Here we are! The new chapter is here! Are you excited!? I'm excited!? I actually kinda like this chapter so I hope you all feel the same! Please let me know what you guys think when you're done with this chapter!

Just a warning, there is some violence/torture in this chapter so be prepared for any triggers on that part.

Another warning, get ready for the thing that will leave you blushing ;)

I'll stop talking, just go enjoy the chapter, you crazy kids! You know I love you all!

…

Sometimes we go through moments between dreams and reality where we're suspended within our own body, left with sluggish thoughts and half dreams. Precarious as this frame of mind is, we have more control then we realize; we can either choose to sleep or choose to wake up.

I was in that particular state when I decided to take a nose dive back into my dreams.

Big mistake.

Flashes of the dream I had a few nights ago ran harshly through my mind. The deep, cold space, two dark figures, the tesseract and the horrible, horrible face that leered deep into my soul were some of the images, to name a few.

I awoke with a gasp, desperately sucking in air as fast as I could, the chill from my cold sweat seeping into me. Clutching at the front of my damp shirt, I let out a whimper as I tried to blink the images away.

A cool hand cupped my face and my panicked eyes meet sleepy green ones. "What happened?" he asked softly.

I trembled at his touch, even if some part of me felt relief with having him there so I wasn't alone. "I…a dream…I had it before, something about the tesseract and how-wait, are you fucking with me?" I demanded.

Loki merely stared at me, giving me an annoyed look. "Do not speak to me like that, and what in the nine realms are you talking about?"

"You know what I'm talking about, the dream! This is the fourth time I've dreamt it and it was worse this time; everything was so much more intense and I….I was scared, so if you're fucking with me please stop sending them to me." I snapped.

He frowned as he sat up with a sigh, "I'm being honest when I say that I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about. I'm actually insulted that you'd accuse me of such a thing."

I merely looked at him for a moment before I raised a brow. "Really? You're insulted?" I said dryly.

He rolled his eyes, "What does this dream consist of?"

I took a moment to explain it, me floating in space, flying over a conversation between two cloaked people and how they want the tesseract, then the scary face. Loki listened intently, his face looking serious and for the briefest of moments, so brief I wasn't sure if I really saw it, his eyes flashed fear.

He cleared his voice raising a brow, "That's it? Just that same scene over and over again?" he asked as if he wasn't concerned at all over it.

"Well…well, yeah! I-isn't it freaky? I feel like its some weird premonition or something-"

"It's no premonition," Loki growled. He cleared his throat and swallowed, looking away from me for a moment, "The dream means nothing, think no more on it."

I frown suspiciously, "What's going on? Are you lying to me? Because if there's something that I need to know then-"

Loki turned and cupped my face in his hands, "I think it's time for my good morning kiss." He whispered.

I immediately become flustered as I try to pull away, "Erm-I should brush my teeth first."

"No need. I want my kiss." He said as he leaned closer, our lips almost grazing, cool breath mingling with hot. I could already feel shivers go down my back and all the way to my thighs.

"I-I, u-um," I articulated, finding it hard to look away from his eyes.

"Kiss me," he breathed.

I gulp before I close my eyes tightly and press my lips against his. Everything was a flash of bated breath, soft lips and slick warm tongues. As my head started to feel lightheaded, shivers continuously rolled down my body and I couldn't help it; I moaned.

I wasn't sure how it happened again, but Loki was on top of me. His chest was against mine and I could feel the steady, strong beat of his heart, making if he could feel how fast mine was beating.

Then I felt his hand sliding up my shirt. I wasn't wearing a bra and before I knew it, his cold hand cupped my breast, instantly making my nipples harden under his palm. He let out a deep, masculine groan that vibrated into my mouth. I didn't move for a moment as my own moan breathed out again.

It didn't last long before I freaked out, pulling away until I wasn't under him anymore and continued to move until I fell off the bed with a yelp that ended in a thud.

"Ow…" I groaned from hitting my side hard.

I heard a silvery chuckle and looked up to see Loki smirking at me from atop the bed. "Now…was that really necessary?"

I blushed and scrambled to my feet, "You tell me, you-you-you, you heathen!" I shouted, pointing at him before I stomped to the bathroom. "Keep your hands to yourself or else!"

He rolled his eyes, rolling to his back and putting his hands behind his head before he grinned, "Or else what? You'll moan louder?"

I slammed the bathroom door and went to the mirror, splashing my face and brushing my teeth to get the taste of his mouth out of mine…even if it did taste kind of good. I shake my head and quickly walk out and glare at him before I close my eyes to sense that my sisters were still asleep and my mom was in the kitchen. I open my eyes, the golden light in my eyes no doubt dimming as I let my powers go down.

"Wanna come back to bed?" he smirked.

I narrow my eyes and stomp past him, "Have fun having blue balls!" I snapped.

I received great satisfaction from seeing him flush, "They are not blue! They are regular and you know it!" He growled before he threw the covers over him and walked off to the bathroom.

I chuckled as I made my way out of the room and snuck past my mom so she wouldn't know I was in Loki's room. I could already smell the nostalgic smells of Thanksgiving as I entered the kitchen from the other entrance.

"Hey, Mom," I yawned before I leaned into the counter and grabbed a breadcrumb for the stuffing, popping it in my mouth.

