"So how did it go?" I jumped slightly at the voice that spoke from inside my room as soon as I opened the door.

"Loki." I breathed out a heavy sigh, double-checking that no one was outside before I quietly shut my door. "What are you doing? You scared me."

"I'm sorry darling." He slowly stood up from my bed and we met each other in the middle of my room, his arms immediately wrapping me into a comforting hug, my head resting over his heartbeat. "I just wanted to make sure it was all good news."

"It was." I nodded, closing my eyes as I savoured his warmth, trying to hide the blush that crept up on my cheeks at his name for me.

"They're happy about it then?" He asked, pulling back to look down at me.

"Of course." I furrowed my eyebrows as I looked up at him. "Why wouldn't they be?"

"I figured they would probably be protective of you." He shrugged, fingers gently rubbing my back. "Considering everything that happened at HYDRA and... all of that."

"They were a little worried at first." I knew I shouldn't lie, but I hated the words as I saw the guilt and sadness begin to cloud his eyes. "But I explained it all to them. It's okay." I gently put my head back on his chest, the movement as soothing for him as it was for me.

"Am I okay to tell Thor then?" He asked after a couple of seconds of silence.

"Of course." I moved my head to smile up at him again.

"You might want to prepare yourself for his enthusiasm." He chuckled softly, looking down at me too. "He'll probably drag you into wedding planning."

"Oh God." I mumbled, colour blooming all over my cheeks.

"Don't worry." He chuckled again. "I'll tell him not to embarrass you, okay?"

"Thank you." I murmured, knowing I definitely didn't want to face Thor's loud personality, especially about this.

"You should get some sleep darling." He slowly pulled away from me, almost reluctantly, enough to see the blush lighting up my face again. "You blush so easily. Do you like that name?"

"I don't know." I mumbled, ducking my head as I tried to hide my cheeks. "It's... it's new. It feels weird to be called that."

"Do you want me to stop it?" He asked. "I can just call you Em if you like."

"No..." I trailed off, trying to figure out my own thoughts. "I think... I think I like it. It will just take some getting use to."

"Of course." He smiled before gently bending down to kiss the top of my head. "Get some sleep."

"I will." I nodded, unwillingly letting him unwrap his arms. "You sleep well too."

"Goodnight darling." He smiled before chuckling at my reappearing blush.

"Goodnight Loki." I echoed.

I couldn't help but notice how much easier I fell asleep that night like a weight had been lifted off my shoulder. I knew that sounded stupid, considering it shouldn't have been that much of a big deal, but it was true. I felt like I wasn't hiding a big secret anymore, I didn't feel the pressure to try and hide anymore.

Knowing that he and I were... involved was going to take a little while to get use to, but I knew I wouldn't want to figure out myself and this new idea of liking someone with anyone else. I was partially surprised that I was so willing to be around a guy after everything that happened at HYDRA, but as I thought over Loki's patience, kindness and his caring for me, I knew that it was no surprise I was willing to be around him. He was good for me, but I was just hoping that I was good enough for him.