Extra #3

It was a normal Friday afternoon until the God of Thunder and his extremely smart girlfriend decided they wanted to go to Asgard randomly. Which meant Loki had to go, because.......well, I'm not sure. There's a reason, I'm just not sure I could go into the technicality of it without getting confused myself.

All I knew was that it had something to do with a deal between the Allfather and SHIELD about Loki's probation. Interspace politics and their ensuing problems were a little out of my league.

When I said I wanted Loki to be more spontaneous, this isn't what I meant. But hey, this was a good thing. I always wanted to see where Loki was from. Impromptu vacations to Asgard sounds fun........ until you remember that your boyfriend is quite literally a god and he had an entire godly family to introduce you too. I've seen Father Of the Bride and Meet The Fockers. I knew where this was going. I think I'd rather fight HYDRA agents rather than stand in front of Odin and tell him that I'm dating his estranged son.

Even with Thor giving us the thumbs up from the sidelines, it's incredibly awkward.

"So, you are Lady Maya?" Odin asked in a booming voice. I winced as it echoed around the chamber. All the glittering gold and perfect murals on the ceiling couldn't distract me from the piercing gaze of his one good eye. Gods, it felt like I was in Fury's office when I fucked up a mission. "You are not what I expected." He said to me.

Is that a compliment? Godammit, why didn't SHEILD have any protocol on how to deal with outer-space royalty. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to bow or curtsy. Did Asgard have any sort of royal protocol that I was supposed to follow? Damn, I should've asked Thor. I tried to glance over at Loki but he was staring straight ahead, the muscles of his face twitching ever so slightly.

"Am I supposed to bow?" I asked in my mind. He still didn't look at me, I just watched as the corner of his mouth quirked up.

"Yes."

"Okay." So I did. "Your majesty—-"

Odin raised a hand, smiling a bit. "You may call me Allfather. There is no need to bow, Crowleyditter."

Thor chuckled behind me. I shot him a dirty look which only made him smile more.

"Thank you, Allfather......Sir?

"Most welcome." He stood up from his throne, his spear on hand as he descended the stairs.

Next to me, Loki stood up a bit taller. His hands were in front of him, fiddling with his fingers as his father grew closer. Thor was next to him as if he had sensed his brothers' unease. I silently thanked him in my mind. Odin stood in front of us, dressed in gold armour and a bright red cape similar to Thor's. His one good eye shifted between Loki and eye, scrutinizing us. For a second I thought that his eye glimmered but when I blinked it was gone.

The whole court was here, all of them were staring at us. Loki......for obvious reasons, and me......for reasons I didn't know.

I'm off to a great start.

I wondered if this is how Jane felt when she came to Asgard for the first time. I'm sure that it took some time for him to warm up to her.

"I am surprised my son had chosen you. Thor has his Lady Jane, and now my other son had decided to pursue you. I hope you are worthy of him, Lady Maya" He said, his voice echoing around the chambers. "Banished or not, he is a prince of Asgard."

"Actually," Loki took my hand in his. "I hope that I'm worthy of her, Father."

That caused quite a stir around the crowd that was gathered. I thought they were here to see Thor since he was their future king but now I realize they were here to see Loki.....and his prize from Earth. Those pretentious assholes. Who did they think they were judging me?

I kept my head high, it was strange having so many eyes on me. Loki squeezed my hand, gentle as ever when he sensed my anxiety. Even with his leather gloves, his fingers were still cold.

"I see." Odin nodded, his face a mix between relieved and worried. "Very well, then. I hope you enjoy your time on Asgard, Lady Maya."

"Is he always like that?" I asked as we walked out of the throne room. I glanced behind me, watching the heavy golden doors close with an audible boom.

"No," Thor said.

"Yes," Loki replied at the same time.

I rolled my eyes. "Thor, no offence to your dad but he's a little......."

"Judging?" Jane suggested underneath her breath. "You think that was bad, wait till you face the entire court."

I glanced behind me. "That wasn't the entire court?"

"If it makes you feel any better," Jane said, lowering her voice, and linking arms with me. "He didn't like me at first either. He still doesn't like me. But I suppose we tolerate each other for Thor's sake."

"Well......I think it had more to do with the red cloud of gloom and doom that decided to make you its host than you dating his son." I said. "Or it's just you."