She smiled warmly at me and kissed my temple, "Hey, mija. Be a good girl and chop the celery for the stuffing."

I let out a groan, "But I hate celery!" I said as I looked at the green stalks with distaste.

"It's not stuffing without celery." She said as she turned back to start seasoning the turkey.

I pouted and did what she said. I chopped it easily, since that was the only thing celery was good for.

"Mornin'" Maria's sleepy voice called as she walked in and over to the table and slumped in the chair, her hand extending towards an apple for her to nom on.

"Good morning, mija," my mom called.

"Wait, why doesn't Maria have to do anything?" I whined as my mom gave me potatoes to peel.

"Because you're already helping," Mom said distractedly.

I pouted even more, "But…but I saved the world! Or at least I helped…."

My mom sighed, "Maria, peel the potatoes."

"Aw, what! I had to go through the stress of having my sister go missing!" Maria exclaimed

"Well, I was actually the one that went missing!" I countered.

"Well, I'm older!"

"Well I-"

"Will someone just peel the damn potatoes, por favor!" my mom snapped.

Maria and I looked at each other before we started to play rock, paper, scissors for it.

"Hah, paper beats rock, in your face!" I said as I dumped the potatoes in front of her.

"Aw, man, yeah, whatever!" she said before she begrudgingly began to peel them.

I leaned against the counter smugly, reaching for another breadcrumb before my mom smacked my hand and put an onion inside of it instead. "Well, since your hands are free now, you can do this."

"Aw, what!" I exclaimed.

"Yes, now make sure the chicken I'm boiling doesn't boil over. Chop all the other vegetables and put the turkey in the oven for me while I go shower." She said before she pat my head and walked off.

I may have been pouting, but I slowly smiled from the familiarity of it all. It was easy to pretend we were home, just us, getting ready for thanksgiving like we always did. I grabbed the knife, peeling and chopping the onion in half, ready to dice it finely.

"Well, if it isn't such a good morning to see a sight such as this one," Loki's velvety voice called as he walked in.

I frowned, all possibility of pretending nothing had ever happened ceasing upon hearing the root of the whole situation. I glanced over at Maria who straightened in her seat, flirtatiously flipping her hair behind her shoulder.

"Happy Thanksgiving, Luke," She said in a sultry voice.

My jaw clenched, hand tightening around the knife in my hand as I looked over at Loki who was looking at Maria.

"Ah, yes, Maria, was it?" he said as he sat opposite her on the table, his eyes going over her in interest.

She nodded, a coy grin playing on her lips, "Ready to eat today? I'm making the mashed potatoes."

"Peeling doesn't mean you're making them." I growled, grabbing another onion and peeling it before I get started on chopping them all. Maria turned to glare at me slightly, but I pretended not to notice.

"Well, I think it's lovely to see you two here. I've always enjoyed a woman who could cook." Loki said as he reached for an apple and bit into it. I watched Loki and Maria keep eye contact for a moment, feeling a sharp sting in my chest.

"Do you have to stay here and bug us or can you go somewhere else?" I snapped at him.

Loki finally looked at me, smirking, "I can't stay in my own kitchen?"

I swallowed before I narrowed my eyes, "Not if you're not helping. In fact, here, you do the onions." I said as I placed them in front of him.

"What?" He asked in disbelief.

"You heard me, if you wanna stay in the kitchen, then you're going to chop and cook like the rest of us." I said with my hands on my hips

Loki looked at the onions with great distaste before he looked up at me irritably. "Sara-"

"It's okay, I'll do them for you," Maria said eagerly as she pulled the cutting board towards her.

Loki turned his attention to her, giving her a grin, "Oh, would you?" he asked.

She smiled, "it would be my…pleasure." She said, rolling the word in her mouth like a fine candy.

Loki gave her a small smile, his green eyes going over her, "Oh, I'm sure it would."

I turned away irritably, reaching into the fridge to grab more vegetables to chop. I couldn't help but keep a keen ear towards their conversation.

"So…Luke, where are you from?" Maria asked, crossing her legs, accentuating her toned legs as she tilted her head to the side.

Loki grinned, "I'm known in the more Nordic regions." He said simply.

"Do you have a girlfriend there?"

"Stop asking him personal questions!" I snapped as I checked on the chicken.

"Is there something wrong, Sara?" Loki asked, smirking with his head cocked to the side.

I stood there, feeling flustered and unsure what to even answer for a moment. I swallowed, preparing to pull something out of my ass when I heard footsteps.

"Hey, guys." Laura said as she walked in, "Man, this house is amazing! And the clothes in the closet-my gosh!"

"I know; it came with all sorts of sexy underwear." Maria said, winking at Loki who grinned back.

I bristled as I watched them, my mouth feeling dry and my whole body tensing and burning in anger. "Maria!" I barked out.

"What? I mean, I just borrowed some-wait, don't tell me you had sex with Steve in them…" She said, looking down at her body in horror.

I blushed harshly, looking over at Loki's now stoned features before I glared at Maria. "N-No, of course not, I haven't even seen him in weeks!"

"Aw, you're blushing while you think of Captain America," Maria giggled.

"If you ladies will excuse me," Loki said in a low voice as he stood.

