Chapter Text
You are the only one that needs to know
I'll keep you my dirty little secret
Don't tell anyone or you'll be just another regret
Hope that you can keep it
My dirty little secret
Who has to know?
-"Dirty Little Secret" by All-American Rejects
Not a lot of SHIELD agents would be thrilled to be stuck alone with the God of Mischief for a week.
Not that I was. But I was the only one who volunteered. First off, the pay for the assignment was particularly excellent. Mr. Stark knew that one would need an absurd amount of compensation to put up with the cruel, eternally moody demigod who had decided to play nice after his rehabilitation and Asgard's relocation to earth. Second off, I wanted to put my best foot forward for the alien wildlife research department of SHIELD, as it would look fantastic on my resume and might provide me some much-needed accolades if I wanted to move up in my career. Third off, I actually had a pre-existing relationship with Loki, and while it wasn't exactly friendly, it was at least cordial.
A little known fact about the God of Mischief was that while he was certainly a diva and a borderline sadist, he enjoyed scientific discovery. Particularly wildlife. As Thor and Loki had both explained to our division, there were numerous pathways to earth from outside of our galaxy, and sometimes we ended up with visitors. Plus, the earth had become somewhat of a refuge for certain alien civilizations provided that SHIELD checked them out thoroughly first and they agreed to stay out of sight and play by our rules. Thus, we came in contact with multiple alien species on a monthly basis, some on purpose, some by accident.
The assignment was in Alaska. We'd gotten reports of strange sightings of multiple unidentified creatures, and we'd confirmed that there had been a recently opened portal in that region. There was a small ex-military installation that SHIELD acquired that would allow us to stay as we observed and investigated the creatures. We needed to determine if they were harmful, and if not, possibly either establish them a sanctuary or relocate them if they were hostile. We only resorted to violence in the case of serious threats or hostile sentient life.
I met Loki on a small plane with the navigation already punched in, lugging a week's worth of warm clothing and equipment into the loading bay. He gave me an amused glance as the bay doors closed behind us, his dark lashes low over his sea-colored eyes. "So. Just the two of us, is it?"
"Mm-hmm," I said noncommittally as I did a routine check of everything before securing the lift off sequence.
"Quite the risk you're taking," Loki mused. "Thousands of miles from any assistance by your precious SHIELD."
I snorted. "And why would I be needing their assistance?"
"Why, to save you from me, of course."
I rolled my eyes. "Do I need to remind you that I'm armed, Loki?"
He chuckled. "As if it would in any way help you, mortal woman."
After lift off, I plopped down in my seat and reached for my bookbag. "Like you're going to kill me and risk dying of boredom up there alone. You're not happy unless you're tormenting someone."
"I'm touched you know me so well. Dare I think we are going to have fun, you and I?"
"We're working, Loki. It's not supposed to be fun."
His smirk widened. "That is exactly my point."
I ignored him and opened my laptop to start some of my initial work in the wake of his soft, sinister chuckling.
The base was rather small, intended for short stays like our own, and so it only had about six rooms that served as the barracks, a kitchen, a laboratory, a surveillance room, and a hangar. It was underground, hidden behind layers of ice in the mountain side. SHIELD had sent a cleaning crew and maid service ahead of us to be sure everything was still in good shape.
Loki didn't have much in the way of manners, but he did at least help me carry the equipment from the hangar into the facility. He stalked off to choose his quarters while I stocked up the fridge so I could get dinner going soon, as we'd head out for our first observation in just a couple of hours. Technically, I wasn't supposed to run a night op with Loki, but I wanted to get started as soon as possible, and he was ample protection from any harm except himself.
He drifted by several minutes later, lingering in the doorway. There was an island counter at the center, and counters on two of the four walls with cupboards above them. There were plenty of dishes and utensils to get something basic started.
"Do you have any food preferences?" I asked the God of Mischief as I stowed the last can of beef stew in a cupboard.
Loki snorted and crossed his arms, scowling. "This is Midgard. I'm afraid all of your food is of the same quality."
