Author: @dm1n (Page 13 of 25)

Weeks had gone by without any news from Loki, it seemed he had fallen of the face of the Earth. Meanwhile his absence added to the fact that Leah had been cooped in the Avenger´s Tower all that time, which started to take it´s tall on Leah´s mood, she was growing sadder and restless although she made her best effort to hide it from the others by the time morning sickness appeared everyone had noticed she wasn´t taking it as well as she claimed.

The only times she seemed genuinely happy was when Thor told her stories about his and Loki´s youth. From time to time she would smile and said to herself mostly –So that really happened- or –It was true-.

Thor cherished those precious moment where Leah smiled forgetting all of her worries at least as long as his stories lasted. He was grateful to Loki for saving her, and at the same time enraged he had deceived her so, he wanted to protect her, to keep her safe from everything and everyone.

One morning Leah failed to appear for breakfast, concerned Thor looked for her in her room, when he couldn´t find her there he remembered about Jarvis and asked the A.I. –Jarvis, can you please tell me Leah current whereabouts.- he still felt strange talking to Starks invisible servant, though he knew it would be faster than looking for her all over the Tower.

-She is in the penthouse Mr. Odinson, in the terrace. – The A.I. quickly answered

-Thank you Jarvis – within moments Thor had reached the penthouse, Leah was sitting on the floor of the terrace, resting her head over one bended knee, she was so self-absorbed she didn´t heard Thor walking in until he spoke.

-You missed breakfast – Thor softly told her.

Startled by his presence Leah gave a small jump as she started to dry out the tears she had been shedding with her sleeves – Thor … I … I´m not in the mood for breakfast right now .-

-Are you feeling all right? I can call Dr. Banner …-

-No!- Leah interrupted him – I don´t feel ill, I´m just not in the mood, I just want to be alone for a while.-

-But Leah, you should think of your baby …- Thor started to scold her.

His words made something snapped inside Leah, her previous sadness turned into rage as she answered him –Think about my baby? You think I´m not thinking about him? That´s all I think about! What will happen when he´s born? We will have to stay here for always? For our own protection? I hate being locked in here, this maybe more comfortable than the hellicarrier but it´s a prison nonetheless.-

-You could always come with me. –Thor told her

-To Asgard? – Leah shrieked – How is that any better? Your people hate Loki as much as Earth people do, if not more. There´s no chance of happiness for us there.-

-I don´t know what you want me to say or do – Thor answered her a bit angry at her outburst

-I don´t want you to say or do anything Thor, what I want I cannot have. Just leave me alone! – Leah spat at him as she started walking away.

Thor grabbed her hand desperate to console her –Wait Leah, don´t go! What is it that you want?-

-I want my freedom back! – Leah answered crying as she kept trying to wriggle her hand out of Thor´s she screamed in despair – I want Loki! –

Thor left her hand go surprised by her statement, as soon as Leah felt her hand free she ran inside the penthouse towards the lift, leaving a very confused, hurt and angry Thor behind.

Suddenly Steve´s voice came up in his intercom – Thor … –

-What?! – was Thor´s angry response.

-Thor we need you to come to the situation room, Loki has finally showed up and he´s not alone.-

-I´m on my way Captain – Thor answered, he was glad the opportunity had presented itself to give Loki a piece of his mind.

When Thor arrived to the situation room everyone had already geared up, Loki, Doom and Doom´s army of doombots were on the screen.

-So, what are they up to this time? – Clint asked

-It seems they are after something inside the Natural History Museum. Knowing Doom it could be anything – Banner answered

-Anything powerful and dangerous you mean – Tony added.

-So what are we waiting for? – Thor replied

-Aren’t we a bit eager this morning big man? –Stark started asking though Thor´s angry glare made him add – And it´s not of my business, forget I said anything.-

After settling for a plan they decided to leave someone in the Tower to keep an eye of Leah in case SHIELD got any ideas to retrieve her while they were away. Bruce volunteer to stay, he alone could stop any intruders trying to break in.

Before they left Thor took Banner aside and told him – I´m afraid I made Leah upset earlier, would you … –

-Talk to her? Don´t worry Thor I will.- Banner reassured him.