I looked over at his blank features, though I could tell he was probably pissed off at the sudden reminder of my relationship with Steve. A part of me wished Maria didn't say anything, even though it was probably a good thing and maybe he would back off…though, knowing how he is, it probably made everything worse.

"Oh, alright, well, if you need anything we'll be here." Maria said earnestly.

Loki gave her a swift nod, "And if you need anything have Sara tell me." He said before he stalked out of the kitchen.

"Jeeze, Maria, you're laying it on pretty thick." Laura said as she nibbled on bread crumbs.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," She shrugged innocently, though she kept a small smirk on her features.

"Stop flirting with him." I ordered as I put the turkey in the oven.

"What? He was totally flirting back!" She exclaimed.

"He was being polite, that's how foreign people are," I growled as I closed the oven door harder than I meant it to, making them both jump.

"What's your problem?" Maria snapped.

"Nothing! Maybe I just think you shouldn't be flirting with someone you know nothing about." I snapped back.

"Well, maybe if you let me get to know him, I'd figure out if I wanted him or not for myself!"

"Fine, do whatever you want!" I said as I continued chopping.

"Fine!" She fumed.

"Great!" I snapped.

"Awesome!" she spat.

"Fantastic!" I hissed before I turned my back on her, fuming silently.

"So…no breakfast?" Laura asked disappointedly.

…

After my mom came back, Maria left the kitchen. A part of me was suspicious that she went to go see Loki, which irritated me to no end. I mean, they shouldn't be flirting with each other or anything! Why did Loki have to look at her like…like…

Like the way he looks at me…?

"I'm going to see what Maria's doing," Laura announced before she left. I waved her goodbye, busying myself with mashing the potatoes and seasoning it.

"Oh, hello, Mr. Laufey!" My mom called from her spot in front of the stove.

I gulped, not being able to help the sideway glances in his direction, a part of me feeling so much better knowing that he wasn't in some dark corner of the house with Maria.

"Hello, Mrs. Perez, I forgot to tell you my deep gratitude for making such a lovely feast for us." Loki interrupted my thoughts as he got himself a cup of wine and sat at the table.

"Oh, it's really me who should be thanking you! Thank you so much for looking after my daughter, Mr. Laufey," my mom said graciously as she was making the stuffing for the turkey.

"Please, call me Luke," Loki purred while he sat back drinking from his glass.

"Oh well if you insist," my mom gushed, making me snort and roll my eyes.

It was quiet for a few moments, Loki and I not looking at each other as if we hadn't spent the night together or as if he hadn't been blatantly flirting with Maria.

Not that I cared in the least bit.

Like, absolutely, no way.

"You know, Mrs. Perez", Loki's velvet voice broke the silence, "You are much more charming than your daughter here."

"Really?" my mom said in shock, "I don't see why that would be the case. Boys always came to the house looking for her all the time-"

"Mom!" I said embarrassedly, my face going red, "Stop!"

Loki's green eyes went over me, frowning at me when my mom wasn't looking, "I can imagine."

For some reason I felt guilty, but shook it away. What did I have to feel guilty for? I had no loyalty to Loki, it was Steve and only Steve who I loved! I continued to mash the potatoes vigorously, as if it would beat away all the weird feelings churning in my chest.

"Yes, she used to be very popular before she…changed schools," my mother said softly, turning around to busy herself with her with the stuffing. "I don't know why she doesn't spend more time with her friends or find a boyfriend."

"You know why," I said in a low voice. I looked up from the potatoes to see Loki staring at me. I swallowed the dryness in my throat and looked away. It was quiet for a few awkward moments.

"Mrs. Perez, I've never had a Thanksgiving dinner. Tell me, what delicacies are you making?" Loki said smoothly to release the tension.

"Oh, Luke, it's just turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, yams, macaroni and cheese, steamed vegetables and homemade chile" my mom said nonchalantly.

"That sound superb, and it all smells fantastic!" Loki purred, "I can see where Sara get's her wonderful cooking skills. I simply cannot wait to eat!"

"Well, I figured there was no other way I could possibly say thank you for everything," my mother said modestly.

"The pleasure was all mine, I assure you." Loki smiled tightly and turned his gaze at me, making my chest tighten with worry as I faked a smile back.

Did he really have to be so nice to everyone? It was irritating! I glared in his direction while he and my mom continued to converse. It was a weird feeling see him get along with my family for the most part. How different would it have been if Steve was here instead of Loki?

I imagined Steve sitting there politely, giving me warm smiles while me and my mom cooked. He most definitely wouldn't make me jealous by flirting with my own sister.

Not that I was jealous.

Not. At. All.

My mom interrupted my thoughts by wrapping her arms around me and giving me a hug from behind. I held still for a moment before I smiled, leaning my head against her cheek.

"I'm just so glad you're safe, mija." She whispered before she kissed my hair, smoothing it down lovingly.

"I know, mom…I know." I nodded, feeling Loki's.

"Are you hungry? Do you want me to make you a sandwich?" she asked with concern. "You're looking thinner than I remember, have you been eating enough?"

I smile at her softly and hold her hand. "Mom, I'm okay, honest. Maybe I'll have a sandwich in a little bit."

