in tears once more and hug the assassin like her life depended  on it.