"WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?!" Ripper yelled at a twelve years old Rose who was shaking badly, with a big sharp dagger in her hands. A tied up and gagged man lay slumped across her, his eyes wide with terror and panic.
"I-I can't d-do this... Please p-please." Rose begged, falling on Ripper's feet for mercy. With a low growl, he grabbed her hair and pulled her up.

"Do as you are said." He snarled at her face as she tried to pull back, refusing to cry. "I hope you know the consequences of not listening to me, right?" The threat sent a shiver down her spine as the possible punishments hurled in her mind. They can break her legs or shock her till she loses her mind. They can cut her open while she is in her full sense or as usual, send a man to roughly fuck her.

With a gulp and spinning mind, she turned to the man and walked near him with slow, shaky steps. The man looked at her with eyes that screamed for mercy, trembling and making muffling cries. Rose bit her cheeks so hard that she tasted blood. She averted her eyes from her prey and readied her dagger to bring it down. Just one stab and the task is done. But she found herself frozen.

Inspite of how much she tried to jab the man, she couldn't bring herself to kill the innocent man in front of her. Her breathes became shallower with passing seconds as sweats trickled down her forehead. Ripper let out a furious grunt.
"DO IT! DO IT YOU USELESS SWINE!" He screamed making the poor girl jump. The knife fell from her hand with a clank as she crashed on her knees, tears of failure and fear flowing down.

"I am sorry... I can't do this." Her voice low but surprisingly steady. The next moment, a hard kick on her ribs made her slide away from the spot. She didn't dare to look up as she curled up into a tight ball, whimpering in pain. She knew that she would be punished but at least... at least she saved the man. She did something good.

But that satisfactory thought didn't last long as a gunshot rung out in the dark, cold room. "No...." She whispered, shaking with building rage. Ripper killed the man. "And as for you, you fucking disappointment..." Ripper walked near her with slow measured steps. "I'll make you wish you were never born..."

*knock**knock* "Rose? Answer me. What are you doing in there Pud?" Rose blinked rapidly, taking in long steady breaths to calm herself down. Clearing her throat, she spoke up. "I am fine Loki. I need to... take a nap." She lied, looking down at her bloodied palm. She could hear Loki huff from the outside of her room.

"Open the door Rose. I want to see you. It has been almost three hours that you have locked yourself in your room." Loki said, leaning on her door. He was worried. How can he be not? Rose had suddenly excused herself from breakfast table and rushed out leaving the rest staring at her. She looked a bit pale and distracted. Bruce had said maybe she is tired and sleepy but Loki being a curious cat and an overprotective lover, decided to check on her once. Just to make sure that she is okay.

"Rose?" He knocked again, a bit impatient now. "You know right that I can teleport inside, huh?" Rose stilled, her heart filling with panic as she hid the bloody blade under her bed. "I am tired Loki! I will meet you when I feel good. Now go away." She flinched at her own words. Is she being a bit mean?
"Are you sure that you are fine?" Loki's worried voice came again, this time a bit dejected.

Rose sighed as a sob escaped her lips. "I shouldn't have done this." She cursed herself, as blood seeped out her splited palm. She had clutched the blade tightly and slid it, leaving a nasty deep gash. It was paining but it felt strangely nice and comforting. "I am fine Loki. I... I love you." As soon as Loki heard the last three words, he couldn't help but feel a bit troubled. Her tone didn't feel right.

His first instinct was to teleport inside but stopped. She wants to be alone. She is already upset about the dream and barging into her room can make her mad. Maybe he should go away for the time being. What can go wrong?

"I love you too, my sweet Pudding. I'll be waiting for you down. Join me when you feel good. And if you need something, tell ceiling man to call me. I'll be there."

Rose was about to reply but stopped for a moment. "I should tell him. It won't be good if he comes to know about this later. I shouldn't lie to my darling." After a few seconds of hesitation, she opened her mouth to say but Loki cut her off even before she could start. "Oh! I forgot! I have something important to inform you." He grinned, placing his hand on the door. "Tony is going to throw a party this evening. And he is-"

"Loki, I want to tell you something..." Loki stopped his rambling as her voice floated from inside the room. "Uh umm..yes?"
Rose bit her bottom lip and tried to wipe the blood dripping with a towel.
"Promise me you won't... get mad or scold me." Loki furrowed his brows.
Ok... this doesn't seem nice.