"Alright, just tell me and I'll make it for you." She said before she kissed my cheek and continued mixing together the stuffing.

My eyes shifted over to Loki who was looking at my mom with a blank expression. I watched him closely. His brows crinkled ever so slightly, his eyes turning downcast making me think he looked sad.

I swallowed when I remembered how he'd called out to his mom during his feverish daze. How did he feel with having my mom here?

Almost as if Loki heard my thoughts, his head whipped up to meet my gaze. His eyes narrowed and he stood, walking away silently.

Something compelled me to go after him. I wasn't sure why, but before I knew it, I was in the hallway, my fingertips clutching the back of his shirt. "You okay?"

"I'm fine!" he snapped, trying to shoulder me off of him.

I moved my hand away, but kept my eyes on him, "Are you sure…? We can…we can talk about it-"

"Are you deaf? I said I was fine! Just…just go enjoy the day with your family…" He sighed, rubbing his forehead as he shook his head. "I need to be alone. I'll see you for dinner."

"But-"

"I'll see you for dinner! Now, go. I'll come back to you, no need to look so worried." He said as he turned me around and patted my butt, trying to shoo me away.

"Hey! Watch where you put your hands!" I growled, looking at him over my shoulder.

"There's no need for that, and we both know it." He smirked, leaning down so his mouth hovered over my ear, "Though, now that I'm thinking it over…I wouldn't mind you and I spending some time alone in our room."

I bristled, ashamed when my blush returned to my cheeks. I pulled away, glaring at him. "In your dreams, Luke!"

He still had his smirk, crossing his arms as he looked down at me. "Well, if you really wanted, I could make it a dream. You're much more cooperative when you don't think of any of your imagined consequences from being with me."

I blinked before started to walk away from him, "You're such a…ooh! Just-just go do whatever you want. And stay out of my dreams while you're at it!" I said as I headed towards the kitchen.

"I can't always control that, Sara, and you know it!" he called after me.

I turned around to say some snarky comeback, only to see he'd vanished. I sighed, shaking my head and wishing I could have a drink or something.

…

By the time dinner was done, we were all in the kitchen. Things still felt weird and tense between me and Maria as we sat down in front of our feast. I couldn't help but glare at Loki, blaming him for ruining something special for me. I hadn't seen my family in so long and here I was getting mad at Maria for-

"Would you like me to serve you, Luke?" Maria grinned as she sat across from him.

Loki smiled, not even taking a glance at me while I sat by him with a blank expression. "It would be an honor, Maria."

She let out a small laugh as she served him his plate. When she wasn't looking, Loki looked my way and smirked, making me frown and blush. I was suddenly very irritated by both of them again.

"Pass me the mashed potatoes," Laura said from across me, breaking me from my angered daze.

I tried not to stare at how Maria was showing off her cleavage to Loki as she handed him his plate, or the fact that he was totally looking at her. I ground my teeth, glancing over at my mom who was chatting with Laura amiably. After deciding that I didn't care in the least bit what Loki or Maria were doing, I served my plate silently, not feeling in the mood to talk.

"Ah, Sara," My mom called, getting my attention, "You got to meet your hero, right? Sergeant America?"

Loki let out a chuckle, which I ignored, "Captain America, mom. And yeah, I did."

"He was such a polite boy," My mom said affably, "What was it like working with him?"

I smiled at the thought of Steve, pushing around the carrots in my plate. "He's everything I thought he would be and more. He's kind and brave; he can be a little dorky, but I like it, plus he's so understanding of me…he really accepts everything about me…"

"You forgot to mention of naïve he is." Loki growled.

I swallowed, realizing that I spoke without realizing what Loki would do. I dared to glance at his direction. His face was blank, but when his eyes met mine, they flashed angrily, sending shivers down my spine.

Ruh-row.

"He really did seem like such a nice boy. He was so worried about you, I hope you let your friends know you're okay." She said as she sipped on her cup.

I swallowed thickly, the food in my mouth feeling heavy. I nodded, "Of course, mom…he knows I'm fine…I'll see him soon."

"Maria, tell me about yourself." Loki asked suddenly. My eyes darted to catch the way she sat up straighter, her eyes flashing excitedly.

"What do you wanna hear?" She grinned, flipping her hair over her shoulder, her fingertips moving along her neck.

"Whatever you feel like sharing." He smirked, his eyes shifting over her.

I couldn't take it anymore. I set my fork down with more force than I wanted. "Excuse me," was all I murmured as I left the dining room. I walked down the hall, into the nearest bathroom and closed the door.

Covering my face with my hands I took a deep breath, trying to slow the harsh rhythm my heart thudded, pumping the boiling blood that made my hands glow.

"No…no, calm down…calm down…" I whispered, trying not to be angry anymore. "Breathe…breathe…"

Maybe it was just in denial, but I wasn't exactly sure why I let them get me as angry as they did. Why did I have to get so angry just because Loki was giving his attention to Maria? I should have been happy that Loki would be so fickle as to flirt with the next thing that looked at him…but why did it have to be Maria, why did it have to be someone who I felt so inferior next to?

I swallowed. No. I am not angry because if I'm angry then that means I'm-

"Why aren't you eating with us all, hm?" a voice that filled me with dread.

I ignored him; I didn't need this right now, not when I was trying to convince myself that I was fine.

