Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Tony clicked on Instagram, wanting to see how his latest post was doing.

After an hour the post was definitely making traction with a few million likes. Loki was going to kill him when he found out.

“FRIDAY order some salmon.” He called out, chuckling at the screen in his hand as his AI baby affirmed it had been done.

Taking any pictures of Loki had become a bit of a game within the tower. Win and you get a reward. Lose and you definitely need a trip to the medbay because damn were those little claws Loki refused to call anything but nails were sharp. Using FRIDAY counted as cheating so the group had gotten creative. Although it was not just for fun. Despite the year long trial of explaining that Loki had been mind controlled and that Odin refused to even entertain the idea along with the fact that Loki refused to speak of who did it, the public was still wary. Surprisingly, posting pictures and videos where Loki looked relatively harmless had worked out pretty well.

Loki on Christmas eagerly running around playing with wrapping paper? Hey, maybe he's innocent! Sure, we've seen the proof but THIS is the nail in the coffin!

Natasha had taken the most so far being a spy and all but Tony was the one primarily posting them, being a spy and all.

Loki had no idea his pictures were plastered over the internet since he had been temporarily banned from social media and the news after the Instagram Live incident, which led to this all. It had been a while since then and honestly it seemed good for him. Eventually they'd let him back on but they really needed the world to be completely okay with him. The whole tower had been in chaos after Loki decided to interact with the world, not realising EVERYBODY could see what he was doing. Thor had of course been bouncing back between Asgard and Earth but apparently Asgards Daddy or whatever had a way to see what was going on and decided to have Loki not have Thor's support for the whole trial era.

The most recent image of Loki was him eagerly sitting down on the couch, legs splayed out as he held one of those toy fishes for cats that moved upon contact. There was a proud glint in his eye as if he had just found treasure and it was frankly very adorable. His fluffy ears were perked up and his tail showed just how happy he was as he showed off his toy to Bruce, who was sitting opposite him.

The angle was a bit awkward but hey the world would take what he could get. He wasn't risking any more scratches for a damn photo.

Of course there were many people who refused to believe Loki, especially since he refused to actually say who had done this but they could go fuck themselves. The evidence was there and unless Loki could ‘break the rules of seidr’ or whatever than Loki was innocent.

It had been a real mess after learning of this and the Avengers had severely struggled with their guilt and Loki was extremely hostile.

Thankfully, Jane Foster had helped Loki become less fearful of them especially when she practically ran the tower when ever she came over. Loki would even often stay over in New Mexico for sleepovers until he grew restless in her modest home, not allowed out on his own for safety. It was pretty awkward sometimes since Thor still definitely loved her but they all knew Jane could be only amicable at best towards Thor after learning what Loki's life at the tower was once like. Hell, sometimes she looked like she could barely tolerate any of them but nothing convinced Thor that she was just being civil. 

“So are we sticking to the plan?” Tony yelped in a very masculine, super super deep voice when Natasha appeared behind him.

He scowled. “I guess Loki isn't the only one who needs a bell, Christ Nat. But yeah. Thor and Clint are tiring Loki out now so that when T'challa arrives he'll be too wiped to be a bitch.”

Natasha nodded, checking the time. Their dear friend T'challa was popping in for a friendly visit although it was an open secret it was just so T'challa could confirm to his people Loki was a threat to nobody (unless angry or hungry or tired but who needed to know that?) and they really wanted Loki to get along well. Unfortunately, when speaking to Loki all the cat hybrid cared about was T'challa's jewelry and harassing them all for information on T'challa’s diplomacy skills purely so he could judge them.

“He'll be here any minute you'll wanna get a move on.” Natasha reminded him, prodding his shoulder until he got to his feet.

“This is going to be a disaster. Twenty bucks on it.”

“I'm not losing twenty bucks.”

“You're literally an Avenger you can afford to lose twenty bucks.” Tony countered, putting on a smile as he got into the living room and saw a very not tired Loki having fun pummeling Thor with a pillow. “Ah shit.”

‘King T'challa is here, Boss.’ FRIDAY's voice rang out.

Just then, the elevator opened and in walked T'challa.