"Yeah I promise, Kitty. Is-is everything alright inside? Can I come in?" He started his question, a bit panicked. "Yes please." Came her brief reply. No sooner the words left her mouth, Loki was standing in her room, his worried eyes on her. "What's the matter? What are you hiding behind you?" He asked stepping near her. Rose's heart was hammering as she took out her left hand from behind her back. She closed her tear filled eyes and sucked in a sharp breath when she felt cool fingers wrap tightly yet gently around her wrist.

Loki's eyes were wide with shock and pain as her blood dripped down to his palm and hit the floor. That's a lot of blood... Calm down Loki... Don't yell...
He hurriedly conjured up a roll of bandages and a bottle of some Asgardian balm.

Wiping the blood with the towel, he gently applied the balm directly on the wound. It burnt like hell. Rose whimpered loudly and tried to yank away her hand but failed due to Loki's tight grip. His heart clenched as he saw tears cascading down her cheeks.

As quickly as he could, Loki finished the dressing but didn't leave her hand. No words were spoken in between them all this time while Rose still had her eyes closed, refusing to meet his disappointed or angry ones. "Rose, look at me." Loki called, staring at her pale yet beautiful face.

Was he angry? Maybe yes.
Was he upset? Definitely yes.

Rose sniffled but didn't face him. "I-I-I am sorry... Please don't be m-mad." Loki pressed his lips into thin lines and sighed deeply. "Rose, first of all, open your eyes and face me." He didn't mean to sound so gruff and strict but seeing his love hurting herself was something he couldn't tolerate. His mouth was almost dry seeing that much blood. Her wound was bleeding so badly! God knows what should he do with this silly and stupid girl...

With a long shaky breathe, Rose faced him but couldn't meet his eyes. Loki held her chin and tilted her face up. "Look at me." Rose looked up at him and regretted her decision. Was that disappointment she saw in them? His next word stung her heart.

"Why...?" The question came out of his lips as a whisper but was enough to make her flinch. His tone held pain as if he's the one whose hand was bleeding.

Tears welled up in her eyes again and her lips started to tremble.
"I am so sorry... I-I didn't mean to do it... It-it just happened and I didn't even know what I was doing..." Rose stopped abruptly and clutched Loki's hands.
"Please trust me Loki." She pleaded, her eyes wild and desperate. "I had those fucking flashbacks a-and the next thing I knew I had a blade in my hand. And I couldn't stop... I'm sorry... please."

Loki dipped his head down and sighed. How can he be mad at her while she sobs and pleads for forgiveness? He pulled her closer and to himself and hugged her, rubbing her back. "Ssh ssh Pud. It's ok. I am not mad. Don't cry."
"I am sorry... I won't do it again." She wailed. Loki hummed softly, swaying her side to side, comforting her. "I know... I know darling."

He kissed her palm and wiped her tears. "If fighting leads you to harm yourself by your own self, then don't fight it alone Rose. I'm here for you and I'll always stay by your side." He said, caressing her face. "And never ever try it again, please. Remember that, you're not only hurting yourself but you are hurting me too. Whenever you feel like this, I'm here to listen to you. To kiss away your pain, sweetheart but never try to inflict pain on yourself." Rose nodded, sniffling. "But... I didn't mean to..."

"I know that. What I am saying is that whenever you have those bad dreams, come to me. Don't ever use your empty skull. Understood?"
"...yes."

"So, promise me that you won't hide anything from me and whenever you feel bad, you'll come to me and never ever hurt yourself again."
Rose frowned. "That's a long list..."
"Rose."
"Ok. I promise." She mumbled slowly.

Loki smiled. "Good, now come here my little Kitty." He pulled her on his lap and began pecking her cheeks, nose, eyes, lips and ears till she broke out giggling and squirming. "Loki! Stop it bad boy!"
"You're so adorably small, my love that it urges me to squish you..." Loki teased her, pulling at her earlobe gently with his lips. Rose pulled herself away from him while Loki just pouted. "You were saying something about party?" Rose asked, flicking his nose.

"Oh yes! So Tony is going to throw a party for you and Clint." Loki informed her with an excited smile. Rose scrunched up her nose in confusion.
"For me? Why?"
"Because you completed your mission without any problem and killings. And Clint has returned back after three months so... A welcome back party thing." He shrugged, scratching his neck. Rose nodded silently and sat back beside him, placing her head on his shoulder.

Loki's smile dropped and was replaced with a frown. "You don't like the news?" Rose shook her head quickly. "No it's not like that... I mean I don't know if I should be happy about it or not."
"Oh you should be happy." Loki said, wrapping his hand around her body.