It was a good thing the plan included Thor dealing with Loki, that way he wouldn´t feel guilty of leaving his teammates to deal with Doom and his army.

-What happened? – Was Leah´s first though as she woke up in the early morning –Oh, yes! I remember now! – for a moment she felt scared she was back on board the hellicarrier until she saw the lights of New York City at the distance.

As she sighed with relief she noticed she was in a glass window bedroom and across the hall a couch where Thor was soundly asleep, had he been there all the time?

-Yes, he´s been there all night.- Natasha´s voice as she came in the room pulled her out of her thoughts. –How are you feeling?-

-Better, I guess – Leah answered she didn´t wanted to think of her feelings right now – I´m a text book lady in distress, am I not? – she asked with a sad smile

-I wouldn´t say text book, but yes you are –Natasha smirked – Do you want to talk about it?-

-Not really – Leah admitted, then asked her – Is it really true? Am I pregnant with Loki´s child? – She hoped against all odds she had dreamed that part.

-Yes, you are – Natasha answered her as she grabbed Leah´s hands in her own to comfort her as she saw the distress in her eyes – Don´t worry, we are here for you, you are safe her-

-I don´t wanna be safe –Leah´s voice quivered – I want answers and all have now are more questions.- Tears betrayed her as she continued – Why am I still here? Why he saved me? Wy couldn´t he let me die? He knew what I was looking for, why didn´t he gave me answers? Why did he kept coming to me? Why did he finally decided to tell me the truth? What am I to him, a toy? – she barely ended her last sentence when she broke down in tears, Natasha held her as she kept crying.

-I´m sorry Leah, I don´t know the answers, why are they so important to you? – She wanted to understand her, that way she might be able to help her.

-Because I don´t know any more what my purpose is –Leah whispered as soon as her crying subsided then she asked Natasha – Do you think he knows … that I´m pregnant?-

After all Loki had done to her Leah´s question surprised Natasha – I don´t think so, why you ask?-

-I … I´m not sure, I know I should be angry at him and I am, but I miss him also. Now that I know everything I thought I dreamed is true I don´t know what to think.-

Thor interrupted their conversation as he walked into the room –Leah, you are awake, how are you feeling? – He asked concern written all over his face.

-Uhm, better, thanks. I´m so sorry I made you all worry.-

-You don´t have to apologize, I´m glad you are feeling better, are you hungry? Should I bring you breakfast?-

-Breakfast would be fine Thor, thank you – Leah gave him a small smile.

As Thor left Natasha asked – Leah, do you love Loki?-

Leah blushed – I don´t know, I never thought about it, I was certain I was dreaming, that it was all in my head. That once I finally found him and get the answers I wanted the dreams would stop and I would have to go on with my life. Now, I´m confused, I don´t know what´s true and what’s a lie.-

-What do you mean? – Natasha frowned

-Well, we talked a lot – Leah blushed again as she lower her gaze – I know it´s hard to believe due to my actual predicament, but that wasn´t the only thing we did.-

-Oh! I didn´t mean … – Natasha quickly apologized

-Don´t apologize – Leah interrupted her – This is so confusing, and I know Loki isn´t a good guy but he isn´t that bad either, well; at least he isn´t for me. I´m not making any sense.-Leah sighed with frustration – I wish I could talk to him.-

Natasha looked at her with understanding eyes, she did had an idea of what she meant. –I´m sorry, but I don´t think that´s going to happen any time soon.-

-I know. – Leah answered – I didn´t though it would – as she said the words she looked sad.

-Breakfast is serve, my lady – Thor said with a smile as he entered the room bringing with him a tray – You like strawberries if I remember correctly.-

-Yes, I do – Leah smiled – I can´t believe you remembered.-

-Of course I did.- Thor smile grew larger.

“This is a bad idea” Natasha thought to herself “I hope it´s only my imagination” But she had a feeling it wasn´t.

-I´m pregnant?! This can´t be happening!! I can´t be!!- were Leah´s thoughts as she ran down the corridor, she didn´t knew where she was running to nor she cared, she just knew she had to get as far away of the penthouse as possible, tears were running down her cheeks, why was this happening?, only the day before she thought Loki´s visits were dreams and now she knew she was pregnant with his child. He could´ve least told her why, even if it was a lie, he could´ve told her something.