As King T'Challa entered the room, he glanced over at Loki, watching him with a mixture of curiosity and amusement. He addressed the rest of the Avengers, but his gaze kept darting back to Loki, half cat and half villain, now staring at him with pointed ears twitching.

T'Challa, maintaining his regal demeanour, says, "Greetings, friends. I see you have an...interesting new addition to your team today.”

The other Avengers greeted King T'Challa with nods and smiles, each of them trying to seem at ease.

Tony, trying to keep a straight face, replied, "Ah, yes, Loki. He's going through a... unique transformation right now, as you can see. Although obviously you know all of this.”

The King approached the God much to the worry of the others, looking down at his cat ears and swishing tail. He spoke in a gentle, yet authoritative tone.

T'Challa, addressing Loki, smiled, "It appears you've experienced quite a remarkable metamorphosis, Loki. You are...certainly unique in this form.”

Loki turned his nose up, removing the pillow from his grasp and gently placing it down on the couch. Thor looked around the room for a sign that he should intervene but Tony shook his head, figuring that Loki wouldn't appreciate Thor’s interruption. He didn't offer a reply first, just an unimpressed look as he looked the other man up and down once before uttering a few words. “ You are one of Midgards…Kings.”

T'Challa, replying to his statement, nodded, "Indeed, I am king of Wakanda. And you, Loki, are a former god of mischief, now with a touch of feline in you.”

Loki scrunched his nose before flopping to lie down, head on Thor's chest and letting out a little mumble. “I was better.”

Thor attempted to disguise his sudden burst of laughter as a cough but fooled nobody, least of all Loki, who was more than happy to nip the man's left arm.

T'Challa's eyes flicked to Tony, who sent him an awkward shrug and smile.

“ Right well we really don't need to debate-” Bruce was interrupted by Loki scoffing like a moody teenager.

“It is not a debate. I was better.” He murmured quietly, his tail flickering.

He casually batted at it, entertained by the way it evaded his grasp as Tony led the group to sit down on the couch, purposefully ensuring T'challa was far away enough for Loki to not randomly sniff him or something. That had been a bit of a problem when Nick Fury visited and Loki decided his bald shiny head was very sniffable.

“Well I need to check up on something in the lab.” Bruce practically ran out before anyone could stop him.

“I also need to do that!” Thor attempted to borrow the lame excuse only for Loki to push him back down before he could fully sit up, unhappy with his current pillow daring to shift away.

“So how is Wakanda?” Steve tried to ease the tension with a friendly smile at the man.

Loki's ears perked up and Tony decided to immediately change the topic from any type of Kingdom. “Or the weather? How about this weather huh? Saw a cloud that looked like a pancake earlier. Made me hungry.”

Thor sighed, already imagining how he would be complaining to Jane about the sheer awkwardness in the room. Usually he'd turn to Mjolnir and share his secrets with her but Loki had long since found out and decided it was his Princely duty to ensure everyone in Asgard knew.

Eventually a few hours had passed with each member of the Avengers attempting to abandon the rest with Loki and T'challa, Thor using the excuse that he was suffering from severe, extreme diarrhea which he attempted to sell by occasionally screeching and groaning in the bathroom. They had all discussed that the two would not be left alone a few days ago, which had worked out well until Bruce had fallen asleep on the couch with Loki and T'challa the only ones left.

Chapter Text

“What is this?” Loki asked T'challa, pointing to the TV which had been switched on out of boredom.

T'Challa turned his attention from the TV screen to Loki, a bit taken aback by his current form. He responded, continuing to hope someone else would come in as he watched the program on the television. Bruce unfortunately was just a little too far away to nudge with his foot awake so he had to discreetly turn up the volume in hopes it would either wake the man up or alert someone else to the fact that they had literally just abandoned their guest.

T'Challa, replying to his question, said, "Ah, it's a documentary about the wildlife of Wakanda. Beautiful creatures, aren't they? But not quite as unique as you right now.”

Loki preened, nodding in satisfaction that his greatness had been recognized, "I see no birds.”

T'Challa looked at the TV screen, realizing that Loki was right about the lack of avian representation in the documentary. He chuckled softly at the hybrids observation.