"You're ignoring me…but I can fix that." His voice grew closer and I uncovered my face to see him directly in front of me.

"Go away." I snapped, "Shouldn't you be enjoying your time with Maria?"

"I have another clone keeping your family company. I'm curious as to why you left, though. You weren't enjoying the lovely meal you and your mother made?" He smirked, crossing his arms.

"I would have, except something made me lose my appetite." I growled. My fists clenched tightly, my blood pumping again as I glared up at his damn arrogant expression.

"What? Me talking to your sister?" He asked, a raised brow now accompanying his smirk.

"Talking? You call that talking? You were flirting with her! Do you know how fucked up that is to flirt with my sister?" I snarled.

Loki let out a chuckle, making me snap and push him as hard as I could, feeling very little relief when he only took a step back. My push only made him laugh harder, though; his body doubling over, white teeth flashing as his face grew pink from lack of oxygen.

"What?! What are you laughing at?!" I barked.

"You…never in my life…have I seen such a beautiful shade of green." He said as he cornered me against the sink.

I gulped, unable to stop the blush rushing to my cheeks as I tried to move around him. "What are you-get out of my way!"

"Oh, come now, don't play coy now. You have my undivided attention now, shouldn't you be basking in it rather than getting away?" he grinned as he laid a hand against my waist, fingers splaying out as he glided it over to the small of my back, bringing me closer to him.

My blush deepened as I tried to move away. "I-I don't want your undivided attention."

"You don't? Was I imagining your jealousy then?" he smirked as he leaned down, closer to me.

I pressed my hands against his chest, trying to create space between us. "Stop it. I wasn't jealous! Why are you trying to ruin this for me? I haven't seen my family in months and this is how I spend the first few days in? How could you be so cruel…?" I asked, my voice suddenly growing thick as I looked away and swallowed the bitterness of my tears.

He gripped my chin and made me look at him. "Because I wanted to see you like this; so desperate for my attention, even if you won't admit it…if you must know…she means nothing to me, Sara…" he whispered so softly, his breath fanning my lips as he gazed into my eyes.

I let out a shiver, unable to look away. I couldn't think, not when he was so close and he sounded almost…loving? "Then…why? Why did you…why were you looking at her and flirting with her?" I said, trying to ignore how needy and insecure my voice sounded.

"Because I wanted you to realize that you want me." Loki said, his voice low and husky as he grazed his lips against mine. "I wanted to see you turn lusciously green with envy and desire for me and only me."

"But…why? Why do you want me to care if…if all I am is a tool to you?" I whimpered, clutching his shirt tightly as I gazed pleadingly into his eyes.

"Because your mine…I want you to be mine completely, by body, mind and heart, I want all of you to be mine." He growled, his arms wrapping around me as he pressed into me and making my backside digging into the counter. "I will have no one other than you and you will have no one other than me, do you understand?"

I was breathing hard, my mind turning to mush as I breathed in his minty exhales. The heat within my body slowly started to rise as I felt him press so closely to me, cupping the back of my neck to hold me in place.

His hand fisted into my hair. "Do you understand?"

I couldn't answer. I didn't have it in me, not when I was already in the state of mind I was in. "Loki…Loki, please," I gasped, tilting my head up towards him and having my hands fisting into his shirt.

"Please what?" he breathed.

"Please, I can't take it anymore…" I whimpered.

"What do you want, little bird? What can I give you?" he breathed, keeping his lips just out of reach from me.

I tried to lean up closer to him, only to have him keep himself just out of reach again and again. I let out a whimper, looking up at him pleadingly.

"Say it."

"I…want…I want you to kiss me."

That was all it took for me to lose myself and nose dive down the abyss I'd been fighting against for weeks.

His lips crashed against mine, making me shiver and groan as I wrapped my arms around his neck. He held me tighter, his hands going up the back of my shirt to touch my warm skin with his cold hands. I let out a shuddering breath, my hips bucking up towards his and feeling just how hard he already was.

In a flash his hands moved down the sides of my thighs, hooking under the back of my knees and lifting me up to set me down the counter. My body opened up like a spring flower for him and he easily plucked me for himself, pressing himself in between my legs and deepening the kiss. I let out a moan, my legs moving up and around his waist which only seemed to encourage him as he breathed out his own groan and ground into me.

Much too soon for me, he pulled away, our gasps mingling together as he pressed his forehead against mine.

"Loki…" I breathed, so confused and scared and so in need to keep going.

"I'll never let you out of my grasp…ever…you're mine, Sara," he whispered before he kissed me again, his lips moving to my jaw and then to my neck.

My already hitched breath soon started to end with a small whine each time. "L-Loki…m-my family…I've been gone for t-to long," I gasped even though I bared my neck for him, arching my back to press my chest against his hand that kneaded my breasts.

"They can wait." He growled against my neck, giving me a small bite at the end of the sentence as he ground harder into me right into my soft spot.

I let out a whimper, closing my eyes as I ground my hips back towards him. "Loki…" I moaned out.

Suddenly he was off of me, staring off into space as his brows furrowed. He tensed, his hands forming into fists as he pulled me off the sink roughly.

"Get your family in your room. Do not get out until I come for you and if anything get's by me then fight."

