frostercap

Loki always seemed dangerous and unpredictable to the Avengers. A god who used to hide his true feelings behind mockery, coldness, and caustic words. But one day, after yet another clash with an enemy, he was found nearly unconscious.

He was gravely injured. Deep cuts and bruises covered his body, his clothes were torn, and his breathing was becoming increasingly weak. Even when doctors tried to help him, Loki continued to resist, pushing away anyone who came near.

• Do not touch me...

He trusted no one. Not Thor, not Natasha, not Tony, not even Bruce. For him, help always had a price, and kindness seemed just another form of manipulation. He expected betrayal, and so he preferred to strike first.

The Avengers knew they couldn't leave him alone. However, no one knew how to gain his trust.

Then Steve Rogers decided to take responsibility for him.

"I'm not going to force you to trust me," Steve said calmly, sitting next to the bed. "And I'm not going to demand that you become good. I just want you to be safe."

Loki just turned to the wall.

• How noble, Captain.

"You can keep being sarcastic," Steve chuckled. "I'll survive."

Steve became his official guardian during his recovery. He made sure Loki took his medication, ate properly, and rested. But most importantly, he never pressured him.

The first weeks were terrifying. Loki barely spoke, was constantly on guard, and woke up at every noise. If someone entered the room unexpectedly, he would instantly tense up. Sometimes he would have nightmares, after which he would sit up in bed for a long time, trying to catch his breath.

Steve never asked too many questions.

He would simply leave a glass of water nearby and say:

• I'm here

Gradually, Loki began to get used to it. He still didn't trust the Avengers, but Steve's presence no longer irritated him.

One night Loki quietly asked:

• Why are you still here?

Steve looked at him and replied

— Because you don't have to go through this alone.