Jane Foster was obviously conflicted.

Her hands were crossed defensively over her chest, but there was something soft and kind in her eyes. She nervously chewed at the inside of her cheek, causing her lips to dance about feverishly.

"Hello, Jane Foster," Loki greeted her hesitantly. He offered her a genuine smile.

It had been another Midgardian year since he'd seen his brother's mortal ex-partner. Jane was now a celebrated scientist on her realm, and the prince was actually quite surprised to see her at home in Chicago. The way Thor used to speak of her travels, it seemed she was on a plane every other day, heading to another convention or school to share her findings on, well, Thor and him. That's why he was shocked to find her at home, just finishing the dishes in the kitchen.

"Loki. What are you doing here?" She blinked, then tilted her head, obviously trying to figure the situation out for herself as she stood in her slippers and pajamas. "I thought you-"

"Just visiting," Loki chuckled. "I'm glad you're well, Jane. Much better than the last time I saw you."

She cleared her throat and nodded. The last she'd seen Loki, he'd been killed on Svartalfheim. Or not. "I – I didn't get a chance to thank you for helping us with the Aether. And saving me."

Waving his hand dismissively, Loki tutted. "Think nothing of it."

"I imagine you heard that Thor and I-"

"Indeed." Loki noted the awkward expression on her face and took pity on her. "Hopefully my presence isn't too intrusive, especially considering that."

From down the hallway a door creaked and sluggish footsteps dragged against the carpet. "Who are you talking to? Who calls this early in the morning?"

"Darcy, there's actually someone here-" Jane blurted, but it was too late.

Jane's intern Darcy Lewis stumbled into the kitchen in underwear decorated with different types of cacti and a tight black tank top, groggily rubbing her eyes and pushing her thick mane of dark hair back over her shoulder. She stretched on her tip-toes to reach the highest cabinet and drew down a brightly colored box of cereal. "Too early. No talkie before coffee."

Jane and Loki watched in bemusement while Darcy sleepily poured her bowl of Lucky Charms, made a cup of coffee, and sat down at the kitchen table. She was halfway through her third mouthful of when she spat the kibbles out onto the table and choked. "How long have you been here?" she squawked at Loki. Her eyes were wide as she glanced to Jane for answers. "How-?"

"Hey," Jane shrugged. "I told you he was here. I wanted to see how long it took you to realize it."

Loki cleared his throat and tried his hardest not to let his gaze wander to those milky white legs or superb breasts. "I apologize for the intrusion- Thor said you would most likely be traveling and I-"

"Oh, shit!" Darcy exclaimed, suddenly wide awake. Decency be damned, she flew from her chair into the kitchen and banged open the utensils drawer. "Jane, why is he here? Where's Thor? Does he know? Why aren't you doing anything?"

"Actually-" Loki started.

"Darcy," Jane scolded her as the intern spun around with a wild look in her eye and a large chef's knife in her hand. "I told you he saved my life when Thor and I-"

The brunette shook her head. "Jane! Don't you remember New York?!" She prowled toward Loki, carefully planting one foot in front of the other. "I'm going to give him a piece of Midgard's mind."

Trying not to grin at how much the woman looked like a tigress on the hunt, Loki put his hands up. "I intend you no harm, Darcy Lewis."

"Then why are you here? Huh?" Darcy narrowed her eyes and looked back to Jane.

"Maybe put some pants on and we can talk about it?" Jane suggested. "I actually don't know why he's here, either."

The intern's cheeks suddenly burned red and she shifted so that her legs were nearly crossed and her arms covered her breasts. "Oh." She offered a few sheepish chuckles. "Yeah. Okay." She backed through the kitchen, setting the knife back in the drawer, refusing to take her eyes off of the alien prince as she did.

When the door creaked shut down the hallway, Jane giggled and bit her lip. "Wow. Sorry. So that's Darcy."

Loki allowed himself to smirk now that the mortal has loosened up in his presence. "She's a lovely creature."

Jane raised an eyebrow. "Really? She pulled a knife on you."

"She didn't use it."

Jane scoffed. "She would have if she was wearing pants. Believe me."

"I prefer all my would-be assailants to look and dress just like her." He grinned wolfishly. "Quite a greeting."

"No," Jane replied dryly. "That's not a good idea. Well, I – nevermind. Just no."

Loki grinned. "As you wish, Miss Foster."