"What's going on?" I asked panicked, looking around me as if I could see whatever he was seeing.

"Something's coming for us. I'll hold them off, but I need to make sure you and your family are safe. Now go!" he said as he opened the door and shoved me out.

"But-"

"Go!" he barked before he vanished.

My heart was beating painfully as I ran down the hallway to see my family walk out worriedly.

"Sara, what's going on? Luke said we had to hide in your room," my mother said worriedly as she kept glancing at the kitchen. I looked over to see Loki walk outside, his armor appearing over him just before he stepped out.

"I…I'm not exactly sure. But I don't' want to find out, not yet at least." I said as I started to pull energy into me as I led them back into my room. After shutting the door behind me I heard a gasp, making me immediately pull the energy into my hand, ready for action. "What, where is it?"

"Your eyes are glowing!" Mom gasped, clutching her heart.

"Oh… Yeah. They do that," I said awkwardly, looking away from her.

"I think it's awesome." Maria said suddenly, "I always have…"

"Same here," Miranda said beaming.

I swallowed thickly as I looked over at them sitting on the bed, looking at me for a sense of direction. This wasn't supposed to ever happen. I was the youngest, I was supposed to be a kid going to college, not standing here worried if something was coming to kill me and my family.

Almost as if she heard me, Maria stood up and walked over to hug me. "I'm sorry about this morning…I just want you to know…that no matter what, I love you. You're my little sister and we're going to get through this, okay?"

My mom suddenly appeared and kissed my forehead, "We're going to be alright, mija. Don't worry." She whispered.

I hated that they didn't know everything that was going on with me. I just wanted to be honest; I didn't want to lie to them anymore.

"I need to tell you guys something-"

Suddenly we heard an explosion and glass breaking from the kitchen, making us all jump.

"Get back!" I shouted, pushing them away from the door as I pulled in more energy to me. Pulling a shield over the door, I could hear the sound of gunshot and nervously looked back at my family huddled together on the bed.

"Don't worry, I'm a lot stronger now," I said reassuringly as I stared back at them.

"I can see," Maria said approvingly, though her eyes shifted worriedly to the sound of crashing, "Your shield is a lot better…"

"Thanks…" I said softly, wincing when I started to heard another loud crash.

"Oh my god," my mom said fearfully, her hand over her mouth as we heard rapid gunshots, "Will Luke be okay?"

"He'll be fine," I said, although even I could hear the uncertainty in my voice, "He's strong and smart. Whatever's out there he's going to-"I jumped when I heard a bang coming from the door.

Another loud thud shook the door, making me shake with nerves when I could see cracks coming from the door with each thud from whatever was hitting the door. Suddenly the door was ripped open and on the other side I saw the familiar metal monster on the other side. I could hear my family screaming as the clawed at my shield.

"Hide in the bathroom!" I shouted, gritting my teeth as I concentrated on keeping the shield sturdy.

"Sara!" I heard my mother shout when a second one appeared.

"Go!" I shouted again, my hands glowing as I readied two energy balls to throw. A feeling of dread came over me when I saw another machine show up.

"Shit," I muttered, trying to pull as much energy into me as I could and think of a plan.

I gotta keep my family safe. Maybe I can draw them away from them.

I used one of my energy balls to blast through the walls that led to the hallway the metal monsters were in. I jumped out of the hole and waved my arms.

"Come and get me you metal bastards!" I shouted.

One came towards me while the other two kept going in the room, which I had been trying to avoid.

"No!" I shouted as I charged down the hallway about to jump in the hole I created. But before I could jump in, the machine that was charging towards me hit me hard enough that I flew several feet down the hallway, making me land on my back hard. I gasped, feeling wind get knocked out of me as I tried to sit up, my chest hurting from the force of the machine's hit.

A sound called into the air that filled me with more terror than anything in my entire life.

I started to hear the sound of my family screaming.

I jumped to my feet and looked up to see the machine raise it hand, ready to strike. I jumped up and ran through the machine's legs, turning to hop on the shoulders and started to tug on the thing's head, pulling my shield over myself before it could hit me with its claws. I growled, pulling harder and harder until I could feel something breaking and sizzling as I finally yanked the head clean off. Throwing the head aside, I ran back towards the room and looked back, satisfied to see the monster laying on the floor motionless.

Hearing another scream come from the room, I ran faster and jumped through the hole to get back inside. I let out a gasped when I saw them in the clutches of the machines, their large claws forming into a knife and pressed against all of their necks.

"Sara!" my mom shouted when she saw me.

I raised my hands, ready to hit them with an energy ball even if I wasn't affective. The monster brought the knife tighter against my mom's neck, making her scream out in pain before it removed the blade to reveal a thin line of blood against her neck

"Stop!" I called in panic. I brought my energy down and held my hands in surrender. "Don't hurt them, okay? I'll stop, just don't hurt them! Please!"

My heart thrummed in my ear, the sound of explosions and gunshots still behind us, making me worry and wish Loki was here to help me because I had absolutely no idea what the hell I was supposed to do.

"Now, that's more like it," Dr. Craven's voice shrilled out from the machine holding my mom. "You see, Ms. Perez? Everything is a lot easier after you cooperate with us."