Exhaustion made her trip and there she stayed lying on the ground as she let all the emotions of the last day overwhelmed her. Panic made her sit up as she noticed her breathing becoming constricted , but it didn´t helped, she had no idea of where she was, she had been in such a hurry to escape and now she was alone. She could feel a dull pain in her chest, it was different from the pain she usually felt, sharper. As she let herself slide to the ground she could hear voices at the distance calling for her, but she wasn’t able to call them back, a sweet sensation of oblivion filled her as her senses faded away.

-She is in the southeast corridor of the north wing two levels below the penthouse Sir- The AI answered Tony.

-How the hell she got away so far so fast?- was Tony´s response –Never mind that, Steve, Thor you are the fastest go get her, Banner will be waiting for you on the medical word, I´ll guide you to her.-

Steve speed and agility gave him the advantage as he was the first to arrive, he reached her just as she felt unconscious, swiftly he carried her directly to the medical ward where Banner, Clint and Natasha had been waiting for them. After what seemed an eternity Banner went out the ward to the small waiting area where the rest of the team was waiting for news.

-Will she be all right? –Thor asked him concern written all over his face

-Yes she will Thor.-Banner told him with a smile

-Thank God!-Tony sighed with relief then asked –What the hell happened?-

– Jarvis was right it was a panic attack, she´ll be fine. –Banner answered then he noticed the questioning looks of both Thor and Steve

-Sorry, I just realized you don´t know what that means, a panic attack is a strong emotional response combined with psychological and physical symptoms that …-

-I´m sorry Doctor, you are losing them – Tony interrupted slightly amused by the even more puzzled and worried looks on both Thor and Steve.

– She was too scared – was Bruce short explanation – I can´t say I blame her, it was a terrible way to break her the news-

-And Fury wasn´t exactly helping either – Tony added

-Can I see her? – Thor asked

-I gave her something to sleep, you won´t be able to talk to her until morning, but you can see her if you want.-

-I would like to if you allow it – Thor answered

-I do, just don´t wake her, she needs to rest.-

When Thor walked in Leah´s room he saw her wearing an oxygen mask, and also noticed an IV strapped to her hand, she now reminded him more off the first time they met, he had finally found her in an hospital not far away from the bridge where Loki and him had been fighting, Loki had left her there after saving her from him.

She had disappeared from his life a couple of months afterwards, he had assumed she had moved on with her life. And now she had reappeared in his life in the most unimaginable circumstances.

-So Doc, what´s your prognosis?- Tony asked Bruce, they were all together trying to figure out what to do next about SHIELD´s intentions to Leah.

-Considering everything that has happened to Leah a panic attack is the least harmful thing that could have happened, she is in no physical danger, but we need to keep her away from stressful situations, or there is a good chance of this happening again.-

-You are kidding me right? Can´t yo gibe her something to avoid this from happening again? Yoga, perhaps? –Tony said as he nervously smiled as he though like that´s gonna happen, no stress full situations, right …

-I can give her something to lessen the anxiety but I´d rather not medicate her if we can help it. And about stressful situations, reassuring her we won´t deliver her to SHIELD might be a good first step.-

-I think we can all agree that giving her up to Fury isn´t a choice.-Steve stated

-Of course not – Thor voiced –Why do they want her anyway?-

-A bargain chip –Natasha answered then explained –It gives them the upper hand against Loki, either to force him as their allied or to capture him.-

-That is not how an honorable warrior behaves – Thor said with disgust

-I agree Thor, and that´s why we are going to do everything on our power to keep her safe.-Steve reassured him

-There´s another problem you hadn´t thought about – Clint added – SHIELD won´t be the only one after her if the word spreads out.-

-What do you mean? – Tony asked concern showing on his voice

-Loki has both allies and enemies that will stop at nothing to seize the opportunity to control him. –

Everyone went quite, Clint had made a good point. The first one to speak again was Steve – There’s no point on worrying about that right now though I would suggest we raise the security in the tower just in case.-

-Consider that done – Tony replied quickly – now, should we draw straws to see who gets to tell Fury he won´t be getting his hands o her?-