"Why does that sound so wrong when you say it?" She pursed her lips.

I winked. "Because it's me."

"Any plans?" She asked. "You didn't come all this way for nothing."

I shrugged. "Not sure. I kinda came here because my schedule is free and SHIELD needed someone up here. What about you? This isn't your first time visiting. I'm sure you know more than me."

"Well," she smiled slowly, "There's a library and Thor promised to show me around Asgard .......properly this time. You know, since last time the palace was on fire."

"That is weirdly specific."

"You should've seen it, Lady Maya." Thor turned around, grinning as of it were just another Tuesday. He waved his hammer around excitedly as he recounted that day fondly. "It was quite a battle. We annihilated our foes within two hours and had a grand feast that lasted two weeks."

"I don't remember any of that being fun," Jane chimed in, pulling away from me. "I don't even remember half of it. I just woke up a week later in the gardens with a goat named Gary and with several missed calls from Darcy."

"What?! Of course, it was." He smiled, wrapped his arm around her waist. "You even punched my brother and challenged Sif to a duel. It was quite amazing. You are amazing."

"Both of you are ridiculous." Loki rolled his eyes, taking my hand and pulling me down the corridor. "Thor, please kiss your paramour after we leave. I'd rather not get punched by Jane for commenting on your love life. Again."

"Brother! You could come with us to the—-"

"Absolutely not. I have no intention of watching you two do.....whatever it is you're doing." Loki grabbed my hand and started walking in the opposite direction, his infamous scowl already on his face. "We have places to be. Come along, darling."

"Bye, you two!" I waved at them as Loki dragged me away. "Have fun! Don't forget to use protection!"

"Maya!"

I heard the sound of Thor's booming laughter as Loki led us away to an alcove, his face paler than usual. He let my hand go and seated himself on the bench that had been carved into the golden walls, the small alcove hidden from view.

A pair of guards passed us, both of them giving Loki distrustful looks which he returned tenfold. I stood in front of him, blocking their view and waited till after they left before talking to him.

I felt like I was shielding him from them.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

"Shall I answer honestly?" He asked, with a hint of bitterness in his voice. Loki didn't look up from the ground, he just held his hands together Rand fiddled with his thumbs. "Or would you like me to lie as my title demands it?"

"You do know that I can tell when someone is lying to me, right?" I cupped his face, tilting his head up. My hand slid down to his neck, feeling the muscles of his jaw tense under my fingertips. My actions were gentle but my tone was not. "Right now, you're heart is steady. So don't bother."

He smirked. "I've had years of practice. I'm a good liar."

I narrowed my eyes. "Nobody is that good."

"I am."

"Really?" I raised an eyebrow sharply. "You're not okay."

He smiled bitterly, placing his hand on top of mine. His pulse was steady underneath my palm. His gesture was gentle compared to his tone. "We've been with each other for more than two years and you know everything about me? Have I become so easy to read?"

I scoffed. "No, of course not. You can't know every single thing about your boyfriend. But I do know when someone is hurting." I pressed my forehead to his, holding his hands in mine, even if they felt ice-cold to the touch. "Because I've had that look on my face too many times as a kid too."

Loki sighed. "I'm sorry. That was cruel of me earlier."

"Just a bit," I said. "But expected."

He pulled away, running his fingers through his hand. "It's just so......frustrating! I'm doing my best, I'm trying to be better but I feel like—-"

"It's not enough." I finished, sitting next to him.

"Yeah."

"That's normal. Remember all those sessions I had with the Doc. All that anger, fear, and confusion——I still remember it vividly." I laid my head on his shoulder. His arm wrapped around me automatically. "Loki, we're not perfect beings. We falter, it's in our nature. But we learn from that and we continue to survive. We made it this far didn't we? Can't we go further?"

He sighed deeply, his fingers playing with the stands of my hair absently. My hand laid on his chest, even through the leather and armour he sported, I could feel the steady rhythm of his heart. He was alive, even if he was scared and broken, he was still here with me. And that was all that mattered.

"I feel like I'm stuck," he finally said. "Everything around me feels so......slow."

"And that dismisses your progress?" I asked. "Does that make all you've done to stone mean nothing?"

"If I answered that questions, you'd be disappointed."

