for halfassed

[dreamsofpoison]

Just how and why Loki was back on Earth was a mystery. There had been no communication from Thor any Asgardian representatives. It wasn't obvious that Loki was back, in fact, his presence could have gone unnoticed if not for, well, mischief.

He'd somehow taken something belonging to one Clint Barton. Something very dear to him. His bow. Said bow now sat on a mantel above the fireplace in his current residence. It was a stone and log cabin. Lodge would be a more appropriate description. Logs make up A frame structures to support the roof. They also provide an excellent place to suspend someone from. Which inevitably happened when Barton followed the little trail of bread crumbs to find his bow and ultimately, Loki.

He's suspended near the fireplace, which is lit. Turned so he can see his bow sitting there on the mantel. He's hung high enough his toes barely brush the ground and apparently Loki took great care in securing his wrists in a specific type of cuff. The kind that would ensure he could keep him there for quite some time without much damage to his hands or wrists. He was stripped of his weapons and all his clothes save for his pants. Hence why he choose the beam close to the fire. It was the dead of winter outside.

As for Loki himself, he stood by the window, watching the snow fall and waiting for the subtle signs his captive has awoken. He's far removed from the armor and leather of before. Instead he's in simple mortal clothes but they still had a certain Loki-esque flair to them.

Comments

[halfassed]

And he'll take care of that damn thing too. Two little adhesive strips, like mini-stitches.

It brings him a lot closer to Loki, close enough that he can feel the god's breath on his skin. Sends a thrum through him, like something deep inside telling him this is where you belong.

No. No, he doesn't. He's his own damn person.

"Try not to let the Hulk toss you around," he says. "You're not as durable this time around."

[dreamsofpoison]

"I intend to avoid it if at all possible," he says, fixing his gaze on the wall. That was Thor's reasoning behind the Asgardian first-aid kit, since he was not allowed to return with him. He pushes that thought from his mind, he does not want to picture what Thor would say to using it on a mortal.

It's easy for him to just sit there and be tended. No protests. He's completely pliant. It does faintly concern him that he does so easily. Clint no longer served him after all. He swallows once, the only outward sign of what he might be thinking.

[halfassed]

Maybe the ownership goes both ways. When Loki's vulnerable, when he's down, he falls into the same pattern: letting Barton keep him alive. Trusting him. Just like Clint thought: there's no one else that Loki trusts. That's why he was called here.

His fingertips brush over Loki's Adam's apple, feels it shift under the skin.

[dreamsofpoison]

Loki swallows again, at the touch. It at once both comforting and terrifying. He would like to think he let neither feeling translate to his face.

"Have you finished?" he asks, his voice hoarser than he'd like.

[halfassed]

"Probably not," says Clint. Won't discount the possibility that either of them will strike in the next few moments. That it'll be deeper this time, closer to fatal.

[dreamsofpoison]

Well, to be fair Loki isn't planning on attacking him again. The last two were purposeful. That and Barton took all his throwing knives. "Done for now," he clarifies.

He pushes away from the sink to leave the bathroom. He lets himself brush up against him more than he strictly should.

[halfassed]

Clint catches him, around the waist. Doesn't let him go.

"I'm going to take you into SHIELD," he says. "We're going to do this right." If they don't, it's entirely likely that someone will find out about Loki and take a shot at him. Fury will give a contract that doesn't say if they want him dead or alive, knowing that the Avengers will pursue with more force than necessary.

[dreamsofpoison]

He draws in a breath when he's grabbed. At first, he doesn't seem that bothered. Then Clint opens his mouth.

Loki's expression hardens instantly. "So I may be executed or so Fury can extract what information he pleases?" he asks in a darkly mocking tone. It really is what he expects or some variation therein. He tries to push him away with as much force as he can muster.

It would be one thing if he still had powers but as he is SHIELD is the last place he wants to be.

[halfassed]

"You're not gonna be executed."

