Loki x Reader: Into the MCU

Chapter 39: When in Rome

"If you'd please, I wish to have a word with you," Odin stopped his son, "Thank you for coming, Ms. Arlington. I'll have someone escort you to your room."

"It's ok, I know the way, thank you though. And thanks again for having me! It was fun."

You smiled a goodbye, catching Loki's eye as you turned to leave. He didn't look terribly happy with his father's orders. Either he knew what the topic of discussion was, and didn't like it, or it was the notion of getting held back at all that upset him. He nodded once when your eyes asked the "You good bro?" that was on your tongue.

Instead of returning to your room, you made your way to Prince's Hall, finding the Guardians having their own breakfast.

"Look who sleeps in later than Drax," Quill said as you took a seat with them.

"I've been awake for a few hours, idiot."

"The sun's only been up for a few hours," Rocket said like that debunked your statement.

"Yeah, I practically watched it rise. I woke before it was up very far."

"People can do that?" Rocket sounded stunned.

"Sounds repulsive," Drax said as he ate.

"I am Groot."

"Don't get snippy with me, you're only up because there's food here," Rocket responded.

"Some people like to get up early and actually start their day," Gamora chimed.

"Which usually isn't me, but today it was," you admitted.

"Aren't you gonna eat?" Peter asked with a mouthful.

"Nah, I already ate."

"There wasn't any food when we got here. What'd you do, have the servants bring a special meal in bed?" he scoffed.

"No, I ate with Thor and Loki."

"Aren't we fancy," he mocked.

"You have to bow and kiss their feet too?" Rocket joined.

"Or do people kiss your feet when you dine with a stuck-up prince?" Quill added.

"Someone's jealous they didn't get an invite," you answered, Gamora nodding when you looked to her.

"Jealous? Of having to eat with Thor?" Quill said.

"Jealous of not being on the same level as him," Gamora said, smirking at her boyfriend's continuous feud with Thor.

"Who beat him yesterday? Oh yeah, me! Maybe you've forgotten since then, so I'll tell the story again, just to get us all on the same page."

"No no, we're good!" Rocket protested, no insults thrown. He knew as well as you that insults would only prompt Peter to continue more vehemently.

"You should fight the god man next," Drax said, "Compete for ultimate dominance."

"Yeah that sounds like a great idea, Drax!" you said eagerly, giving Quill a look, "After all, a guy like you should easily beat a stuck-up prince, right?"

"Princes are often soft as well, with everyone doing their work for them," Gamora joined, "You should be capable of beating such a man."

"I---ha, yeah I-I could, I mean I want to, I really do, but we're guests, right? I don't think I should beat their prince. No yeah he's---he's fine where he---everyone knows who the best is, there's no need---we don't have to fight."

"How is this competition supposed to end if one of you doesn't die?" Rocket asked, earning a concerned stare from everyone.

"Uh...they get over it eventually? Competitions don't have to end with someone dying."