"We can sneak up on guests and prank them. Get Thor drunk and then stab him. Put cockroaches in Steve's drink and replace Tony's wine with vinegar."
Rose burst out laughing. "Loki! Although I really love your mischevious plans but you can't do it! I don't want to see your ass getting kicked."

Loki grumbled, turning away his head. "Huh... You're no fun." Rose giggled, pecking his cheek. "You're adorable, Loki. Do you know that?" Before Loki could protest, Jarvis's voice rung out in the room. "Sir Laufeyson and Rose, you are called down for pizza." Rose beamed. "Great!" She grabbed his hand and pulled him up. And the next moment, they stood in the living room.

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Rose yawned loudly and rubbed her eyes. "Don't you think that you should get some sleep, darling?" Loki said, running his fingers through her hair and that was making it more difficult for Rose to keep her eyes open. "Stop Loki."
"Stop what darling?" He purred, although he knew what she was talking about. Rose looked up at him, annoyed. "Stop running your fingers. You're making me sleepy."

"You are sleepy. Did you forget that you didn't sleep last night, huh?" Loki asked, pulling her nose. "But I don't want to sleep now! I want to complete this story." Rose protested, clutching the 'First Call' book against her chest.
"You're so stubborn sister." Thor poked his nose in their conversation.

Rose gave him a look. "Say more and you won't find your poptarts and Oreos anywhere." Thor gulped and kept quiet, munching on chips. Loki scowled at his brother. "Thor, stop eating all those. Mother won't like it."
"Aww! My brother cares about me! I love you too Loki!" Thor made kissy face that made Loki gag and Rose laugh.

"Rose?"
"Hmm?"
"Take a nap dear."
"Just let me finish this chapter."
"You said the exact thing half an hour before darling."
"Mhmm..." Rose continued to read, her head on Loki's lap when suddenly with a flick, the book disappeared making her yelp.

"Loki!" Rose protested, shrieking while Thor laughed. Ignoring her protests and threats, he pulled her against himself and wrapped her body with his arms, making sure that she doesn't fall down. "Now sleep. I don't want you to doze off during the party." He whispered, patting her head.
"I'm no baby."
"I know that... Hush now."

Defeated, Rose laid her head on his chest and cuddled against his body. Loki smiled and hugged her tighter, making her comfortable. She nuzzled her face in the crook of his neck, her warm breath tickling his cool skin. Loki hummed a lullaby softly, that Frigga used to sing to the brothers and sighed in relief seeing Rose drift off to sleep. He leaned down to kiss her cheek and her wounded palm.

"Is she asleep?" Thor asked, his voice very low. Loki nodded and signed him to go away lest he will wake her up. Clint, Tony and Natasha entered the room and smiled brightly seeing their youngest and sweetest member curled up like a baby against the trickster's body. Clint gave Loki a thumbs up and a wink while Tony gently placed a kiss on the sleeping girl's temple.

"Keep her happy just like this, Loki." He said, patting Loki's shoulder. Loki nodded sincerely. "Of course. Don't worry about that, Tony." Natasha placed Almond beside Loki who scowled at the little bunny. "Watch over him too. Steve isn't at home. He went out to meet Lucy. Don't push him down Loki." Nat said, caressing the rabbit. Loki nodded with a huff.
"Yeah yeah... It seems I'm the babysitter now." He muttered under his breath.

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"Why don't you wear a dress?" Natasha asked, a bit irritated now. Rose huffed. "I don't like dresses. I just can't handle them." Nat threw her hands up in surrender. "Whatever. Get ready and come out quickly. Your lovey dovey boyfriend is getting impatient." She smirked at her.
Rose rolled her eyes and smiled. "Send him in. Tell him that I called."
"Okay!"

After approx ten minutes, Loki entered her room. "Are you ready, Pudding? I waited-" he stopped abruptly when his eyes fell on Rose. She met his gaze and blushed nervously. "Is... I mean is it not good?" She asked, feeling self-conscious all of a sudden. Loki shook his head, his eyes never leaving her. "You look beautiful darling... You look so alluring!"

Rose smiled and blushed. "Thank you... And by the way, have I told you how handsome you look, my darling boyfriend." Rose purred, grabbing his collar. He was wearing a white shirt, sleeves folded upto his elbow with a black tie. The shirt stuck to his toned body like a second skin and it was turning her on. She wonders how he manages to make a simple clothing so sexy.