Sets his teeth on edge, but he follows Loki. "I'm doing this to save your damn life, and trust me, if you don't want it, I don't have any moral problems with walking away and letting you get yourself killed. I won't even lose sleep over it."

No, he'll lose sleep over all the things he's losing sleep over right now. Won't make a damn it of difference.

[dreamsofpoison]

"And how can you be so sure?" he asks as moves back into the main room.

Then suddenly, he spins on his heels to face him again. "I know what you mortals perceive as punishment. As justice. If I am not to be tortured and defiled, I will be locked away and forgotten until this mortal body gives out," he spits out with contempt, "I would welcome death."

[halfassed]

"Well, you're not gonna get it," says Clint, flatly. "Not on my watch. And you can blame your little stick for that."

[dreamsofpoison]

Loki just gives him a look like he's insane. Really, that's saying something.

"You say that now," he says in a slow measured tone. Then he appears thoughtful. He acted on emotion just now and didn't think it through. Now, he sees another angle to it. Well, now.

"I look forward to being proven right," he says finally, resigned. His arms cross and he looks resolved. "Allow me two days freedom."

[halfassed]

Oh, no. Oh, no, that's not a good look on him.

"Two days for what?" Clint's arms cross. He doesn't know what the hell he's going to decide, or how he would stop Loki if they didn't reach an agreement. The two of them are probably decently evenly matched, especially with Clint wounded.

[dreamsofpoison]

He shrugs and looks around like it should be obvious. "Whatever I like," he says then inclines his head. "Simply allow me to enjoy that time here. What damage could I possibly cause from here?" he gestures to the window as he says it.

There is a snow storm out there that would make travel difficult.

[halfassed]

"So, tying me to the ceiling."

Loki wants him. Whether it's that he wants him here, or wants his loyalty, or wants his body -- what does that matter? Clint's not well-equipped to say no, in any of those cases.

He hisses out a sigh. "Two days, and then you let me bring you in. You vow it, on something that matters to you."

[dreamsofpoison]

Loki gives a little shrug, he may not tie him to the ceiling this time. He gives a strange laugh. Nothing matters to him, how can he vow on anything? He appears to think it over. There must be something that is, at least, convincing if not true.

"Something that matters to me?" he echoes and starts to walk a slow circle in the open space of the main room. "Myself?" he asks, half in jest.

[halfassed]

"How about the All-Father?" That's supposed to bind sorcerers, right? Or something.

[dreamsofpoison]

"Very well," Loki says as he stops. "I vow on the All-father that I will leave in your care in two days time." He then gives him a look as if to ask how it sounded.

[halfassed]

"No no no," says Clint. "That you will go, in my care, to SHIELD." That's the deal.

[dreamsofpoison]

Loki grins, strangely delighted that he caught that. "I vow on the All-Father's name that I will go in your care, to SHIELD in two days time."

Cooperating far too easily? Oh maybe a little.

[halfassed]

Cooperating way, way, way too easily. Clint doesn't like it at all, but he can't see any flaws with the vow, any loopholes. Two days, to SHIELD, in his care. Those are all the important things, right? Loki would break the vow if he disabled Clint or evaded him. Or if he didn't go to SHIELD.

Okay, he's going to have to accept it.

"Fine," he says. "Have your fun, then." He means for Loki to go frolic in the snow, or whatever.

[dreamsofpoison]

Well, he might frolic in the snow. Now he just grins. He does love to get his way, even if its not as planned.

And what does he do first? He motions for Clint have a seat.

[halfassed]

Moves stiff as a tin soldier, but he settles into one of the chairs, warily awaiting what Loki does next.

[dreamsofpoison]

Loki sits across from him and studies him for a moment. "What would you like me to do?" he asks finally. Sure, he could just do what he wants but it's not nearly as fun with someone who follows every order without question.

[halfassed]

"You're the one who asked for two days." He's not giving any ground, on that one. He knows he has some leverage over Loki; even though his only bargaining chip is himself, he can still have some influence over Loki by offering his obedience.

Sends not entirely pleasant shivers down his spine, but what can you do.