Chapter Text
The morning was warm for spring and Loki paused on his doorstep, allowing the sun to saturate his skin momentarily before turning to lock the door behind himself. The air was filled with each of the senses and Loki felt a pang of guilt for the havoc he'd once wrecked upon this city. The sunbeams danced upon the worn sidewalk, golden rays shimmering brightly against his ivory skin. The sounds and smells of a typical new york morning danced about in the air, people shouting, a street performer singing, foods of all types mixing into a bountiful feast for the senses. He shrugged his black coat on tighter, considering returning back inside instead of wasting his free time going to a bookstore. It was too late now, though as he'd already started down the steps. He looked back to his apartment, as if he was leaving behind a good friend. And maybe he was. Despite Dr. Olsen's insistence, Loki kept to himself and had few acquaintances, let alone friends. So his house really did feel like the only friend he had. And for everyone's safety, he planned to keep it that way. He took a steadying breath and reminded himself he was okay, then slid into his confident façade. As he started down the steps a voice caused him to look slightly upwards to a balcony across the street. His blue eyes locked on two familiar faces, and he brought a hand up to shield his vision from the sun.
"Good morning, Loki dear," an older man sat on a rocking chair, seated next to his husband. They both held cups of coffee, or what loki assumed to be such. Loki politely, bowed as if he did it for the man who spoke, "Your outfit is absolute perfection as always," he smiled widely, being sincere. Loki wore his usual black trench coat with a white button up underneath a blackish green vest. His pants were black as well, and pressed to perfection, hanging neatly to cover his black boots. His dark green tie matched his vest and was tucked neatly inside. He may have hated going outside, but that didn’t mean he had to look bad doing so. He was gracious for the compliment, he thought to himself as he smiled slightly. Loki often felt Daniel was one of the few people in this world who was truly sincere and genuine with every person he met.
"Thank you, Daniel," He referred to the man by his first name, as the older man had insisted on such. Daniel, although 56 at the time Loki moved in a year ago, had been the first person to greet him. He was a retired drag queen with an impeccable mane of gray-brown hair and a bright smile. He always made a point to compliment all of his neighbors and often playfully hit on the raven haired god. " But Samuel " he would complain to his husband when he was chastised for doing so, "he's absolutely adorable! " to which Loki would thank him once again then disappear to whatever plans he had for the day. Today, that included going to a new bookstore to find something to read. Loki's apartment was small, and sparsely decorated. He liked it that way. But one thing he did enjoy was books. He had at least 20 bookshelves in his apartment, stocked full with books of all types. But he'd read them all. So today, he was going to the bookstore just around the corner in search of a new one. With a wave of his hand, he departed, leaving Daniel to muse about the man's fashion sense while his husband sighed tiredly.
Mac sat tiredly at the counter, stirring her tea absentmindedly. Today was a slow day, as usual, and honestly she considered taking a nap. Just to her left was a large, soft couch that she slept on at night, and she wondered if curling up there and doing a sleepy night night would be a bad business model. She sighed tiredly, brown eyes drooping lazily as she looked out the window. Then she stood up taller. There was a man outside, tall with dark hair, and he seemed to be approaching the door. She paused, staring skeptically at him as his pale hand gripped the metal handle. He looked familiar, she thought to herself as she stood at attention, pasting on a lazy smile. Then, a wave of anxiety washed over her as his face came into view.
“Oh my barnes,” she whispered the phrase that had once been a joke but now was instinct, “no way,” He opened his mouth to speak and her posture stiffened as if expecting him to say something unnecessarily cruel.
“Hello, I am-” He spoke with the pompous confidence she’d always heard he held.
“I know who you are,” she cut him off quickly, staring daggers through him, “ Loki Laufeyson of Asgard ,” she said mockingly, “Yeah, you destroyed almost an entire city and massacred tons of people. We all know who you are around here, Shamrock,” Loki winced slightly, green eyes straying from eye contact as another wave of guilt washed over him. He was right, staying home was a better idea. But first, he needed to apologize to this woman whom he’d obviously hurt by the destruction he’d caused. Mac was confused by this reaction but didn’t let it show. For all she knew the remorse could be an act, an effort to manipulate her.
“I see the past may not have been forgiven,” he began and she cut him off again
“Listen, Lucky Charms,” she crossed her arms, “Since you’re so into proclaiming shit like that here you go; I’m Mac of Midgard and I want you to get the hell out of my store,” Loki looked once more back at her, opened his mouth to speak and then stopped. He nodded curtly, acknowledged her wishes and turned away. His fabled iron will had rusted. He hadn’t even protested.
“As you wish,” was all he left her with. There was a sharp exhale of breath and Mac could’ve sworn he was slouched ever so slightly in defeat. He turned to walk away and just at that moment, her best friend and Avengers enthusiast, Kaia, walked in. She was carrying a cup-a-noodles, normally thick and curly dark hair pulled out of her face and into two dutch braids. Her dark eyes shone from behind her glasses at the prospect of having a customer; the store was so slow these days.
“Hey Mackenzie, is there someone here?” she asked, walking over to the counter, “I’ve been meaning to-” she stopped when her eyes caught on Loki’s form, dropping her cup. The sound startled Loki and he looked back to see Kaia standing in shock, mouth in a small ‘o’.
