Unfettered (Loki x Reader)

Chapter 39 - Violent Delights

"No. Not Phil," you interrupt weakly. "I-I mean yes, we have to find Phil. But...that's not what I mean."

"What?"

"Loki. I have to find Loki."

Tony stares at you in silence before wedging his pinky finger into his ear. "I'm sorry," he says. "I thought I just heard you say you're going to go looking for the homicidal psychopath who killed your mentor and who's been on the run for almost three weeks?"

"He's not dead," you urge. "Loki didn't kill him. I know it. I saw him. He's alive, Tony."

Tony sighs, and takes off his tinted hexagonal glasses, setting them down on his desk as he leans against the edge. He grips the lip of the wood tightly, lips pressed together in a thin, frustrated line before finding your eyes again - his gaze softened. He extends a single, long arm to you. "Come here, Squirt," he demands softly.

You hesitate, confused by the outstretched arm. But as you walk over to the brunette billionaire, he pulls you into a hug without flinching. Without doubt. His other arm wraps around your waist bringing you in snug as your cheek lands on his shoulder. You're surprised, but allow it, nestling the top of your head in that space between his neck and collarbone as his chin rests on the top of your head. It doesn't take long for the dam to break, and for your shoulders to shake in silent sobs.

"It's gonna be okay," Tony whispers gently. "Get it all out, kid."

Your let your tears fall for a few more minutes until the skin of your forehead on Tony's neck is uncomfortable - calling too loudly to your Perception. You pull away, but as you do Tony flicks a tear off your cheek with one finger, pulling a tired and weary laugh from you.

"We got some things to discuss," Tony says, an unusual tone in his voice. One you've never heard before. A gentle scolding. Something almost...paternal. "I've refrained from asking you a ton of personal questions, right?" he says, pointing toward the couch.

In obedience to his silent demand, you back up and sit on the couch, looking up at him warily. "Yeah," you answer suspiciously. "I guess."

"But I think we're past due for a little chat."

"Tony, come on," you say. "I...can't do this right now."

"No, I'm serious, squirt. Believe it or not, I feel somewhat responsible for putting you in this situation to begin with. So I also feel like I need to make sure that you're...you know...handling this okay."

"Please, Tony, can we just-."

"Nope," he says. "Listen. I'm willing to believe Phil's alive. I'm even willing to use my one 'get out of jail free' card with Fury to ask the question for you. But you need to fess up, Squirt, and tell me what the hell is going on here."

You cross your arms in resignation and lean back into the cushions of the couch - defeated. "Fine. What do you want to know?"

Tony steps forward and sits on the edge of the coffee table. "You and the little green man -?"

"Yes," you answer, cutting him off before he has to actually ask the question. Before you have to hear the words aloud. You know what he's asking.

"Shit," Tony sighs. "And you...?"

"Yup."

"Damn," he lets out a groan and brings his hand to his forehead, rubbing his temples. "For how long?"

"Is this really important, Tony?"

"Y/n - how long?"

You mumble under your breath.