I snorted softly. I reached out and tilted his chin down with my fingers so that he looked at me instead of avoiding my gaze. "Try me," I said.

"I'm not going to ask you if I'm a good man because I'm not," he said. "But I will ask you this: do you think I have the capability of being good?"

I smiled. "Yes," I said, kissing his forehead. "Of course, you do."

"You have far too much faith in me." He said, getting up. "I want to show you something." He stretched out his hand for me.

"Well," I gestured around me. "You know this place better than I do, so lead the way."

"Shall we, darling."

I took his hand. My mouth hung open when Loki lead me to the terrace.

Asgard was beautiful.

All the tales and stories I've heard didn't do justice. The real thing was entirely different.

There was a sense of wonder and excitement where ever you went. Buildings gleaming with gold and polished stone, streets lined with vendors, and towering mountains encased the city in its majestic shadow.

"So," I said in awe, resting my hand on the railing. The wind blew past me. "This is it."

"Yes."

"It's beautiful," I said, glancing back at him over my shoulder. Loki stood underneath the arms way, entrenched in the shadows as he leaned against the ancient stone. "I can see why earth would pale in comparison for you. You had this view every single day."

He pushed himself off the archway, walking toward me. "Well, the earth isn't entirely ugly," Loki wrapped his arms around my waist, pressing his chest against my back. His chin rested on my shoulder. "There are beautiful things on earth too." He whispered into my ear.

"I'm glad you think so" I grinned, leaning back. "Will you show me what you liked here?"

"Of course, darling." He kissed the spot beneath my ear. "It would be my honour to share my home with you."

*****

The streets were bustling; vendors calling out their wares and children laughing as they ran past us.

It felt like earth, except everything was gold and people were more magical.

Everything around me felt alive.

Loki and I walked side by side, holding each other's hands as we weaved through the busy streets and observed all the different stalls.

We were disguised so no one gave us a second glance. Given how unpopular Loki was here, it wasn't safe for him to walk the streets unattended without the guards. Not that he needed them. I knew just how capable he was.

His dark hair was now blond and curly, his skin tanned, and his eyes were a soft subtle shade of blue. Loki looked different but not enough that he was completely unrecognizable, just enough glamour to divert your attention away from his otherwise handsome face.

I was dressed normally as if I was still on earth, but with a dark blue cape draped over my shoulders that hid my clothes.

"Is it always this busy?" I asked, staring at the food in one of the stalls. The smell of freshly cooked meat and bread wafted through the air, making my stomach grumble.

"Yes, darling." He pointed to a stall that was selling food. "It's quite popular for the commoners."

"Commoners?"

"I suppose class structures aren't so different for gods as they are for humans," Loki said, fishing out a pouch. "Don't give me that look."

"Funny."

He out three coins and passed them to the vendor. "A quick snack for my lady and a piece of bread for me," he said.

I leaned in close and whispered, "Is this a date?"

"I suppose." He snorted. "What? I can be romantic. Didn't you tell me to be more spontaneous?"

"Oh, of course," I said, kissing his cheek.  "I'd never doubt that. You're a romantic at heart."

That's how we spent the entire day. Flirting through shops and stalls, Loki buying me things that caught my eye.

I didn't really mind it. I think it was his way of showing off, as if he were proud of where he came from and wanted to show it off as much as possible.

It was sundown by the time we came back from the palace, the sun setting over the mountains that surrounded the city. The glow of the sunset makes everything glow. Our shadows intertwined as we walked hand in hand through the gardens.

"Your favourite store is a book store," I said, fiddling with a necklace he bought me. "Why am I not surprised?"

"My collection needs new material on mudguard—-I mean earth." Loki pulled out a stack of shrunken down books. "Do you think our bookshelves have enough space on them?"

"You mean my bookshelves that you took over?"

Loki raised his eyebrow sharply, the corner of his mouth twitching. "Is that your infamous backtalk I'm hearing, darling."

I rolled my eyes, placing a hand over my heart and fluttering my eyelashes at him. "Backtalk you? I'd never."

He stopped in the middle of the path and pulled me towards him, trapping me in his arms. "Oh really?"

I grinned, feeling his heart rate spike under my palm. "We're in the middle of the garden." I pointed out but did not make any effort to pull away. "Someone could see us."