T'Challa, with a smile, responded, "You're right, there are no birds in this particular documentary. It's focusing on the big cats, mammals, and reptiles of our country. No birds today, I'm afraid.”

T'Challa glanced at Loki as he let out a small sigh, wondering what he was thinking. This was a young man who had been through extraordinary anguish and yet here he sat, simply watching TV. T’challa understood the reasoning behind the directive he received previously not to watch anything with birds or rodents on the screen to prevent Loki from attempting to attack them. T'Challa was now rather thankful he heeded that warning, aware of his instinctive prey drive. It was easier to comprehend now that he had actually seen Loki in person. The man was nothing to fear, he merely wished to be treated right.

He continued to keep an eye on Loki, making sure he stayed calm and comfortable next to him as the documentary continued to play on the TV. T'Challa glances down at him, silently appreciating the unusual but surprisingly endearing company Loki provide as a part-cat.

“What is that?” Loki wriggled closer to T'challa, pointing a finger at the TV which now showed a panther.

T'Challa followed his gaze to the screen, realizing Loki had spotted the black panther being featured in the documentary. He nodded and said, maintaining a casual tone.

T'Challa, replying to his question, says, "That would be a black panther, one of the majestic creatures of Wakanda. They play a significant role in our culture and traditions.”

“Such big faces.” Loki judged,tilting his head in thought. “ They look ridiculous. Not like me.”

T'Challa raised an eyebrow at his comment, somewhat amused by your nonchalant critique of the black panther on the screen.

T'Challa chucked as he responded "Oh, you think they look ridiculous, do you? Well, I suppose they don't exactly have the same charm as a part-cat, part-God like yourself.”

“I am majestic.” Loki grinned, wriggling close enough to touch the man as soon as T'challa nodded.

T'Challa, seeing that Loki was warming up to him well, had to suppress a laugh at his confident declaration. He smiled, entertained by Loki’s cocky demeanor despite his current situation.

T'Challa kept his voice light as he agreed. "Oh, absolutely. Majestic indeed, Loki. With your bell jingling, your swishing tail, and your love for play, you are the very definition of majesty.”

If Loki caught on to T'challa’s friendly sarcasm he neither showed it or acknowledged it as he giggled at the panther on the TV. “ You are uglyyyyy.”

T'Challa glanced at the TV where the black panther is displayed and then back at Loki, a mix of amusement and disbelief in his expression as he suddenly lash out at the animal on the screen, calling it "ugly". How deep of a sleeper was Banner?

T'challa laughed, beginning to thoroughly enjoy Loki's company. It had been too long since he had indulged in lighthearted banter excluding his little jabs with Shuri. "Ah, well, the black panther must be devastated by your harsh critique. I'm sure it will be taking that very personally.”

"Hmpf." Grinned Loki. "He is ignoring me. He knows I am right.”

T'Challa couldn't help but chuckle at Loki's smug grin as he observed the black panther on the TV screen, believing that it was ignoring him because it knew he was right. He had heard from Tony that Thor had taken quite some time to adjust to the fact that the TV was not a window into another part of the planet but was now left wondering if anyone had remembered to explain that to Loki too.

T'Challa humoured his confidence. "Oh, of course, how could I not have realized that before? Clearly, the majestic black panther is ignoring you because it cannot bear to face the truth of your superior judgment.”

Loki, feeling a bond between him and T'Challa, settled himself to lie on his stomach across T'Challa’s lap. He really liked this man!

T'Challa's eyes widened slightly as Loki suddenly flopped into his lap, but he couldn't help but smile at his somewhat adorable display of affection. He adjusted himself, making sure the hybrid was comfortable in his lap. T'Challa laughed softly, hesitantly placing a hand on one of Loki's fluffy cat ears. When the man said nothing, he gently pet them, smiling as Loki emitted a soft pur and practically melted into the touch. How could anyone hurt him?

T'Challa, running his fingers through his fur, says, "Ah, the mighty Loki, now reduced to snuggling in my lap like a spoiled housecat. How the mighty have indeed fallen.”

"See this, panther? This is your king. He is one of my followers now.” Loki purred with satisfaction, lazily resting.