-I´ll do it Tony. – Steve answered –All things considered she is safer with us that in the hellicarrier, and also more comfortable, if that doesn’t convince him …-

-You can always tell him I´ll withdraw his funds – Tony interrupted him with a smirk

-You really would do that? –Natasha asked

-Yes, I would, using a woman and her unborn child against Loki sounds like something a terrorist would do, and I´m not funding terrorists –

-Then we are settled, now Doctor, what would be the next step to help Leah to get better.-

-Normally, therapy or group therapy is suggested especially considering her history but I´m afraid that´s not an option right now due to security issues, so I recommend we take turns talking to her, even just listening to her might be helpful, though we have to be careful not to overwhelm her, we don´t want her to shut us down. – Banner answered

-So you want us to play shrink? – Tony replied with irony

Banner continued as he hadn’t heard him -Thor and Natasha should give it a try first, they have the best chance of reaching her – looking at Thor and Natasha questioning and almost in denial looks he added – Natasha is the only woman apart from her, she will feel more comfortable talking to her than with the rest of us, as for Thor I think I´ve already explained that she trusts him.-

-Well at least it sounds like a plan, I don´t think it can go worse than it already has –Tony said then added – Come on Steve let´s tell Fury he won´t be getting his hands on Leah any time soon.

-I didn´t though Thor would give us trouble so soon –Fury tells Coulson

-But he had a point Sir, staying in the hellicarrier would only contribute to the deterioration of Leah´s mental health, she doesn´t trusts us. You saw how she reacted when she woke up.-

-That´s the only reason I agreed for her to leave with them, besides should we need her we know exactly where she is. -Fury added still angry at the present outcome, though he knew they would have to fight the Avenger´s for Leah´s custody at some point this wasn´t the right moment to do so.

Leah had been more than happy to leave with Thor and the rest of the Avenger´s, she wasn´t exactly sure why but SHIELD made her nervous, she had almost cried with joy when she saw Thor at her side instead of SHIELD´s agents when she woke up, she couldn´t wait to get away from them.

Afterwards in the Avenger´s tower Dr. Banner was finishing his own medical examination of Leah.

-But they already draw my blood in SHIELD, do we really need to do this again? –Leah complained pointing to the small puncture mark she had in her arm.

-I´d rather have my own lab results, it´s just a little pinch, I´ll be gentle, I promise. – Banner tried to reassure her

-Ok – Leah sighed with defeat “I´m too tired to argue any way” were her thoughts.

-You seem fine, except for your malnutrition and lack of sleep symptoms, but that can be easily fixed with some rest and food, when was the last time you ate?-Banner asked Leah-

-I think … yesterday´s morning –Leah responded as she slightly blushed, she didn´t thought he could notice and that made her uncomfortable.

-There’s no need to be ashamed Leah, I once too wondered on the streets, I know how it´s like, it can be our secret if you want to – Bruce reassured her, she did look one step away from homeless.

-I … -Leah started to protest then changed her mind –Thank you Dr. Banner, I would appreciate it.-

-Please call me Bruce, Leah. Now let´s get you something to eat, afterwards you can go to your room and get some rest.-

At the mention of food Leah´s stomach complained with a sound full growl that made her blush even more than before –Oh dear!- she exclaimed in embarrassment.

-Don´t worry, Tony has a stock full kitchen, I´m sure we can find you something tasty to eat.- Bruce said as he gave her an understanding smile.

As they reached the kitchen they found Thor and Clint finishing a pizza, Leah prayed her stomach would keep quite this time, fortunately it did. Bruce left after a while, telling them that he had to take care of Leah´s lab results.

After a while Leah yawned, she was tired, being sedated wasn´t the same that resting though she felt conflicted, dreaming didn´t sound as appealing as the day before.

-I think we should let you get some rest Leah, after all it has been a long day-Thor told her as soon as he noticed her getting sleepy.

-But I don´t feel tired –Leah lied –I want to hear how your adventure ended.

-Nonsense, you can hear it tomorrow; besides the Doctor ordered lots of food and rest and I don´t plan on crossing him – Clint joked

-All right, but you are voting me off the island – Leah pouted

-We are what? – Thor inquired.