He smirked and snapped his fingers, dimming the torches to embers. "Not a problem when you have magic."

I grabbed his collar and pulled him down to my level, and captured his lips in a kiss before he could say another word. I could taste the sweets we had purchased earlier from one of the stalls. Loki gave as good as he got when he kissed, quick nips at my lips and a talented tongue. It was absolutely sinful. I had all his attention on me and I loved it.

"I don't think I've shown you my room?" He said, pressing kisses down my neck. "What do you say?"

"What do I say?" I giggled, feeling warm all over. "What else do you want me to say?"

"How about yes?"

Before I could answer, a voice come out from the shadows making us both freeze. "Well, it's good to see that both of my sons are too busy to greet their mother."

Loki pulled away, whipping his head around in the direction of that voice. The torches that had dimmed earlier suddenly erupted, casting light all around us. He smoothed down his hair that had been ruined by me and greeted her. "Hello, mother. A bit late for a walk isn't it?"

"Mother?" I mouthed, squinting at the light. I followed his gaze to see a woman standing in the middle of the pathway, her shadows casting a long shadow over the both of us.

"Yes. Walking. Is that what you call it these days?" She asked, crossing her arm and giving Loki the infamous 'I'm-disappointed-in-you' look that was universal of all mothers, goddess or otherwise.

She was tall and beautiful, with curly brown hair drawn up in a graceful brain that spilt over her shoulders and a green dress with sleeves that touched the ground as she was led. The gold chest plate she wore reflected the gold ornaments in her hair. I thought about the old painting of Guinevere and the knights of the round table when I looked at her, all regal and radiating authority.

Her warm eyes stared at Loki with kindness rather than hatred. I think she was the only one who regarded Loki like that. It made me instantly like her.

"Oh my god," I said, realizing that I was entering round two of meet the parents: Asgard edition. "That's the Queen of Asgard."

"What a wonderful observation," Loki said, sarcastically. He pulled me into the light, his arm around my shoulder. "I suppose I'm in trouble."

"Don't you mean we're in trouble?" I muttered, adjusting my cloak around my shoulders.

"No, no. I mean me. These are her gardens after all."

Frigga laughed and shooed away her ladies maids, leaving us alone in the garden.

She crossed the distance and wrapped her arms around Loki bringing him into a hug. He quickly wrapped his arms around her, his eyes softening as he said nothing. I just smiled when I saw them together, thinking of mom who was vacationing in Japan.

"It's been too long." She said, pushing the words out with a sigh of relief. "All I've had are letters from you and your brother. The palace has been so quiet without the both of you around."

"I'm sorry for not coming earlier," Loki said sheepishly. "I wanted to show Maya around Asgard."

She turned her head to look at me. "Well, go on then. Introduce me to the woman who has your heart."

"I suppose I've put this off long enough." Loki pulled away, sweeping his arm towards me. He had a glimmer in his eyes when he looked at me. "Mother, this is my girlfriend, Maya. She's one of the most amazing people I've ever met and she does indeed have my heart."

I waved at her. "Hello.....your highness?"

"No need to be so formal. I'm not going to bite your head off." Frigga smiled kindly, the corner of her eyes crinkling. She held her hand out to me. "It's an honour to finally meet you. When they said that one of my sons brought a woman with him, I assumed it was Lady Jane but I am happy to see that it is you. You're lovelier than the rumours say."

I took her hand. "It's finally nice to meet you. I've heard so much about you from Loki."

"I know. Welcome to Asgard." She hugged me too and it was warm. I think I was starting to get why Loki liked it when I hugged him, I instantly felt safe and all those anxieties I had melted away. I guess that's what a mother's love was like.

I had this women to thank for Loki's kindness.

"Now that introductions have been made, may I please have Maya back, mother?" Loki asked.

"Don't be rude." I chided. "Your mother is wonderful."

"I like you. You've got spirit," she said, patting my cheek. "Very well, then. I won't hinder you two any longer. I'll leave the both of you to your....walking. Make sure you're there on time for dinner, dear."

"Mother!"

"Let me have some fun. I remember what it was like at that age." Frigga gave Loki a wink before disappearing down the garden path and into the palace, her ladies maids and guards right behind her.

"Your mother is really cool," I said, wrapping an arm around his waist. "I like her."