I sighed. "Are you going to answer the question or not?"
"No, I do not have a preference for your meager attempts at sustenance," he sneered, and I rolled my eyes before grabbing a pot.
"Suit yourself. We'll head out after I'm done cooking, then."
"You speak as if you hold authority over me."
I tried not to grind my teeth. You're getting paid extra. Remember. Extra. "I'm not telling you what to do, Loki. I'm just reciting the schedule. You're going to do whatever the hell you want anyway regardless of what I say."
"Mm. At least you know your place, little mortal."
I shot a glare at him. He smiled toothily, just daring me to say something, but I forced myself quiet. He wanted a rise out of me, as always. Ignoring him was often the only way to get him to knock it off, much like an annoying adolescent boy. I felt his stare as I moved around preparing things for chicken mushroom soup--I wanted something hot and hearty to be waiting when we got back from the cold--and I hoped he'd wander off bored soon, but he stayed. I realized after a bit he wasn't just being a pain in the ass. He seemed genuinely interested in what I was cooking. He was a prince, after all. He'd probably never cooked a day in his life.
It was unnerving preparing the food in silence in front of him, but I kept it together and got it all in the pot to simmer until it would be ready to eat. I'd throw some crescent rolls in the oven when we got back for good measure. I washed and dried my hands, and took off the apron I'd brought with me, since stains were tough to get out of my SHIELD uniform.
"Finally," Loki groused as I brushed past him.
"Impatient ass," I grumbled under my breath.
"What was that, mortal?"
"Nothing," I said sweetly. "I'll fire up the jet if you wouldn't mind getting the equipment."
"I do mind, but I suspect you are too feeble to bring it all the way to the hangar by yourself."
"I'm not too feeble to wring your stupid neck," I muttered as I kept on down the hallway. "You Hot Topic-wearing, sarcastic, scarecrow-looking dickhead."
He met me in the jet by the time I had the initial flight check done and took the seat beside me, languishing in the chair. He placed his chin on one hand and stared at me, his eyes bright with amusement. "Shall I strangle you now or later?"
"Later," I snarked, glaring as I opened the hangar doors. "Hush, I'm trying to concentrate."
"What is a dickhead?"
I almost choked. "I am a god, woman. I have excellent hearing. Now, explain."
He lifted his eyebrows, waiting patiently for my answer. I cleared my throat and focused out of the windshield. "It's a term for a rude person."
"I thought Dick was a nickname for some of the men on your planet."
"It is, but it can also mean..." I blushed then, and hoped that firing the engines would mask the word I was about to say. "...penis."
The jet shot out into the wintry skies and over the treeline. Loki didn't speak for a bit, and I didn't prod him to, but he didn't give me very long. "Is the insult meant to imply that my features resemble a penis?"
I blushed harder and tried not to squirm. "N-No, it's more of a metaphor. A dickhead is someone who is rude or shallow or unpleasant to be around."
"Ah," he said. "Noted. Perhaps that'll be on your tombstone after I kill you. Here lies the mortal dickhead."
I laughed before I could stop myself. Loki's elegant accent was not meant to pronounce that word. I wasn't sure, but I swore I saw a ghost of a smile on his lips. Must be my imagination.
The sightings were in a particular area of the thickly wooded grounds surrounding the base, so I landed us in a nearby clearing and braced myself against the cold as we left the jet. I pulled on night vision goggles and did a quick perimeter check, but there was nothing around. Loki didn't need anything, not even a winter overcoat, and trudged out in front. We examined the woods until we picked up on a trail that indicated wildlife, and then went deeper into the forest.
Loki slowed his long-legged steps and then raised one hand, his voice hushed. "They're nearby."
I nodded and fished out my binoculars, settling in next to a tree. We stood at the top of a hill, and there was a frozen river crossing our path about ten yards out.
And out on the ice stood an interesting creature.