"Just…just let my family go, okay? I'll go with you guys without a fight just leave them out of this," I begged, my eyes shifting to the wide eyed looks they were giving me.

"No, Sara, don't do it!" Maria called out, only to have her hair yanked painfully.

"Stop it!" my mother shouted before she was given the same treatment.

"Well, Ms. Perez, I'm afraid that's not possible. You forced the Council to use your family to make sure you stay with us this time," Dr. Craven said in her school teacher voice.

"No!" I shouted, "Let them go or I'll-I'll-"

"Ah, ah", Dr. Craven's voice rang out, the sound of my sisters shouting in pain from their hair being pulled roughly. "You don't really have a choice in the matter, Ms Perez."

I felt tears come into my. "Fine," I said hoarsely, "Just…just stop hurting them. Please don't hurt them anymore. Please."

"No!" my mom shouted, "You leave my daughter alone you…you bitch!"She started thrashing about trying to get out of the machines grip, my sister's following suit.

"Let our sister go!" Laura shouted kicking the metal monster's leg, then wincing when it did nothing as Maria grunted as she thrashed about.

"I can see where Ms. Perez got her manners," Dr. Craven's voice rang out. Suddenly my family started screaming and shaking and it took me a moment to realize they were getting electrocuted.

"Stop! Stop! You don't have to do that! I surrender! Please!" I cried out hysterically, as I ran towards the monsters, my family fainted in their hands and lay limp. I continued to run towards them but the machine holding my mom held the knife to her neck again making me stop.

"I hope you now realize the seriousness of the situation, Ms. Perez," Dr. Craven said gravely.

"You didn't have to do that to them, you bitch," I said as I sobbed staring at my family's unconscious faces, "I already said I would do it!"

"Well, better safe than sorry," Dr. Craven said in her cheerfully plastic voice, the machine shrugging for good measure.

"I think I officially hate the Council more than anybody I've ever hated anybody, and that includes myself," I growled out as I wiped my tears.

"Well, we don't care if you hate us, so long as you work with us." Dr. Craven countered.

I merely looked at the machine, knowing she could see me. "I'm going to get you back for this. All of you, one way or another." I swore.

"Enough talk." Dr. Craven said as the machine pulled out a shot from nowhere, "Take the serum and come with us."

I started shaking as I slowly walked up to them. When I stood before the machine I held out my arm, hyperventilating as I closed my eyes.

"Don't you dare touch her!" I heard Loki roar from behind me. I pulled away the last second from the shot the monster was about to give me to see Loki behind me, if not a little ragged.

The monster holding my sisters let them go as it charged towards Loki, I was about to run towards them but the one holding my mom put the knife closer to her neck, making me stop. I turned around to see the monster lunge towards Loki. I was about to run and help him.

"Don't even think about it, Ms. Perez!" Dr. Craven's shrill voice screamed out.

The monster raised it's hands and slammed down in Loki's direction, ready to crush him. Only it didn't, it was a fake Loki that disappeared before it could land the fatal blow. I sighed in momentary relief only to hear a huge thud behind me.

I looked back to see the metal monster that held my mom beheaded and laying on its back, while Loki was leaned down over my mother, checking her neck. I turned back to the third monster that was still running around and ran after it.

Using my strength to punch it back, I jumped on top of it and repeatedly hit it on the head shrieking as all I concentrated on was destroying the thing that almost killed the most precious people in my life. Ignoring the blood coming off my hands, I continued to smash it's head in, not even stopping when it was lifeless in front of me.

"Sara…" Loki's voice called over my screaming as I continued to break into the robot, ripping apart wires and gears. I ignored him. They were going to pay, all of them, starting with this stupid machine.

"Enough, Sara. It is dead," Loki called out from behind me again. I still ignored him, unable to stop, because if I stopped then more would just keep coming or so my irrational mind concluded.

"Sara, enough!" He shouted as he pulled me away from the monster and held my arms down as I thrashed about.

"No!" I cried out hysterically, "They're not going to hurt them again, they're not!"

"Calm yourself, they're gone, all of them. I made sure of it myself, there's no need to fight anymore." Loki said soothingly into my ear, "Your family is safe now."

"But…They could have killed them," I sobbed out, "Because of me!"

"But they didn't," Loki said in a low voice. "We kept them safe and we always will."

"But they could have!" I sobbed, still trying to get out of his hold.

"They're safe, Sara. Look at me, are you harmed?" Loki said with concern as he turned me around to check my body before he held me close; his hand cradling the back of my head to his chest. "Thank god, I feared the worst when I heard you all screaming."

"I couldn't even protect them," I whimpered as I sobbed into his chest.

"Hush, you saved your family." Loki said soothingly, patting the back of my head.

"You saved them," I cried out, looking up at him, "It's bad enough that I have trouble protecting myself, but to fail at protecting them? Oh god, are they okay?" I ran towards my sleeping mom, relieved to see the cut on her neck healed. I pat her softly on the head before I walked over to my sisters, checking their pulse, relieved to them.

"Thank god…" I breathed, then brought my knees up and hugged them, unable to stop the tears that continued to fall.

"They are simply unconscious. They will wake up, although their heads will ache," Loki said in a low voice from somewhere behind me.

"How did this happen? How did they find us?" I said fearfully, looking up to see Loki tending to my mom.