"She likes you too."

"You should come back more often to see her," I said. "She loves you and I'm so thankful for that."

"You say the strangest things sometimes." He kissed the top of my head. "That was mortifying. My mother caught us kissing in her gardens and that's what you focus on."

"That was spontaneous," I teased him.

"If I hear that word again I'm going to lock you up in a tower, you absolute demon."

"Kinky."

"That's for later." He said, grabbing my hand and pulling me behind him as I laughed. "First we have a very uncomfortable dinner to get through and you can do whatever you want with me after."

"Deal."

*****

Dinner was a much more sombre affair. I was seated next to Loki, taking a look around the table.

He wasn't kidding when he said it was uncomfortable.

"Father," Thor said, breaking the silence with his booming voice. "Let me tell you about Loki's time on Asgard!"

"Please don't——" Loki protested.

Thor just grinned wider and continued. "Loki has improved much on Midgard. I think time with the mortals has done him some good."

"Oh, yeah," Jane chimed, unphased by Thor's loud voice. She looked up from her food that she faintly poked at with her golden fork. "He hasn't been rude to the Avengers in months. He turns things to ice only when asked to. He's actually polite to the SHIELD agents. I think that——"

"Please no more. I'd rather be spared your right hook," Loki said flatly. "And your lectures."

Jane scowled, pointed her fork menacingly at him. "I assure you my right hook has improved. You can ask Maya."

"I think your lectures are brilliant, Jane," Thor said, his blue eyes turning soft. "You're brilliant." 

Loki and I roll our eyes simultaneously.

Odin nods, clearing his throat loudly. It seemed he wasn't a fan of their very public displays of affection either. At least we could both agree on that. Yay for small victories. "Yes. I can see much improvement." He turned his head to Loki who goes still next to me. "Well done, my son."

Really? That was it?

I glanced between them wildly. Frigga just facepalms and Thor gives me a strained thumbs up across the table.

This family is a mess.

Loki puts down his fork, looking up from his plate, a frigid smile on his handsome face. "Thank you, Father." He said in an empty tone, his eyes were as hard as stone. "I hope that I made you......proud."

Family dinners were not ideal, even on Asgard.

When I was with the Anwar Clan, dinner usually ended in a fight or threats of murder and rarely anything being eaten. My father and his lieutenants would watch as Miriam, Amid and I would try to cut each other with our words. And if that didn't work, we'd bring out the knives. There was always some sort of petty fight that would turn into a brawl.

At least with the Avengers, it was fun. Sure we bickered about stupid things but at least nobody got stabbed.

"So, Maya." Frigga smiled at me across the table, gracefully switching topics. "Loki tells me you are quite the fighter?" She says. "You must be a formidable opponent."

"You tell your mother about me?" I slid my eyes over to him, a grin on my face.

"Of course, dear." She smiled at me. It was strange how she was such a contrasting figure compared to Odin. Frigga was soft and kind, her eye filled with warmth. I felt at ease with her almost immediately. "It's quite sweet. I've never seen him so enamoured even with his previous—-"

"Mother!" Loki hissed, his face turning a bit pink. "I doubt we need to talk about.....them."

"Let me tease you, dear. I rarely get to." She's turned to me, a glimmer in her eye. "You're a lovely young woman, Maya. I'm happy that the both of you have found each other." She turned to Odin, her smile deceptively sharp. "Don't they, dear?"

Odin wisely didn't say anything. He just nodded quietly instead and took a sip of his drink as if it were the most interesting thing in the world.

"Well....." Loki pushed his food around his plate. "There's not much else that's interesting on Mid-guard is there?"

I swear my heart didn't flutter a bit. I tucked my hair behind my ears, smiling down into my wine. With my other hand, I reached under the table to take Loki's hand. His fingers intertwined with mine immediately. He glanced at me from the corner of his eye, his eyes softening for just a moment.

*****

"So," I said, walking backwards. Loki stared straight ahead, pointedly ignoring my attempts to get his attention. "What was your mom saying before you interrupted her?"

"Nothing."

"Oh really?" I narrowed my eyes, blocking his path. "You never told me you had an ex. Or ex's for that matter."

Loki stopped suddenly. "Is that why you're so curious?"