-She means she doesn´t want to go Thor – Clint explained, it seemed there would always be a common day expression or reference to explain to Thor; after all the cultural differences between planets were least to say … huge.

-I will show you your new accommodations Leah, I am quite sure you will find Stark´s hospitality more than welcoming- Thor made a small vow while pointing her to the door.

-Good night then –Leah told Clint – But I do want to hear the rest of your story tomorrow.- She had decided she wouldn´t break down in front of them anymore when she woke up the second time in the hellicarrier mostly because she didn´t wanted to be sedated again. She had learned to hide her emotions too well during the past months, they didn´t needed to see her cry, so the only option left was trying to act as normal as possible, like normal would be a word that could describe her situation.

They had just reached Leah´s room when a voice called for Thor –Mr. Odinson your presence is urgently requested by Mr. Stark in the penthouse.-

-All right Jarvis, tell him I´m on my way- the he added – I am sorry Leah but I have to go.-

-It´s all right Thor, I´m sure you have important matters to attend to I’ll be fine – she gave him her best fake smile.

Thor smiled her back as he told her good night, then made his way towards the penthouse.

-What is the urgent matter you called me for? – Thor asked as soon as he reached the penthouse where Steve and Tony were talking to a virtual screen where an image of Nick Fury appeared.

-Fury wants us to take Leah back with SHIELD. – Tony almost yelled – Like we hadn´t had this same argument a couple of hours ago-

-Why? We are just getting her settled, and she already looks a lot better.- Clint asked as he arrived.

-Probably because they just found out the same I just did. – Bruce added as he walked in

-What did you find out? – Steve asked intrigued.

-That Leah is pregnant. – Bruce answered

-I´m what?! – Leah screamed in surprise, no one had noticed her walking in just behind them, she had felt scared of being alone and went in looking for company.

-With Loki´s child –Fury added – This changes everything, I want her back on board the hellicarrier as soon as possible.-

-That´s not going to happen- Thor boomed – The child is my nephew and he will stay under my protection as well as his mother.-

They were all in the middle of a very heated argument when Jarvis interrupted them – Mr. Stark I´m afraid your guest Mrs. Leah is having a panic attack and she need assistance urgently.-

The whole room went silence, no one had noticed her leaving the room; then Steve told Fury – I think we´d better end this later.-

-Agreed –Fury answered as the screen went dead.

-Jarvis, where´s Leah? – Tony asked the AI.

-According to the recording this has been going on for some time now – Coulson tells Thor as soon as the recording has ended.

-How long have you been aware of these encounters? –a pensive Thor asks him

-We´ve only picked up some strange readings that resembled Loki´s the day before, we weren´t sure they were his until he showed up; that´s when we called you – Coulson answered

-I can´t believe she was following Loki´s trail, how did she found him?-Thor asks Coulson in exasperation

-Your guess is as good as mine, she managed to find him when SHIELD couldn´t –Coulson points out then adds –Thor, I read the Golden Bridge incident report, I understand you feel responsible for Leah in account of what happened, but is that all?-

Thor gives Coulson a questioning look –What do you mean?-

-I wonder if … you had feelings for her.-

-How you dare suggest such a thing? After all she has been through I would not take advantage of her. – Thor roars

-I´m sorry Thor, I didn´t mean anything by it, I just had to ask – Coulson quickly apologized to the irritated god.

-I ´d better go see if she´s all right –Thor answers still angry at Coulson´s question.

As Thor leaves Nick Fury walks in the room and asks Coulson –So, do you think he´ll get in our way?-

-He does have feeling for her Sir, even if he hasn´t figure it out yet. You can bet he´s going to give us a hard time.-

-And are you going to give me a hard time too, Coulson?-Fury asks him

-I agree with Thor Sir, she´s been through enough already, but I´m not that naïve. I know she can be a great asset, but I wonder if Loki will really come back for her Sir, after all he abandoned her.-

-Trust me on this Coulson, I have a feeling he will –Fury ends his phrase as he pats Coulson´s shoulder.

Meanwhile Thor has arrived in the medical ward and is sitting next to Leah´s bed waiting her to wake up. The doctors had administer her a sedative after she almost had a nervous breakdown when she woke up on board the hellicarrier. The truth had been too much for her to handle.