It looked like a wolf from far away, but as I focused on it, I realized it seemed to be the exact middle between a wolf and a Kodiak bear. It had a canine head with rounded ears, but a thick, powerful body covered in shaggy white fur with huge paws. The river wasn't completely frozen solid, so it stood on the bank with a hole punched into it, lapping up the cold water with a long black tongue.
"Do you recognize it?" I asked Loki.
"A creature from Jotunheim," he told me. "They call them night bayers."
"Are they dangerous?"
"Quite," he confirmed. "But only when cornered."
I took out my camera and snapped photos. "Are they solitary?"
"No, they are believed to be pack animals. We will need to keep our distance and look out for others."
I was about to ask about the name, but then the creature lifted its head and let out a long, ghostly wail. As soon as it did, we heard five identical howls in response, which confirmed Loki's theory.
And then, something strange happened.
Loki went entirely stiff in front of me. Then he swayed and leaned one hand against the tree to steady himself, shaking his head as if something had gotten into it.
"Loki?" I asked, frowning in concern. "You okay?"
The wind kicked up and blew a peculiar scent over the area, like the musk of an animal. Loki shuddered and finally answered me, his voice low and tight. "We need to go."
I sputtered in disbelief. "We just got here. We have to track them to a den and--"
He grabbed my arm and dragged me away from the tree. "Now."
Loki was a thousand times stronger than me, but I was stubborn. I dug my heels into the frozen soil, but it didn't so much as slow him down. "Loki, what the hell, if you don't let me go this instant--"
He whirled on me then, snarling, "You are in danger, you foolish woman. Walk or I shall carry you."
I snatched my arm out of his grip. "Then that's all you had to say, you prick."
I followed him back to the jet and shut us safely inside it. "Look, if I'm in imminent danger, then we need some kind of backup plan--"
I almost jumped as he suddenly leaned down in front of my face, so close our noses nearly bumped, crowding me back against the pilot seat.
"That is thrice now that you have insulted me, mortal woman," Loki breathed. "I have killed for far less in my time. The next time you feel the urge to fling venom with that sharp tongue of yours, I will find something better to do with it."
"Gee, I'm sorry, I didn't know you had such delicate feelings, Loki," I spat. That was a dumb move. He could dispose of me with ease and yet I got irrationally angry that he saw fit to insult me but I couldn't return the favor. "Can you ever forgive me?"
He gave me a lewd little smile. "That all depends on how you intend to repent for your sins, darling."
"Don't hold your breath."
We stared at each other for several terse seconds. I stubbornly refused to break eye contact first, thanks to my pride. The longer I stared, the more I realized something wasn't quite right. I knew Loki as cold, calculating, smug, and indifferent. Right now, his pupils were dilated, his skin a little flushed, and he breathed more heavily than necessary. He was agitated, not just insulted. Why?
The God of Mischief rose to full height, still glaring at me. "Take us back to the compound, Midgardian."
I huffed and plopped down into the pilot's seat, not waiting for the bastard before I took off. We returned to the base and he stormed off to his quarters without another word. I ate dinner and logged all the information I had so far, downloading photos and creating a file for them in my laptop.
In the morning, I gave my supervisor an update and sent in a request for one of the Asgardians to give me a call so I could begin creating a strategy to examine the animals. One of our most regular contacts with them was a young woman named Vira and she called back within the hour.
"Oh, night bayers," she said, her blue eyes alight with excitement in the holographic feed of the call projecting from my phone. "Wow, they must be something to see in person, yes?"
"From afar," I joked. "I was told that they're not aggressive unless cornered."
"Yes, that's correct. Well, I can get you started with basic knowledge, but I'm afraid since Jotunheim and Asgard have never been on friendly terms, there is only so much we know about them. They are indeed pack animals, and their pack size tends to be between six and twelve. They are nocturnal, as indicated by their names. Their howls can be heard up to twenty kilometers away. The females are the larger of their species and they are the alphas. Their mating cycle happens around this time of year, so perhaps that is how they stumbled onto Midgard, searching for a den to begin mating season. When ready, the males and females both emit pheromones to indicate to each other that they're ready to find a partner, and it lasts for roughly a week. There are some rare cases of domestication according to a few sources in history, but that's the most we have in our records about them."
