Never too late (Loki X Reader)

Ever since S.H.I.E.L.D. had been compromised, you had lost contact with most of your friends, but, apparently, they hadn't forgotten you.

 

Tony had invited you for a small Christmas reunion. It was fun, but nothing that would lift your humor. 

 

You had been mourning for two years and, even though they all thought it was for the innocent lives you had taken while being controlled by Loki during the New York occurrence, they could never have guessed the real reason behind your permanent sadness.

 

Clint claimed to understand how you felt, seeing as he had gone through the same as you, but, if he truly comprehended your struggle, he wouldn't have joined forces with Natasha to try and pair you up with non other than the one and only Captain America.

 

He might not fully know what you felt, but Steve did. He had also lost a loved one. The reciprocated empathy you shared with the Super Soldier had forged a strong friendship, one that could easily be taken for more.

 

You had been talking to Steve for a while, a glass of eggnog in your hands, when a whistling sound made its way towards you. You glanced up right on time to see as an arrow attached a mistletoe to the roof, right above your heads. You glared at the archer, who tried to seen nonchalant, but the glint in his eyes gave him away. You sighed and turned back to Steve.

 

"Sorry about it. He doesn't really know when to stop." You apologized with a soft smile. He chuckled.

 

"It's alright. Do you think they would give us a break if we kissed?"

 

"Nope, it'll only make it worse."

 

You were both unaware that all of the attention had moved to you and everybody observed the scene with expectation.

 

"Either way, we can't broke the tradition, can we?" Steve remarked with a small grin.

 

"I suppose not. It's Christmas after all!" You replied, surprised with your own response.

 

As you met his clear blue eyes, you could have sworn they were green, but it wasn't for long.

 

When Steve leaned closer you saw it. You saw how much he wanted a second chance to be happy, how he was ready to try again. You would never be hiss Peggy, but he could learn to love you just as much.

 

The thing is, you weren't ready.

 

To everyone's dismay, just as his lips brushed yours, you stepped back.

 

"I'm so sorry." You murmured, turning away and running to the elevator. He tried to stop you, but to no avail.

 

You left the building, stepping out into the cold New York winter, snow flakes slowly falling around you, some getting stuck in your hair and clothing. The bright lights surrounded you and, even this late, the city was pretty much alive.

 

You caught the first vacant cab you could find and slid into the back seat, quietly giving him directions to your address.

 

You threw a few notes to the driver as the cab came to a halt right in front of your apartment building.

 

 

As soon as you entered your flat and had the door closed behind your back, the first thing you did was to get rid of your shoes, throwing them to the side. You needed some alcoholic beverage to numb your pain and drown your sorrows, which is why your feet took you straight to the kitchen, where you gathered yourself a cup of the strongest liquor you could find and dropped to the ground, breaking down on the cold floor as the tears ran freely down your face.

 

It was deplorable how much a single man had done so many damage to you, but then, again, he was no man.

 

Loki had thought your abilities as both, an agent and scientist could have been useful, yet, after getting you under his control, he never sent you in any asignment. You had remained by his side all the time. Even at the gala in Germany, you were just there in the corner, among the crowd, the only one not required to bow before him.

 

You had been his confidant, the one he always returned to. You had seen sides of him not even his own brother knew existed. You had learned to love Loki and, slowly, break free of his enchant.

 

You could have escaped, ran away, still, your heart betrayed you. You stayed. And when Loki had come back from the Helicarrier to find you patiently waiting for him, your eyes not the glassy blue others had, but their natural color, he had been shocked. No one else managed to break free of his spell, but you.

 

You only smiled. He had a hard time trusting you after this, even after you atempts to assure him you would stay, agreeing or not with his plans. You knew it was wrong and refused to help him, but never once considered leaving his side. And that you did.

 

Until, that is, Loki fell. The Avengers defeated the god.

 

You cried when you learned he would be imprisoned at Asgard for eternity as punishment for his crimes. Away from you.

 

Nonetheless, you could survive knowing he was still there, somewhere. Only a few months prior, you received more news and nothing could have prepared you for them. You felt numb, the last trickle of hope within you, finally leaving your body.

 

Loki was gone. He had an honorable death, Thor had said.

 

You had locked yourself away that day, not ready to face the world knowing the man, no, the god you loved was gone.

 

More than a couple of hours had passed and you were on your third glass when the silky voice reached your ears, making your entire body freeze.

 

"If this is how you spend your favorite holiday, I wonder what you do on the others."

 

That's it. The loss had finally taken its toll on you and you were going nuts.

 

"It seems to me those are celebrating times, am I not correct?"

 

You lift your gaze almost fearfully, dreading his voice was only in your imaginary, but there he was. Green and golden vests, sleek black hair, cold green eyes and pale skin, the smirk you knew so well directed to you.

 

"L-loki?" You stood up, dropping the glass in your hands and cupping his face, making sure it was real.

 

"Missed me, love?"

 

"But I- Thor said- You-" He placed a long finger over your lips, shortening your rambling.

 

"Shh, dear. We'll have time to answer all your questions later. I believe you have a promise to keep."

 

You searched his face and then grinned, your eyes glistening this time with happy tears. You embraced him tightly and he responded, his arms wrapping themselves around your waist and his face nuzzled the top of your head.

 

"I hope I'm not too late." Loki whispered.

 

"It's never too late." You murmured before pushing him away. "Now, Christmas is already over and I still have a lot to teach you."

 

 

~Extended ending:

 

After you taught him all you could think of about Christmas traditions, you were both cuddling in the couch, watching a few of your favorite Christmas classics, mugs filled with hot chocolate in your hands and a plate with Christmas cookies to nibble at.

 

Loki watched fondly as you spoke with such passion about such a simple occasion. He was entranced by every word that left your lips and genuinely curious as to what you meant.

 

Once you grew quiet he gathered the courage to make the question that had been on his mind for a long time.

 

"I have a gift for you." He twisted his wrist and a black box materialized in his hand. He offered it to you.

 

"Loki! It wasn't necessary! This is- I..."

 

"Open it, (y/n)."

 

You took a deep breath and slowly lifted the lid, revealing a beautiful necklace. The pendant was a large emerald surrounded by diamonds. You gasped.

 

"Loki... That's beautiful! I can't accept this-"

 

He kissed your lips softly to stop you and pulled away, observing your reaction.

 

"You can. If you agree to be my queen." Loki murmured in your ear.