It was the second time Thor had been at her bedside, the first time it had been him who had put her there, not intentionally of course, collateral damage Tony called her.

As he looked at her Thor noticed that even if this time she wasn´t injured she didn´t look any healthier than the last time.

Steve interrupted his thoughts as he approached –How is she? – He asked

-Your healers say she is fine at least physically, although they are running some more tests to make sure. – Thor answered, concern showing through his voice.

-She´s a strong lady Thor, I´m sure she´ll be fine. What I don´t understand is what she was doing with Loki. –

-Looking for answers – Clint answered and added after looking into both Thor and Steve´s puzzled faces –About that day, about why he did it. At least that would´ve bothered me too.-

-Come on! Who knows what´s on reindeer games mind –Tony interrupted – She should´ve been happy he chose to do something nice that day, and moved on.-

-Not everyone is as uncaring as you Tony – Natasha scolded him – Normal people have something tedious to you called feelings.-

-I have feelings too! – Tony complained –And now you have hurt them – he added as he made a serious pout trying to look offended.

-You´ll survive! – Natasha replied with a smirk.

-I don´t think that´s important right now, Thor is right about something what´s wrong with her isn´t physical. – Banner interrupted then he added as he fidgeted with his glasses – I don´t think being in SHIELD´s custody will help her mental state, she needs to be in a more friendly environment. And I´ll admit this much I´m not that comfortable around them either.-

-Come on Bruce! They are the good guys – Tony snapped.

-That may be true, but they believe on the end justifying the means and I don´t like that.-

-So what do you suggest Doctor? – Natasha asked.

-Well – Bruce doubted for a moment –Right now, I think the only person that can make her feel safe is you Thor.-

-Me? –Thor asked in disbelief – But I nearly … –

-Yes, we all know, and you spent months apologizing afterwards, she has no one left, she knows and trusts you, she knows you´ll keep her safe.-

-That I will – Thor roars with conviction.

“My name is Leah, although that´s not important, what´s important is the hunt, my price is an elusive asgardian prince named Loki. I´m freezing to the bones, this damn rain hasn´t stopped in hours, I heard a rumor he was going to come to this criminal´s bar tonight, but as usual I´m out o9f luck, no sign of Loki and I can´t feel my fingers anymore.”

A lonesome figure stands against a wall, waiting in the dark, she looks out of place; too pretty compared to the beggars that crawl around, too shabby for a hooker and way to naïve for a cop. Her long hair is soaked wet as the rest of her, some regulars tried to pick her up but her fierce full look once too close to her meant business and around this neighborhood you don´t mess with someone else’s business.

With a sigh of utter defeat her watch has come to an end, at least for tonight as she walks back to her motel she´s left alone with her thoughts.

“What are you doing? Seeking him night after night… you are a housewife for goodness sake! No … I´m not any more, no more house, no more wife, remember?”

The pain in her chest as she reminds herself all that is lost is too much to bare “And now you´re gonna make yourself cry, that´s just great! I need a drink”

At last she reaches the stairs that lead to her room, no one would miss her if she didn´t returned, but at least that meant there´s no one there to see her cry or drink, both of which will have to wait, she´s too numb so she walks directly to the bathroom, a hot shower is all that´s on her mind right now.

If she saw herself in the mirror she wouldn´t recognize herself, her slightly chubby figure had transformed into a lean almost skinny one, the sparks that lived in her eyes has died with them, cold numb blue eyes framed by dark patches replaced them.

As the hot water warmed her body her defenses melted away, as the dull pain in her chest returned silent tears began to pour out until she couldn´t silence them anymore. And there she stayed clumped in the bathtub floor holding to her knees as if her life depended on it until she was too exhausted to cry anymore.

“Happy now?” She admonished herself mentally –“That serve no use, now you are just too exhausted. Just as well, maybe that will help me get some sleep on an empty stomach, besides the only place I can find him is in my dreams.”

Ironically she had started dreaming with Loki a few weeks after she started looking for him, almost every night he visited her, and she looked eagerly forward to see him. “He´s just a figment of my imagination, she used to tell herself, or my subconscious trying to tell me something; either way I might as well enjoy the ride.”

