Loki watched as Tasha spoke with Banner. She was smiling and laughing, something he had rarely seen as of late. With everything going on, he was surprised to see her so happy. Part of him hoped he had a part in her happiness. He had changed because of her. He wanted to be a better man for her. Loki wasn't sure how Tasha could care for him after everything he had done, yet here they were, stealing glances at one another across the room.

Loki watched as Tasha turned her attention to the children that had no families to comfort them. She smiled lovingly at them, kneeling to their height as she spoke to them. They all hugged her, and Loki couldn't help but smile at the sight. He recalled when she had a dream of the two of them with a child of their own. The memory stirred a sadness that he absolutely hated to feel, but he knew it was his own fault. Had he not faked his death, maybe the dream of hers would be their current reality.

The thoughts of being with her could make Loki fall over. There was a time he fought his feelings for her. It terrified him how much power she held over him. It took so long for him to realize while he was in love with Tasha... she was in love with him. Even after all of the confessions, love making, etcetera, it wasn't until he saw her in Asgard that he realized how bad he fucked up. The look on her face would haunt him for the rest of his life. The once look of pure love was that of pure hatred and pain.

My doing. 

Loki was brought out of his thoughts when he realized Tasha was walking towards him. Hastily, he took a glass of wine and began sipping from it as he tried to relax his nerves. He felt like a young man all over again, being incredibly nervous and shy at the idea of being close to her. Maybe it was because she was coming to him. Maybe it was because he finally didn't disappoint her and he was scared he'd mess up somehow. The thought of losing her—

"Hey handsome."

Tasha had a warm smile on her face as she swiftly took the glass of wine from Loki's hand, taking a small sip of it as she looked at him. He looked over at her, smiling at how radiant she was.

"Hello gorgeous." Loki replied as he leaned into her, taking the cup from her hands and setting it on the table. "I was beginning to think you'd never come over. It seemed you were having quite the time over there with Banner."

"Awe, are you jealous?" Tasha hummed as she relaxed her posture slightly, feeling comfortable enough to let her pristine Queen facade fade.

"I can't say I wouldn't want you all to myself," Loki gently brushed a strand of hair from her face, gently pushing it behind her ears. "But seeing you happy brings me a joy I can not describe. I don't think I've seen you so happy in a very long time."

Tasha averted her gaze for a moment. "I haven't been this happy in a very long time, but how can I not be when you're here?"

Loki was silent as he felt heat rise in his cheeks ever so slightly. "Is it really that big of a deal to you?"

"Yes." Tasha answered honestly. "It means the world to me —" She was going to correct herself but thought better of it. "You didn't break your promise... yet."

"I do not intend—"

"No one ever intends for bad things to happen. I'm just teasing you, Loki. It's okay to be happy. You're allowed to be happy."

"Why are you being so kind to me? After everything I've put you through?"

"Because I never stopped loving you, idiot." Tasha smiled. "We've lost so much and I... I can't let myself dwell on it or I think I might go mad."

"Well, I suppose I'll have to make sure you remain sane." Loki could see the hurt expression on her face. He slowly held his hand out to her. "May I have this dance?"

Tasha slipped her hand into his as he lead her to a more secluded part of the room. He rested his hands on her waist while she rested hers against his shoulders.

"When you left Sakaar, all I could think about was how badly I screwed up. If it wasn't for Korg, we may not have gotten to Asgard in time and... and had anything happened to you, I—"

Tasha hushed him softly as she rested her head against his chest as they swayed slowly. "I'm here."

"What if I hadn't saved you? What if you—"

"Loki. Just focus on right now. Focus on your hands on my waist. Focus on my breathing as it quickens whenever you move your fingers even the slightest. Focus on the fact that I'm here, with you."

Loki chuckled quietly as he began to gently
Move his fingers along her sides. "You do enjoy when I touch you, don't you, darling?" He hummed in praise when he felt her shiver into him. "That's what I thought."

"Oh, please. You're lucky I'm letting you touch me right now." Tasha teased, smiling as she pulled back just enough to look up at him.

"I am." Loki smiled back, his eyes gazing into hers as he rested his hands on her lower back, keeping her as close as he physically could.

"It's strange," Tasha started as she averted her gaze. "Sometimes I feel like we're young and in love again as we once were. Makes me think of all the times we'd sneak around the castle. The countless times Thor or Father would catch us." Tasha laughed.

"Have we ever not been in love?" Loki smiled as he twirled her around.

"I suppose you're right." She leaned up, pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek. When she pulled back, she let out a soft yawn.

"Seems like someone needs their rest." Loki chuckled, slowly pulling her away from everyone and into the corridor.

"Are you sure that isn't just the excuse you're using to get me alone?"

"No, but it is definitely a perk." Loki gave her a sly smile as they began to walk through the long hallway towards her room.

"Tasha, may I ask you something?"

Tasha turned to look at him as they walked. He seemed nervous which was concerning. "Of course you can."

"What do you suppose will happen when we get to Midgard? I did terrible things. I've killed many people and —"

"Yes, you did terrible things, but you weren't the only one. I killed people too. I... I killed people, not just when I was doing it for you but after too." She admitted with a sigh as she walked to the large window that showed the entirety of space.

"Did you?" Loki asked in surprise as he moved next to her.

"Yes. Many of them were bad people but there were a few who were collateral damage. There was a time when I was cold and distant from what it means to be a human and what it means to not be human. I pretended for a long time that I could live life acting as though I was human but I couldn't. I love Earth but Asgard will always be what shaped me into who I am today. I became someone I didn't want to be. Bucky saved me from going too far off the edge."

"And you helped him too, didn't you?"

"Yeah, I guess so. He says I did, but I think he's just being kind. I didn't do anything other than be there for him when he needed someone. And even when he was at his darkest, I never gave up on him. I guess I'm built that way. Before we got together I had killed over a dozen people, half being innocent people who got in the way of what I needed to do. I was so guilty that it nearly consumed me. But you know what? No one held it against me. I mean I'm a fucking Avenger. Well— not that it matters anymore but still. My point is when we get to earth, you will be met with many people who will hate you, but I believe you can earn forgiveness. You've started to with me, and I think that's a tougher challenge." Tasha smiled at him softly. "Thank you for walking me back to my room."

"Of course." Loki smiled back.

Tasha went to open her door but hesitated. She turned to face Loki again, leaning up to give him a chaste kiss on the lips.

"Goodnight Loki."

•••

A/N: I need more ideas for stuff to go on, on the ship in between Ragnarok and infinity war :p