"Well....." I shrugged. I ignored that small tugging feeling in the back of my mind. It flared up and wither but persisted like a weed. "You know. You don't tell me things about Asgard. Or the people here......or about your past."

He smirked, taking a step closer to me. I absolutely didn't notice how he towers over me. I stood my ground and placed my hands on my hips, looking up at him defiantly.

"My, my. Isn't this a surprise, dear?" He purred. His eye twinkled mischievously. "I didn't know you were the jealous type, Maya."

I scoffed, crossing my arms over my chest. "I'm not jealous!"

"Oh?" He gently brushed a strand of my hair out of my face. "So you asking me about those with whom I've had relationships before is just your own curiosity. Sure, my darling. Whatever you say."

I averted my eyes away, staring off into the vast gardens. "I'm not jealous."

He chuckled lowly. "I'm not the one saying it."

"You're having fun aren't you?"

"It's rare to see you like this. You don't strike me as the type to be jealous." He smiled. "It's a bit entertaining."

I huffed. "You've gotten married."

"According to whom?" He asked, eyes dancing with mirth. "You're Midguardian tales?"

Good question.

"According to the myths about you." I pointed out. "You know, Goddess of Fidelity......Sigyn?"

"What?" Loki's eyes widened. "The mortals actually believed that?" He exclaimed, "Of all the ridiculous tales I fed them and that's the one they chose to believe? What about that time I turned Thor into a bird? Or the incident with the Valkyries?"

That last part piqued my interest. "What happened with them?"

"That's a very long story." He scoffed. "That's so incredibly disappointing."

Yeah. That shouldn't have come as a surprise that my boyfriend decided to screw with how humans perceived him. Honestly, I could see him concocting such convoluted and blow out of proportion stories just for fun.

No wonder Norse mythology was confusing.

I wondered who was going to tell all the researchers and scholars that their studies were in vain all because my boyfriend liked playing expansive pranks.

"So you weren't together?" I asked. You know, just for clarification.

"Sigyn and I were together for a brief bit of time——" I narrowed my eyes. "But we were never married!" He said hurriedly. "It was a catastrophe. We never really worked out."

"Who else?"

"You are jealous."

"Fine." I scoffed and turned my head away. "So what if I am."

He lifts my chin with his finger gently making me look at him. "I don't think I've seen this side of you." He grins wickedly, his teeth showing. "I like it."

I just narrowed my eyes at him. "Are you trying to flatter me?"

"And so what if I am? Should I not flatter you even if you pretend not to like it?"

"Don't change the subject."

He sighed, rolling his eyes fondly. "If you want to know; yes, I had many relationships over the years. Some longer, some short, and others.......well, how do I put this?"

"A total fucking disaster?" I supplied helpfully.

"To put it mildly. I've lived for almost two millennia. I've been with men and woman." He said. I raised an eyebrow in return. "Oh, Don't give me that look. I'm not celibate, darling."

"I know. Neither was I." I said. "And where do I fall in, dear?"

Loki wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me to his chest. I place my hand over his chest. He holds me in the vast gardens as the palace looms overhead. It should feel intimidating but it doesn't, I feel safe here with him. "You have your own category, darling." He lifts our entwined hands and kissed the back of my hand. "I think I've made it quite obvious that I've never met anyone like you before and I don't think I ever will again."

"I'm flattered," I said, swallowing thickly. "I'm definitely flattered."

I'll pretend that those words didn't mean the whole world to me. It takes a lot to keep myself from crying. It was almost surreal just how happy I felt.

"Good. You should be." He smirked, noticing how my lips formed a watery smile. "It seems any form of subtlety flies out the window when I'm with you. But that makes you happy, doesn't it?"

"Perhaps," I said.

"Of course, darling." He said knowingly, kissing my forehead. "Come on, then." Loki pulled me by the hand into the winding golden hallways, leading me further into the palace. "Now that we've settled that, I'd like to continue where we left off in the gardens."

I smirked and said: "Lead the way, dear."

And we disappeared into the night.

A/N:
Hey, guys. Glad to see everyone after a few years.
This isn't the end of Loki and Maya. There's deleted chapters and extras coming your way in the future.
I just wanted to give everyone a heads up that I'm going to post my new book soon. It's called Ribbon and it's something I've been working on in the past year. I hope you guys can give it a chance.

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