Chapter Text
Jim knows as soon as he opens the door to his flat that he isn’t alone. There is nothing out of place that tells him so. The door is locked with the lock itself untouched. There is nothing visibly moved. None of his alarms have been triggered. But Jim knows - he hasn’t gotten this far by ignoring his instincts, no matter how illogical they may seem in the moment.
He reaches for his gun. Violence is not always the answer, but it does have its place. Not because he is opposed to using violence, oh no. Explosions and weapons have always held his interest from a young age. But it can also take the fun out of things when used in the wrong way. Wouldn’t want it to end too quickly. He does love a good game of cat and mouse. Besides he does have some standards. He is not one of those meatheads that think guns are the answer to everything. One has to have class, even when killing.
Now there are two main questions in this particular situation: what do they want? And how did the get by Seb? But before he can pull his gun out a voice stops him.
“I do hope you do not mind that I let myself in.”
The voice is cultured - educated. It’s not an English accent, but it’s not far off. A history here? He turns on the light.
“Hello,” Loki of Asgard greet as he sits casually on Jim’s couch.
Jim drops his hand from his gun and smiles. No, violence is not the answer here. Not against a god with magic, who already sees you coming. And not against someone who makes the world so wonderfully interesting, even if he does focus on America more than anywhere else. Not as interesting as Sherlock perhaps, but why compare the two? There are different levels of interesting after all.
“Not at all,” he says pleasantly, “Tea?”
“That would be lovely,” Loki agrees with a smile of his own. It is a shark smile with only a thin mask over it.
Jim observes as he prepares. This isn’t at all how he planned this day going - which makes it all the more exciting. Running a criminal empire can only get a person so far without a little bit of excitement to mix things up. And the god of mischief and one of the top ten most wanted is sure to be more than a little exciting. It’s also gratifying that Jim can read him just like any other person. Well, no, that’s a lie. He can read surface observations like anyone else - not a dull, boring, ordinary person, but someone with an actual brain in their head that they can use, no matter how few those people may be - but under that? Nothing. He has no conclusive idea as to why Loki is here or his motivation and that excites him to no end.
He can guess of course, but guessing is so terribly illogical. People are nothing if not predictable. This though - this is a challenge. He does nothing to stop the glee from the thought.
“Here we go,” he sings as he places the tea down and takes a seat himself. “I hope you enjoy,” he says as he pours.
“Hmm, yes,” Loki agrees mildly as he takes a sip. “Americans are obsessed with that burnt dirt they call coffee. This is much better.”
“So glad to be of service.” Jim lets a distinctive purr enter his voice. Well why not? Is he supposed to pass up this temptation sitting in front of him? Hardly. He’s never been one for self moderation.
A flash of heat crosses Loki’s face. “Is that so? My, this may turn out to be a more profitable endeavor than I originally imagined. Tell me more.”
It is a command pure and simple. Not even an idiot could mistake that for anything else. “Shall I inform you of my many skills then?”
Loki’s smile sharpens even more. “I have always admired a skilled tongue myself. Let fools carry on with their feats of strength and force. It does so help weed out the weak does it not?”
Jim takes a deliberate sip of tea. “Sheep the lot of them. Petty ambitions going nowhere, never thinking, always following mindlessly,” he agrees, “I so enjoyed your speech in Stuttgart. It was particularly inspiring if I may say so myself. And the way you threw that so called Captain around,” he licks his lips in delight, “Although things did not quite turn out the way you planned, did they?”
“What a bold mortal you are to say so.” Loki’s stare is intense enough to go straight through him. He arches an eyebrow. “Yet who says I am displeased?”
“Letting the heroes win on purpose? And - afterwards as well?” he mocks. This is what playing with fire feels like. What a glorious thing.
“Shall we say that my working conditions were less than ideal. Now though I do enjoy a good chase to keep things from growing - dull. I am sure you understand the sentiment.” He takes another sip of tea.
“Playing with your food?” Jim smirks. Yes he can understand that perfectly. Sometimes you have to play the mouse to win.
“I was taught that it was bad manners, but,” he spreads his hands, “how could I resist? Especially when it keeps a certain genius engaged. I am told that you have one of your own as well.”
“Sherlock,” Jim sighs a bit dreamily, “He makes such a good mouse. He even wins sometimes. What more can you ask for? It will be such a shame when it all ends, but nothing lasts forever.”
“Not for a mortal perhaps.” Loki’s tone is mild, but his eyes are anything but. “Which leads me to my visit today. I had hoped to persuade you to a different game for a time.”
“And give up my Sherlock?” Jim gasps, playing up his reaction.
“Of course not.” Loki fold his hands and leans forward. “Merely a pause. I do not intend on giving mine up either. But a mind such as yours surely needs such stimulation,” he purrs the word, “Not a simple stroke of the ego,” he motions with his hand, “but a clear challenge.”
“Complimenting a mortal?” Jim smirks brightly, “That is quite a stroke right there.”
“Exceptions can be made.” The heat in his voice is unmistakable. So is the sharpness in it. “I can assure you that I have well earned my title.”
Jim leans forward, mirroring him. “What title may that be?”
“Silver tongue.” Loki smirks, all teeth and fire.
“I may be able to be persuaded. Tell me - my lord,” he echoes that smirk, “do I belong on my knees as well?” He has the pleasure of seeing Loki’s eyes darken at that. How very lovely. “I would so hate to offend.” On his knees is not his usual spot in the world - quite the opposite. But as Loki had already pointed out, exceptions can be made.
“How very forward. And enthusiastic. I must say that I am impressed.” Loki sounds as if he means it too. That may be the best part of this. How to tempt a god.
“One must have all the data to make the correct decision.” Jim tells him. Misinformation is worse than no information at all. “I am sure that you can make it worth my while.”
Loki throws his head back and laughs.
Jim finds himself eyeing that long, pale neck as he does. Yes as fun as Sherlock is, this is even better. For now. There is nothing to say how long it will last. Nor do his plans allow for an after if he turns this down now. And if things go sour? Well even gods bleed. The fact that Jim might shed some blood as well is a bonus, not a deterrent.
“Such arrogance.” Loki stands, stalking over to stand in front of him. “Are you sure that you can keep such a boast? My, my. Perhaps I shall begin by taking you down a peg.”
“I do believe that I can take - something - down my lord,” Jim repeats the title purely to see Loki’s reaction again. It is even better the second time around. A barely leashed danger masked as desire. And all of it is directed at him.
“Such arrogance,” Loki repeats, “believing you can handle a god. However shall we test this assumption of yours?”
“I am sure you can imagine numerous ways all on your own,” Jim says, a bit condescending underneath the flirt.
“Careful pet,” Loki warns, “I just might have to punish you instead.”
“If you can handle me,” Jim challenges, dropping to his knees shamelessly. He revels in it. While idiots may assume that he has no real power in this position he knows better. He knows how to hold his cards wherever he may be.
Loki runs one long finger down his face. “Fair warning pet - I bite.” He looks nothing less than a predator on the hunt.
Very well. But so is Jim. “So do I.”
Oh yes, this is going to be fun. He’ll just have to make it up to Sherlock later for neglecting him. But for now, he has a role to play - the mouse.