Sorry it took so long. Long story, but I'm back and I will finish this dammit.

Most days, Loki hated getting up.

Usually, when he rolled over, all he got was the wall, a pale cream that reminded him of the Void.

Once that was over, he would roll into a bottle of whiskey and piss away the small fortune granted when he went into hiding. Striking deals with mobsters was one way to get by. Of course, he had murdered aforementioned men and women to keep from being pestered.

But the whiskey, oh that sweet elixir of life that kept him half-sane and carefree. It seemed to bring him back to sanity, but ultimately dropped him back down again.

Today, however, he didn't roll into that bottle of whiskey. He didn't roll to meet that cream. He instead rolled to meet the largest pair of bright eyes he had ever seen in his life.

He was alert at first, but that small, sheepish, smile brought him back. "Jay," he muttered, rolling onto his back and rubbing his eyes with his knuckles. "Why are you here?"

"Um," she sat up as he did, her hair a mess on her head. "Y-You called me, remember?"

Right...right he called her when he was lonely. But she should know it was an honor for someone like him to call her, to call anyone. She should feel privileged.

"Do you want me to leave?"

He paused as he sat up, the blanket slumping to his waist. Why would she...or right, that was how it usually went. He would send her away when he was through. Not that she ever seemed to complain. A nights romp in pleasure was well worth the scorn, correct? Yes, she had agreed. But here she was, acting bashful and concerned.

Did she think he was using her? Did she think that was what this was? No...no he wasn't using her, but how to explain something like this?

"It's ok if you want me to."

He heard the covers shift, felt the weight on her side of the bed loosen.

"I'll just go."

Like always.

He watched her walk towards the door, dress hanging loosely from her shoulders. She had been at a dinner party for a friend, said they were getting married before he crushed her lips with his own.

Wait...

He jumped from the bed, bare feet soundless against the carpet of the shab apartment, and he caught her by her elbow with the door open. His neighbor across the hall gave them a curious look before his face twisted into horror as Loki forced his mouth against hers like he usually did.

"Young man that is completely inappropriate."

Loki glared at the elderly man, a surge of pride and...possessiveness, coming over him. "Leave, worm."

The old man tsked and did scurry away like the good little filth he was and Loki drug Jay back into his apartment, slamming the door shut and letting the mortal use it as support as he separated himself from her. The rush had left him light-headed, he needed a drink. But instead of going to the fridge, he made it as far as the couch before he collapsed onto it, staring out the large window it was facing.

What the hell was that?

After a moment of silence, Jay managed to make it to his side, a pleased smile on her face. But the high wore off as soon as it came and she was back to her confusing self, chewing on her bottom lip. She stared at his hand that was resting on his knee then looked to her own hands. They were busy picking at each other.

"When did you say Vilkas' birthday party was," Loki questioned, rubbing his face.

Her heart fluttered. "Uh...uh, Saturday," she peered at him quizzically. "Why?"

He breathed in deeply, making the thin fabric of his shirt stretch across his chest. "I suppose I can attend like you have begged me to do."

She stared at him with wide eyes. Where did that other Loki go? The one that was semi-cruel but also as cuddly as a teddy bear on his best day? Now he was attending parties, begging her to stay with a kiss.

Her lips twisted into a grin.

She didn't midn the quick change as much as she thought she would, but it made her worry.

About him.

About his sanity.