T'Challa couldn't contain his laughter at Loki's boastful claim, finding his attempt to mock the black panther on the screen humorous.

T'Challa, still amused and petting your head, played along with the silly hybrid's antics. "Yes, I suppose I am your loyal subject now, Loki. The mighty black panther should be trembling in fear at the sight of me, the chosen follower of a part-cat, part-villain god.”

T'Challa noticed Bruce slowly shifting, softly groaning as he blinked. The scientist took in the scene and stared, a look of pure bewilderment washing over him as he set upright.

T'challa glanced at Bruce, then back at Loki, who is still sprawled in his lap. T'Challa called out to Bruce in a casual tone, understanding his confusion.

T'Challa addressed Bruce, "Ah, Bruce, there you are. Come and watch this documentary. Loki here is lovely company.”

“No need to flatter me too much. I already know my worth. But feel free to continue if you must…” Loki sighed as if giving a tedious task as Bruce straightened his shirt.

Loki turned to lie on his back, his pupils suddenly widening as he spotted something. T'challa followed his gaze and noticed the hybrid was staring at the necklace Shuri gave him to wear as a good luck charm to hopefully avoid Loki eating him. Truthfully he was not one for jewelry but Shuri had used her baby sister privileges to complain to their mother that he was unaccepting of her gift.

T'Challa can't help but feel a mix of amusement and a hint of wariness as Loki focused intently on the shiny jewelry. He knew of his reputation and the potential mischief he may seek to cause and truthfully T'Challa did not want his neck to be turned into minced meat if Loki decided to try to grab it to play with.

"Ah, I see you've discovered my jewelry. It was a gift from my sister Shuri and does make quite an impression. It has the symbol of my Kingdom engraved on it.” T'challa continued gently attending to one of Loki's cat ears, using the other to stretch the necklace out so that Loki could see it better (and for it to be further away from his neck of course).

Loki, as predicated, gently swatted at it.

“Uhhh T'challa, are you ok with…?” Bruce trailed off but T'challa sent him a soft nod, completely fine with it.

T'Challa watched as Loki playfully swatted his necklace, unable to resist the small giggle that escaped him. He let out a light chuckle at his action, a mix of surprise and amusement on his face.

T'Challa tried to maintain a composed demeanor as he finally addressed Loki. "Oh, so you've taken the liberty of swiping at my necklace, have you? I must say, your fascination with shiny objects truly knows no bounds, Loki.”

T'Challa gently unclasped the necklace,holding it in his hand. “Now, now, Loki. These shiny treasures are not toys to be played with. They hold a great deal of cultural significance for my people.”

“I see, I see.” Loki nodded, eyes still gleaming as he slowly outstretched his hand. “May I continue however? I shall keep my claws to myself.”

Chapter Text

Seeing the gleam in his eyes, T'Challa reluctantly nodded. Loki was a difficult man to say no to. He dangled it slightly, keeping it just out of his reach, and spoke with a hint of resignation in his voice.

“I suppose I can humor your fascination a bit. But it stays in my hand, understood?”

Loki nodded, eagerly swatting with gentle hands.

T'Challa held the shimmering necklace in his hand, keeping it just close enough for Loki to see the intricate detailing. He and Bruce watched Loki carefully, a mix of caution and amusement in their eyes, as he moved the necklace gently, making the light reflect off its surface, almost like tiny flickers of magic.

T'Challa could see the fascination on the hybrid's face, the way his eyes tracked the movement of the necklace as it reflected the light. He couldn't help but feel a bit amused by his reaction, a strange mix of catlike curiosity and the mischievous tendencies of Loki himself. But how much of Loki truly remained in the hybrid? The only impression of Loki he had was of one that was not in control of his own actions and words. Who was Loki before all of this? According to the Avengers, Thor's stories painted a young sneaky boy who needed his brother and mighty friends to rescue him often but Loki was apparently constantly correcting the stories that showed him in a cowardly light.

As T'Challa continued to gently move the necklace in his hand, watching his reaction, he spoke in a soft and controlled voice, trying to keep a balance between indulging his fascination and maintaining authority.