“I think it would be best for me to leave now,” he said hurriedly, taking her reaction as one influenced by trauma. He knew about PTSD, he knew how the tiniest thing could send a person back. And the very person who may have caused your trauma? Well that could send a person to the hospital.
“Oh My Rodgers!” Kaia finally said and Loki walked quicker, “You’re Loki! Like the Loki!” she realised he was leaving, “Wait don’t go!” Loki paused and turned to look at her, lifting one perfectly manicured eyebrow as if to say I’m sorry what? And then spoke.
“I believe your friend wants me to leave,” his accent was enough to incite a reaction out of the girl with the soft green hair and the angry eyes. She looked down at him, leveling him with an irritated stare.
“Yeah, I do,” She practically growled and something twisted inside of him. He tried to keep a straight face, tried not to show how bad he felt about all the things that had probably led to this reaction.
“ Mackenzie! Be nice!” Her friend exclaimed, whacking her arm, “We’re in the presence of royalty! And a god!”
“Oh my Barnes,” Mac pressed her thumb and forefinger to the bridge of her nose, “get over your crush, Kaia, he’s dangerous!” she shook her head,
“Okay and The other avengers aren’t?” Kaia crossed her arms, dark lips pursed together. All the while, Loki awkwardly watched this bickering, torn between waiting for an opportunity to apologize and just leaving altogether.
“At least they try to help people,” Mac grouched.
“Do you forget he was the one who warned us of Thanos?” Kaia, shot back and Mac went silent. Loki, however was surprised that she knew that, “He’s a hero, now get over yourself,”
“That- was not supposed to be public knowledge..” Loki said, “But i’m no hero,”
“See? even he knows it,” Mac mumbled but silenced herself at Kaia’s strong glare.
“Ignore my friend here,” Kaia said, smiling. A light pink undertone dusted her brown cheeks, “What brings you to our store?” she said brightly and Mac busied herself with cleaning up the ramen. Luckily enough the store was hardwood so a handful of paper towels and some Mr. Clean and it was done.
“I’m here for a book,” Loki began and Mac scoffed,
“Sorry, we don’t have many books on witchcraft,” she spoke as she tossed the wasted cup with a look of disdain.
“I’m not a witch,” Loki said indignantly
“You dress like one,” She muttered, tossing the wad of paper towels into the trash, ignoring Kaia’s glare.
“I’d venture to say you do as well,” Loki shot back before he could help himself.
“Hey,” Mac said, pride slightly wounded as Kaia burst out laughing. Mac wore a long black cardigan, black bleach washed tee and black shorts. From underneath the shorts was a pair of black rose fishnets that met her black and yellow converse, scuffed from years of use. She crossed her arms and pouted slightly, lips painted a glossy yellow to match the yellow on her eyelids. Loki was wearing something much more sinister, she thought to herself, then paused. Was he though? Her brain replied and she blinked. He didn’t seem to be dressed all that bad, in fact he seemed to be in a rather fashionable look. She frowned to herself and broke from her internal argument as Kaia spoke up again, now calm from laughter.
“Do you have a specific book in mind?” Her dark eyes crinkled slightly at the corners with a smile and Mac sighed, disappearing into the back to make her friend a new Ramen.
“While reading your interpretations of witchcraft sounds like a comedic time,” Loki began, stepping forward, “I’m here in search of recommendations,”
“Oh, well I think Mac would be best to help you there!” Kaia said cheerfully.
“I beg your pardon?” Loki asked as Mac popped her head out from the back, saying
“Huh?” Kaia had a devious look in her eyes, and they both shared a feeling of dread at the other’s companionship.
“Yeah, Mac knows all the great ones. She can help you,”
“Maybe it would be better if you helped him?” Mac said, “I don’t really want to-”
“Too late,” Kaia drug her friend out of the counter and to the main area, “Go and give him a book!” Kaia’s excitement was met with an irritated grumble as her friend stalked forward, arms crossed.
“Fine,” Mac grumbled and Loki looked down at her, amusement dancing in his eyes.
“And be nice!” Kaia added, nodding resolutely.
“Do I have to?” Mac practically whined like a child.
“Yes,” Kaia said firmly, looking at her friend exasperatedly.
“Does that apply to me as well??” Loki said, looking between the two with a vaguely apprehensive look upon his face.
“Hey! If he gets to be mean, I get to be mean!” Mac exclaimed before Kaia could answer
“Listen, I’m not going to tell him what to do, Mac-” The darker girl narrowed her eyes and Mac mirrored it.
“But you can tell me?” Mac interrupted.
“Yes, yes I can,” Kaia shot back.
“That’s fair,” Mac mumbled, “Alright, Lucky Charms, let’s go,” she sighed and stalked down the aisle. Kaia watched after them for a moment, then disappeared into the back, proud of herself for playing matchmaker. She smiled a little to herself at the thought as she poured the hot water into the ramen cup. She’d read the articles and watched the videos. Loki’s personality was the perfect compliment to Mackenzie’s, plus he was totally her type. Kaia grinned like an idiot, and returned to the small table she had been eating her ramen at before Loki had arrived.