Loki tensed at the seductive tone of her and then gripped her face to kiss her hard. He bit her bottom lip for entrance which she happily allowed. Tongues danced as they gave in their pleasure in the kiss. A soft moan vibrated in Rose's throat as Loki started to nip and kiss her neck. His cool slender fingers caressed her bare shoulders. "Loki...." She purred in contentment, grabbing his hair while his hands clutched her waist. Rose tried to rip away the white shirt from his body when-

"BROTHER! SISTER! ARE YOU READY TO FEAST AND- WHAT THE!!" Thor gaped at the messed up and hot view but to the lovey dovey duo's annoyance, didn't look away. "What the hell are you doing here, Thor!?" Loki yelled as Rose took her time to control her blushing. Thank God she haven't applied lipstick yet. "I just came here to call you down. Guests have started to arrive... By the way, your hair looks weird Loki." Thor pointed at his hair while Rose flushed again and murmured a sorry.

Loki rubbed his face and looked at Thor. "I think your work is done here. Now just go away."
"Loki! Don't talk like that!" She scolded him and to Thor she said, "brother, go down and start enjoying yourself. We will be joining within a minute, ok?"
Thor smiled. "As you say, my sister. And you look beautiful!"
"Thank you, pooh!" Rose pecked his cheek and then, he was gone.

"So..." Loki rubbed his neck awkwardly. "Can we finish what we were doing?" He asked sheepishly. Rose huffed. "We have a party to attend, my Prince. And brush your hair. I messed it up. Fix your tie and sit quietly till I get ready."
"I knew it. Damn you Thor! Every time someone has to interrupt our moment." Loki grumbled, and slumped on the bed. Rose sighed and pulled his cheek. "Loki... We have enough time for that. And next time, we will lock the door. Ok?" He hummed softly. "Ok..."

"So, can I get ready? Will you be a good boy?"
"Go on, Pud, I'll be a good boy."

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Rose POV

"Rose, he is Rhodey, the Platypus and Rhodes this is Rose, the baby chipmunk I was talking about." Mr. Stark introduced me and James Rhodes to each other while we glared at him for the nicknames. "What? Hahaha! Enjoy the party!" Mr. Stark grinned, clapping our backs and downing the wine in one go.

"And kiddo, no wine and no shots for you. Just fruit juice and Capri Sun."
"What!?" I gasped in surprise. "I am not a child! Capri Sun!? Really!? It's not fair Mr. Stark! I thought this party was for me too!" Why do they treat me like a baby? I'm 21 for heaven's sake!

He shook his head and patted my head. "Well, the last time you drank, you puked on my carpet kid. And I love my carpet. No! Don't give me that look kid!" I pouted and huffed angrily. Ugh! My puppy eyes didn't work...

"My God! You two behave like a father and daughter!" Rhodes quipped in. I nearly forgot that he was still standing beside me. "Oh that we do, Rhodey. Shame that I am not her father..." He smiled sadly while I stared at him a bit surprised. He loves me like his own daughter. He kissed my forehead and walked away to greet other guests. His words were still ringing in my head.

"He adores you, kid." Mr. James voice snapped me out of my daze. I turned towards him to find him smiling. I nodded. "I know and it means to me a lot." I replied him. It truly meant to an orphaned child like me a lot. Maybe I was not fatherless before but calling Ripper my father will be a disrespect to the lovely word 'father'.

"I have heard about you a lot, kid. Pepper and Tony keeps talking about you. And it's really nice to meet you. But, are you and umm... Loki are dating each other?" His 'tell-me-that-it's-a-lie' face made me chuckle. "It's true Mr. James. Loki is my boyfriend and trust me, he's a good man or... God. You don't know him closely but if you ask the rest, they will tell you how sweet he is." He smiled back. "Maybe I don't know him well like you all do but the important thing is that he keeps you happy." He placed a comforting hand on my head.

"I know how rough was your past and I respect your hard struggles. Someday if you need my help, I'll be there beside you." My eyes stung hearing his simple yet heartfelt words. It amazes me that how everyone is so caring and loving towards me. Do I deserve it at all? But seriously, it feels soo good to be loved.

I hugged him. It surprised me too as well as him but he returned the hug. "Thank you so much Mr. James. Thank you." He laughed softly and patted my back. "You're welcome, Rose." And with that, he left to attend the others.

Lucy next came and hugged me tightly. "So, how is it with Loki?" She asked as we sat down on the sofa. I smiled brightly. "He's my Prince Charming. Everything I need is in him and he's perfect." Lucy smiled and then sighed. I furrowed my brows. Something is wrong because Lucy is not the one to stay silent and still.