"I do not know, but we are no longer safe here. We must leave," Loki said as he picked up my mom and set her on the bed.

"And then what? What if they find us again?"

"I didn't have enough spells it would seem." Loki said as he picked up Laura and set her down next to my mom, "I will not make underestimate them again, believe that." Loki growled as he picked up Miranda and set her up on another bed in the room.

I stood and walked over to gaze down at my family, looking so weak and battered in front of me. A realization came to me that numbed me to my core. There was only one thing to do, one real solution to keep them safe. The decision to go through with it broke my heart.

"They're in danger because of me…" I finally said after a long period of silence. My voice sounded hollow…almost lifeless in my own ears, yet I couldn't find it in me to care. Not anymore… "It's all my fault, it's because they're my family that they're in this mess.."

"It couldn't be helped, your enemies will always look for a weakness in you and use it against you." Loki said grimly as he stared down at my family. "All you can do is try your best to keep them safe from now on."

"Then I can't have a weakness anymore, can I? Not now, not when everything's at stake." I said hoarsely, looking into Loki's confused eyes.

"They can't be my family anymore." I said, hoping he'd understand what I meant.

"What are you talking about?" Loki asked, raising a brow and looking at me as if he thought I'd hit my head or something.

"Exactly what I said. They can't be my family anymore." I gulped.

"What do you mean?" he frowned.

"I mean, I need to make sure that we're no longer tied together. That they won't be of value to anyone if they don't know that they're related to me."

Loki looked down at me dumbfounded for a moment. "How do you propose we go about that?" Loki asked cautiously.

"We have to give them a new identity and…make them forget about me." I ended chokingly.

Loki stared at me in disbelief, "You do not have to-"

"But I do." I interrupted, more tears coming out, "You said it yourself, they're going to look for my weakness and if I have any huge weakness, it's them. This is the safest way to go about it. Please, Loki, you have to do this for me, it's the only way they'll be safe, truly safe!"

Loki looked at me in shock, "Sara-"

"No!" I shouted, "I don't want to do it any other way, they're my family so it's my call and I want to do it this way. No more worrying about them, no more putting them in danger. I don't want them to die before my eyes! Please!" I begged him. I walked over to him, kneeled and griped the front of his cloak, "I'm begging you, I'll do anything you want, I don't care anymore as long as they're safe!"

Loki gave me a look of pity as he reached down and pat my head, "As you wish."

…

Loki and I stood outside a window of a grand house in a quiet suburban area watching a family of three enjoying an uninterrupted thanksgiving dinner. I swallowed when I heard them laugh, all of them raising a glass of wine together as they talked about what they were thankful for.

"I'm thankful for…opening up my own salon this year and having it be such a success." Maria grinned.

"I'm thankful for graduating college and getting that job at Google." Laura said happily.

"I'm thankful for…having two beautiful and successful daughters. My life is perfect with you two, I couldn't be happier." She said before they all took a sip.

"They'll…they'll be okay, right? They won't…they won't remember anything right?" I said as I wiped a stray tear from my tired eyes.

"No…no, they won't remember unless you want me to take the spell away." He whispered.

I smiled weakly, "Good…I'm glad…they're finally safe and happy. Thank you…"

"You do not have to do this." Loki suddenly said with ferocity, "I am perfectly capable of –"

"I know," I interrupted, my voice coming out pained as I watched them being happy without me, "I know you can protect them. But I don't want them to live in fear like me. I want them to be happy, even if that means I can't be happy with them."

He frowned, shaking his head as he looked down at me in confusion. "Then…then what is the point? How is that worth it?" Loki asked.

"Because when you love someone unconditionally, you'd do anything for them. Even sacrifice yourself. To me, it's worth it. This pain I feel, this loneliness. I'll feel this a million times more, a million times worse if it means I can keep them safe," I said softy as I watched them laugh again.

"The Council will not get away with this." Loki hissed.

"No," I said numbly, "They won't. Come on, we're leaving" I turned away from my old life, a part of me knowing I would never, ever be able to go back to it. I felt like something died in me in that moment; a darkness that fueled the hatred growing in me with each step away from the light my family always shined for me.

"Where do you propose we go?" Loki asked as he followed me.

"We're going to the Council. No more games. No more hiding. We're going after them and we're taking the tesseract and we're destroying them. After this they've pushed me too far, and I'm going to make them regret it," I turned around to see Loki staring at me blankly, and then watched as a slow, gleeful smile spread across his face.

I walked up to him and held out my hand. Loki reached over with his cold hand and grasped my warm one.

With the familiar pull of us teleporting, I left a part of me behind and walked forward into the unknown with only the God of Mischief for company.

…

Dum Dum DUUUUUM! So Sara is still with Loki and planning to head up against the Council by her own free will! What's going to happen when they get the tesseract? What's going to happen when she finally sees Steve? On that thought, where the heck are the Avengers? What's going to happen next?

Hey guys, I really hope you liked the chapter! Gosh I hope it doesn't suck! And I'm really sorry again about taking forever! I suck, I know. Anyways, I would just LOVE some feedback or ideas about what you think should happen next. You guys are awesome and thanks for sticking by me throughout it all!

Until next time,

Cozy