The hybrid in the cell (Complete)

Their plan

*Emily*

I pace the room, too agitated to just stand still. Loki's eyes follow my every move as I talk to myself. "Wonder what they are planning?" I mutter.

"I'm pretty sure I ain't gonna like it," Loki dryly responds, letting himself fall back on the bed, his gaze fixed on the ceiling.

His negativity annoys me. "They think you have information that can help them, so I think they want you to cooperate."

"Oh yes, or maybe just torture me to get an answer," he tries to sound like he doesn't care, but something in his voice makes me flinch.

I stop in my tracks and look at him, blurting out without thinking, "I wouldn't allow that."

"And you think they're going to listen to you? Why should they?" Loki sits up, staring at me with intense eyes.

I force myself not to waver and hold his gaze. "I honestly don't know, but I would make them regret it if they didn't listen."

"But why? Why do you care what they do to me? I am the monster parents tell their children about at night." For once, his voice sounds uncertain and vulnerable.

I sigh, knowing it's not an easy question to answer. "I don't know. I'm kind of going on gut feelings here. I just don't think you are as bad as you would like everyone to think."

"And are you sure about that? I might be even worse?" In one swift movement, he stands right in front of me, his face only inches from mine. His intense eyes are all I can see.

It's nearly impossible to think coherently with him this close, and even harder to speak, but I manage. "Yes, I am sure, no matter what you might do to convince me otherwise."

His eyes scrutinize mine intensely, as if he's trying to read an answer in them. He chews on his bottom lip, and I feel a bit dizzy. He is too close, and I can't help feeling a mix of fear and something else I can't quite explain.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see his hand reaching for my cheek. But at that moment, the door opens, and Tony Strong teasingly says, "Oh, excuse me. Did we interrupt something?"

"No, not at all. We were just talking," I halfway stammer, knowing it sounds like a feeble excuse.

Loki turns around and walks away quickly, running his hand through his long hair. He leans against the far wall, arms crossed over his chest, guarding himself against the newly arrived Tony Strong.

"Oh, that's what you kids call it nowadays. I guess we all have our own taste," Tony grins, raising an eyebrow. I shot him an angry glance, contemplating what would happen if I kicked him really hard.

"What did you figure out?" I choose to ignore Tony and direct my question to Furby instead.

But it's Tony who answers, completely unfazed by my glare. "After a lot of talking and even more threatening, we decided that this place doesn't really accelerate communication and teamwork. So, weird ass nimble fingers here is moving in with me."

"And who says I don't prefer to stay here?" Loki interjects, his tone dripping with hostility, causing all of us to turn and look at him.

Tony snorts and replies, "As if. You wouldn't exactly be free to do what you want at my place. But you would have more space, more luxury, and a lot better company."

"And what am I supposed to do in return for all these oh-so-glorious luxuries?" Loki retorts sarcastically.

Furby glares at him and says, "Cooperate. Tell us what you know, even if it doesn't seem important, and let Dr. Banton and Strong try to retrieve those things you have forgotten."

Loki remains silent, sitting on the edge of the bed, staring into empty space. Tony declares, "Well then, that's settled. Emily, can we talk outside?"

I follow Tony and Furby out of the cell and down the hallway. As we stand in the elevator, Tony says, "We hope you are up for a move as well. We would like you to continue as his... well, nanny might be the appropriate word."

"But why me?" I look from one to the other, realizing it sounds like a way for Loki to find redemption, but I hadn't anticipated being involved.

Tony grins. "First of all, I find you to be very amusing, and for some reason, he seems to have taken some kind of liking to you. You're the only one he really talks to."

"Emily, it will be hard. You will be on duty around the clock, but hopefully only for a short time. And you can, of course, sleep when he is sleeping and so on. Can you do that?" Furby asks me.

I ponder it for a moment. I was the one advocating for them to give Loki a chance, so I can't really back out now that they are doing just that. "Yes, of course. I will do it."

"Good then, we're setting up everything. We will let you know when everything is ready," Furby says.

They nod and leave me feeling overwhelmed by the elevator. What have I just agreed to?