I placed my hand on hers. "What is it Lucy?" She let out a small laugh and looked up at me with teary eyes. It made me worried. Lucy rarely cried. I have seen her cry but for maybe only two to three times. It always have been me who used to sob and she used to comfort me. "Dear, what happened? Someone hurt you? Steve?" She shook her head and a tear rolled down her cheek which she quickly wiped away.

"Papa."

The single word made me go tense for a moment. Her father equals to emotional problems for her. She had told me about it a long time ago. She was thirteen when her father left her mother for another woman. From a young age, she didn't get the required love and attention from her parents and the parting of her parents came like a blow. Until her mother died, her father refused to see them. And after her mother's death, she was forced to stay with her father and stepmom. It was a torture. Her father was no more a loving one but a strict person who didn't think twice to yell and hit her. He was completely under her stepmom's control.

Unable to bear the hits and loathes of her stepmother and disappointment of her father, she ran away with little money only to meet Aunt Sue who took her under her care. Every year, her father calls her once to persuade her to come home. And every time, she says no and after ending the call, breaks down, crying at her ill luck.

"Did he call you again?" I asked, softly wiping her stray tears. She nodded.
"Yeah. The same thing. Come home. I'll forgive you."
"And you said no...." She nodded again. "Yes. I said him no again but this time, he said something that I didn't expect him to say."
"What did he say?"
Lucy looked up at me and squeezed my hand. "He's coming tomorrow to take me. He threatened to drag me back with him and I don't wanna go..."

How dare he!?
Taking a deep breath, I hugged her tightly. "Don't worry sis. You are not going anywhere. Let him come. I'll be there to welcome him." Her eyes widened.
"Are you going to kill him?"
"No." I shook my head. "But if he was not your father, I would have surely killed him." We sat silently for a moment. I thanked God for Lucy didn't ask me anything about my bandaged hand.

Then someone's particular laugh caught our attention.
"EHehehehe!"
Oh Jesus! I would pay any amount to just hear his laugh every time.

We turned to find Aunt, Steve, Loki and Thor laughing at something. Aunt tells something that makes Loki blush heavily and the rest of the boys topple down, laughing and cackling hard. They looked soo happy.
Loki looked so happy...

His eyes snapped to my direction and his face lit up when our eyes locked.
Meet me at the terrace... He said in my head with a wink. I grinned. Okey!

Excusing myself, I secretly picked up a glass of wine and reached the terrace.
No loud musics. No chattering of so many guests. Just calm scenery and cool wind. I was enjoying the silence untill two hands snaked around my waist and someone's lips started to nip my ears.
"Did you call me here to eat my ear, Frosty?" I teased, leaning against his chest. He laughed softly and suddenly the glass from my hand disappeared.

"I think you were told not to drink, my Kitty." He whispered, his nose nuzzling my neck. I huffed. He treats me like a baby too...
"Oh you are a baby, Pudding." He grinned widely making me scowl.
"Stop reading my mind, Lemon lest I will squish you." I tried to be angry but the anger vanished when he pecked my cheek. "Sorry?"
"Okay."

Suddenly, he twirled me around to face him and grabbed my waist with one of his hand. The other one held my hand. I was confused. But my  confusement vanished when he asked Jarvis to play a slow music.
"Are you going to dance?" I asked with a silly look. He smiled and nodded.
"I don't know how to-"
"Ssh... I'm here. Just follow my lead. I bet you will like it."

I smirked at him. "Ooh! Loki dances too! Wow!" He threw his head back and laughed. "Ehehe! You don't know me properly, my love." And then the music started and so did our dance. I followed his steps while he just smiled down at me, his hands pulling me closer to him. The world around us blurred and the noises ceased. And the only thing I heard and felt was my Loki.

My Loki...

"I love you Loki..." He bit his lip and stooped down to kiss me. "I love you too my love..." He mumbled, in between the kisses. Oh... he's mine...

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Loki POV

I gently placed a sleeping Rose on her bed and tucked her properly. She muttered something under her breath and clutched my sleeve. Oh Norns! Isn't she lovely? I leaned down and kissed her forehead. "Good night, darling." I wished to sleep cuddling with her but decided against it. The dancing tired her out. She needs rest.

I walked back to my room and abruptly stopped seeing someone whom I expected the least in my room.
"I was waiting for you, Loki."
I took a few steps near the figure, a smile threatening to appear on my confused and alerted face.

"Hello mother."

Dun dun dun! Jeez! The chapter was too long and maybe a bit lame too...
But *shruggs* I tried my best. And there's some surprises waiting for you all... Just hold on tight till my next update! Bu-Byee! Take care darlings! 🥰❤️❤️