As she dried her hair and put on her nightgown she kept quietly pensive, she was pretty much broke, all her savings practically spent, and if she planned on keeping on with her hunt there weren´t many options for a woman like her to get money fast, well to say the truth only one, but she dreaded the idea.

“Maybe Loki will have an idea!” she sadly joked to herself as she turned off the lights and climbed onto her bed.

It seemed she only had been sleep for a couple of minutes when a voice awoke her …

-Well, you seem to be doing a very poor job at taking care of yourself little pet- She knew who the voiced belonged before she opened her eyes.

-Loki!-she practically jumped into his arms.

-You seem awfully glad to see me, what did you do this time?- He scolded her as he wrapped her into his arms.

-Nothing …. Yet – she answered “Damn subconscious thoughts!”

-Yet? That doesn´t sounds good. Now little one tell me what´s on your mind-

-I don´t want to think about it, forget it, and kiss me.- she answered as she made a small pout.

He laughed at her antics –That´s not going to work, I´m not that easily distracted.-

-Como on! Can´t I deal with this in the morning? When you are gone ….? I have nothing but my dreams. Why spoil them? – She looked both angry and sad as she pulled away from him.

-If I´m a figment of your imagination or your subconscious as you constantly claim, then I see no harm on you telling me what’s wrong. – He answered her

-Fine! – She sighed in annoyance –I´m broke that´s what´s wrong. And I´m afraid I only have one choice to get more money.-

-Steal it? – Loki asked in hope

-Of course not, I have no idea of how to do that, and according to my dreams I´m pretty skilled in other areas .- As the words came out of her mouth she realized just what she had just said and blushed dark red.

-You can´t possibly mean … -Loki snapped at her

-Yes, I do. And I don´t wanna talk about it. – Leah interrupted him.

-You can´t! I won´t let you!-Loki yelled

-You are just a dream! And I will do whatever I have to do to find the real you! – She screamed back as her tears threatened to pour out of her eyes.

-What if I told you that these aren´t dreams?-Loki softly told her almost as if saying the words hurt him.

-What do you mean? These are dreams! I´ve been looking for you for over eight months now. These are dreams! This is my mind trying for me not to go crazy!-

-No, it´s not. – Loki insisted a very seriously concern look on his face.

-Why are you being so cruel? These are dreams! They have to be! – For a moment she doubted her resolve, what if he was right? No, he couldn´t be, there had to be a way to prove him wrong. Without a second though she went for her drawers and after a moment she pulled out a pair of scissors.

-I´ll prove to you this is a dream! – As she said the words she sliced the palm of her hand.

-No!- Loki ran to her side, he had been to slow to react, as he hold her in his arms he could tell she was in shock staring at her wounded hand as she mumbled –It can´t be, it can´t be, it can´t be … – Tears were pouring free now as she desperately tried to make sense of what Loki had said.

Suddenly none of it matter as SHIELD´s agents broke into the room –I´m sorry – were Loki´s last words before he teleported away leaving Leah behind.

-Damn it, we lost him! I told you Coulson, we should have waited until Thor arrived! – A tall dark man wearing an eye patch yelled to a middle age man in a suit.

-I couldn´t sir, we were already risking her too much. – The man replied as he bandaged Leah´s hand with a towel –Are you ok? – But Leah didn´t seemed to have heard him she kept mumbling to herself –It was a dream, I thought it was a dream, why did he do it? – as she spoke the last words she looked directly into Agent Coulson´s eyes looking for an answer she knew he didn´t had.

-I don´t know – he answered feeling sorry for her, they had used her as bait – But maybe we can help you find out why … – He tried to sound more confident that how he felt, as he helped her up Thor arrived.

-Leah! Are you hurt? If Loki did this to you I will make sure he pays for it- Thor voiced as he looked the white towel that Coulson had wrapped around her hand that was now soaked with blood.

-Thor?! – Leah answered in surprise – No, it wasn´t Loki, please it wasn´t him … I … – in a second the world went black, luckily Coulson caught her as she fainted.

-I demand to know what happened – Thor told Coulson as soon as the medical team had taken Leah to the medical ward on the hellicarrier.

-I´m not really sure either Thor, Leah is the only one that can fill in the blanks, but I can show you the recording the surveillance team made tonight.-