T'Challa, with a hint of firmness in his tone, said, "Remember, Loki, this is a precious cultural artifact. It's not a toy to be played with. I trust you will handle it delicately.”

Just as T'Challa was about to hand him the necklace to inspect, Thor burst into the room, running with his usual booming and energetic presence. His eyes danced around the common room, looking for the occupants only to see a miffed Bruce glaring daggers at Thor for pretending to be having toilet issues for far too long to be believed and Loki about to be handed a no doubt expensive piece of jewelry.

"King T'challa!” Thor's voice called T'challa to pause and look up at the man. “ Ah, how is your stomach?”

Thor sheepishly chuckled, lifting Loki's legs so he could sit on the couch and then placing them down over his lap. “Oh, that? All fine now. I see you have bonded with my brother. But I do not recommend dangling something so enticing above Loki's face.”

Loki scowled, sending his brother a dirty look as he huffed, reaching out. T'challa moved the necklace up whilst he glanced back down at you, still curled up in his lap, and then back at Thor with a puzzled expression. T'Challa frowned, not fully understanding Thor's cryptic remark.

T'Challa, replying to Thor with a puzzled tone, asked. "Ah, Thor, what do you mean by that? He seems quite calm and compliant at the moment.

Realising T'Challa's confusion, Thor clarified his statement. "Ah, my apologies, King T'Challa. What I meant to say is that my brother, Loki, despite having a feline transformation, still retains a significant portion of his Asgardian identity. He is known for his deviousness and unpredictability, and it would be unwise to assume he will obey without resistance. He also is part kitten, too. Would you dangle an expensive necklace in front of a kitten and not expect it to play?”

T'Challa nodded, understanding Thor's warning better now. He glanced down at you, still curled up in his lap, seemingly content for the moment with staring at Bruce for some odd reason.

T'Challa, acknowledging Thor's concerns, says, "Thank you for the heads up, Thor. I was well aware of Loki's penchant for trouble, but I suppose the novelty of his current form got the better of my judgment. Rest assured, I will exercise caution when dealing with him.”

Unfortunately, only Bruce was able to see the sudden pounce Loki did for the necklace and he could not warn them in time. The three men watched in surprise as Loki suddenly pounced on the necklace, snatching it from T'Challa's hand and darting towards Thor’s room where his blanket den was to no doubt squirrel away his new treasure. The trio sat there, a mixture of amazement and mild shock on his face at your stealthy and quick action on T'Challa’s face as he glanced at Thor, who had a disappointed expression on his face.

"Well, I suppose that proves your point about his unpredictable nature.”

Thor nodded, his expression a mix of concern and frustration. He knew all too well the mischievous tendencies of his brother. "Indeed, Loki has always had an affinity for acquiring shiny objects, and it seems his current form as a part-cat has only heightened that instinct. I apologize for not warning you sooner.”

“Will we need to bring in the cavalry to retrieve my necklace?” T'Challa referred to the other Avengers.

Bruce sighed, standing up and stretching his arms. “ We'll just give it a go by ourselves. He likes you so it should be easier and I doubt he'll destroy it.”

The three walked out to Thor's room as T'Challa sighed. “Promising.”

“Where are you guys going? Oh hey I forgot you were here.” Tony mused as he passed them in the hall.

“Loki has swiped my necklace so we are on our way to retrieve it.” T'Challa explained, a little offended by the lack of hospitality.

Tony didn't seem to notice but instead followed them, opening the door. “ Loki, buddy, it's us.”

T'Challa's irritation fizzled away once he saw the getup in Thor's room. One side was full of Loki-sized cat items, a window seat for the cat hybrid to lounge on and a very thick fort made of expensive looking blankets and pillows, two serving as curtains or doors at the entrance.

The group formed a semi circle around the entrance as Bruce knelt down first. “Hey buddy, listen, that necklace is really valuable, ok? It isn't a toy.”

The god poked his head out, the necklace clearly shoved into his mouth. Tony gagged at seeing the saliva, turning away as T'Challa considered risking his mother's wrath and just returning home without it.

“Mine.” Loki answered, voice muffled from the necklace shoved into his mouth. “I found it.”