I finished my last bit of typing. "Trust me, it's a huge help anyway. I'll start by figuring out how much territory they occupy so we can safely observe outside of it."
Vira cocked her head slightly, frowning. "What do you mean?"
"Last night, Loki yanked me out of their vicinity," I said, not hiding my annoyance. "He said I wasn't safe."
"How close were you?"
"Maybe thirty kilometers or so."
"Hmm, that's strange of him. Typically, they do not attack outsiders. They're more curious than anything else."
I frowned. "Weird, but noted. I'll confirm once I head out today, then. Thank you so much for your help."
"Certainly. Do let us know what you find. We'll be eager to add it to the archives. Goodbye."
"Bye." I hung up and finished my notes, then stood to start making breakfast. I'd already brewed my coffee. Now I just needed some protein.
"Have you created the initial report, mortal?"
I shrieked and almost dropped the Teflon pan as Loki's voice slithered into my ears from inches away. I whirled to see him standing there with a smug look at having successfully scared me shitless. I gritted my teeth, took a couple deep breaths, and forced myself to calm down.
"Good morning to you too," I shot back, and then pointed at my laptop. "It's on there."
He stepped around me to head for the counter, and the back of his hand brushed my hip. A jolt of sensation leapt down my spine. I sucked in a breath, surprised, but he didn't seem to notice. Whoa, where the hell did that come from? Easy, girl.
"Do you want some tea?" I asked.
"Your version of tea on this planet is depressing," he answered without glancing up from the screen. "Do not bother."
I sighed and stashed the kettle. "A simple no would have sufficed. Are you going to eat anything? Or am I to assume you just go outside and swallow entire mice whole?"
He glared at me then. "Did I not make myself clear last night, mortal?"
"If you get to insult me, I get to do it right back, even at my own peril. Now answer the question. Do you want breakfast or not?"
"I am a god. I do not need sustenance nearly as often as your weak little species. Do not fret over me like a house Frau, woman."
"Fine," I snapped, slamming the bacon down on the counter. "Look, we're stuck in here with each other for a week. Can you not pick a fight with me every single time we're in the same room?"
"I will do as I damn well please with you, and you can do nothing in return, and you should be grateful that you are even allowed to be in my presence considering the fact that I am Asgardian royalty."
"If you don't want to be here, you are more than welcome to leave. I'm a trained SHIELD agent. I can protect myself."
Loki gave me an unsettling smirk. "Can you, now?"
"Those aliens aren't even aggressive, for God's sake."
"Oh, I know," he said as he closed in on me. "They're not the real threat here."
I scowled up at him as he towered over me. "I'm not afraid of you, Loki."
He chuckled. "You most certainly are, and for good reason. Do not mistake my patience for mercy."
"And do not mistake my lack of violence for fear," I sneered. "I haven't popped you one because I'm trying to remain professional, but if you keep threatening me, that's going to change."
Loki exhaled slowly, and his voice dropped to a tone so low it made the hairs on my arm and nape stand up. I'd never heard it before, and I felt as if few people ever had, in fact. "Is that right?"
He leaned in and pressed his hands to the counter on either side of me, trapping me between his arms and his body. I'd never been this close to him before. He smelled of pine oil. His lashes were longer than I'd thought. His cheekbones were sharp but appealing. If he weren't such an obnoxious bully, he'd be wonderful to see up close.
"What are you going to do to me if I do not stop, mortal?" Loki purred, his velvet voice dripping down my front as if he'd dragged his fingers over my t-shirt. "Tell me. In great detail. I am most curious."
I swallowed. Then I matched his cool tone. "A lady doesn't kiss and tell."
Loki stared at me.
And then licked his lips.
My eyes widened, and confusion swarmed through me all of the sudden. But before I could do anything, he'd pulled away with another sinister chuckle.
"We shall see," he murmured enigmatically, and then left me standing there, trembling slightly, utterly baffled as to what just happened.