Mercury // S. Rogers (Book One) ✔

Party In the Lab

While Steve and Freya walk to the lab, they end up spotting Natasha slip into the detention center. They glance at each other in question before silently following. Slipping into the detention center after her, they stay in the surveillance room connected to Loki's cell. Freya goes up to the control panel and initiates the monitor with sound. They watch Natasha sneak up to Loki's cell while he paces. He abruptly stops, smiles and turns toward the redhead.

"There's not many people who can sneak up on me," Loki admits.

"But you figured I'd come," Natasha replies.

"What's she doing?" Steve asks quietly.

"Shh," Freya shushes him. "She knows what she's doing. Trust me." Steve just responds with a nod while they train their eyes back on the monitor. Even though Freya's angry with Natasha, she still enjoys watching Black Widow work.

"After," Loki nods. "After whatever tortures Fury can concoct, you would appear as a friend, as a balm. And I would cooperate," he grins mischievously. "I really hoped it would be Freya that showed up, but I ultimately knew it would be you."

"I want to know what you've done to Agent Barton," Natasha demands, getting straight to the point.

"I'd say I've expanded his mind," Loki grins.

"And once you've won," Natasha says as she slowly walks toward Loki's cell. "Once you're king of the mountain, what happens with his mind?"

"Oh..." Loki chuckles. "Is this love, Agent Romanoff?"

Steve looks down at Freya in silent question. She snorts out a quiet chuckle.

"That's a definite negative. Natasha loves Clint, but she's not in love with him. Same goes for Clint toward her and I," Freya informs Steve. Who tilts his head, seemingly confused, making Freya chuckle again. "You know, men and women can be best friends and love each other without the relationship being romantic."

"That actually happens?" Steve asks in disbelief.

"Oh, boy," Freya sighs to herself before looking up at him. "Yes, that happens quite often." She shakes her head with another chuckle and turns her attention back to the monitor. Steve quickly follows suit.

"Love is for children," Natasha replies evenly. "I owe him a debt."

"Tell me," Loki requests as he backs away to sit on the bed in his cell. Natasha tilts her head in thought before sighing and walking over to the chair next to her.

"Before I worked for S.H.I.E.L.D., I, uh..." Natasha pauses and sits down. "Well, I made a name for myself. I have a very specific skill set. I didn't care who I used it for, or on. I got on S.H.I.E.L.D.'s radar in a bad way. Agent Barton was sent to kill me. He made a different call."

"And what will you do if I vow to spare him?" Loki asks curiously.

"Not let you out," Natasha replies with a small smile.

"Oh, no, but I like this," Loki chuckles sinisterly. "Your world in the balance, and you bargain for one man."

"There's no point in talking to him or interrogating him. He's nuts," Steve shakes his head.

"Just watch," Freya smirks.

"Regimes fall every day," Natasha shrugs. "I tend not to weep over that. I'm Russian. Or I was."

"And what are you now?" Loki asks.

"It's really not that complicated," Natasha replies while getting to her feet. She walks up to the cell once more and crosses her arms. "I got red on my ledger, I'd like to wipe it out."