"I'll accept that. I can accept that." So long as Loki doesn't feel -- beholden to his title. Like he can't grow past it, be more than it. But if he feels he can be more than just what his title dictates, then Dani is happy.
"I'm glad to hear that." One more squeeze, before Loki let go. "I'm a shape shifter, as you saw. I have been the villain before too, and perhaps a hero as well in some ways. Right now..." Trailing off, Loki thought for a moment, before blue-green eyes flicked to her.
"I know you said you were behind The Incident, but -- " She shakes her head with a thoughtful frown. "I just can't wrap my head around that. Not really. I can't reconcile that with the you that I know now. And maybe some day I'll be able to, but for now...
"I am," she says, pointing at her plate with her fork. She's picked at her breakfast a little, but she concentrates more on it now. Making sure to finish her food before she talks again.
"I know I haven't been awake for that long, but I still feel like I could sleep for a year."
"More sleep will do you well." There's a hint of mischievous smile. "I did interrupt your sleep too, after all." Mostly so he could ask her if she wanted to leave. That had been several hours ago.
"I guess asking you to share the bed with me, even just for the first night, won't help whatever rumours are going around. But -- " She shrugs a shoulder, tucking her hair behind her ears with a soft smile in Loki's direction. "I don't really care. You make me feel safe."
"I'm honored that you feel safe with me." Loki replied with a smile of his own. "And you're correct. It will not. Allow me to be perfectly clear, however, that I did not bring you with me expecting any kind of reward for the 'rescue'."
"No -- no of course not. And that's not what this is, not at all. I just -- it's a new place. A new -- life, really. And I'm craving something familiar. And you're my friend, and I just need to be close to you right now."
"I wanted to be clear for you." Said simply, as Loki also had been steadily eating. "Whenever you're ready, Dani. You should get more rest. So should I, honestly."
"Let's go get some rest, then." She squeezes his shoulder as she stands, making her way back into the bedroom. There, she pulls back the covers and slips into the bed with a sigh, snuggling in against the pillows. "Best. Bed. Ever."
That made Loki chuckle as he followed her, letting her get settled. Pulling off his overtunic, and his boots, before moving to the other side. Leaving space, but facing her. He'd let her come to him, if she wanted more. "The Grandmaster did like his creature comforts--and I felt you deserved something nice."
"You do, Dani." Loki said quietly against her hair, curling around her and cuddling her close. He'd always been a very physically affectionate person, though he allowed himself to be so rarely. "Sleep now. Unless you need a lullaby." Teasing her gently.
"I'm getting there." She takes a deep breath, inhaling the scent of him. One hand curling in the fabric of his shirt. Closing her eyes as her breathing evens out. "Your voice is... really soothing, actually."
"Story it is then." Mouth still against her hair, cuddling her close and tangling their legs, Loki spoke softly. "Once long ago, in an age lost to antiquity..." Sharing a story his mother had told him and his brother when they were young. Of brave heroes who were strong and clever, facing hard times and hard decisions. But in the end they were triumphant.
This feels good. Tangled up with Loki like this. Having him hold her close, limbs tangled together while he murmurs tales of adventure into her hair. She smiles and closes her eyes, half listening to the story and half listening to Loki's heartbeat.
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"Right now I very much am your friend."
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For now, I'm just happy to be your friend."
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"I know I haven't been awake for that long, but I still feel like I could sleep for a year."
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Dani sighs and curls up closer to Loki, nuzzling into his chest a little. Letting the closeness of him comfort her.
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And, eventually, she manages to drift off.