Loki had been absorbed in his research. Maps and books about Niflheim lay scattered across the desk. He was considering going to war and it was a war both him and Thor had last lost. It was not an easy decision and yet, so far, he had carried those thoughts on his own. Thor was still settling in and the kids and Shannon had been through enough.
When he heard his mate approach, his about to raise his hand, asking for a moment to finish the paragraph he was reading. He did not get that moment and a few seconds later all thoughts of the Realm of the Dead and his dear beloved sister were gone. They had been replaced by one simple, yet catastrophic thought: 'shit'.
He glanced up at her, eyes staring widely at the figure - a particularly lovely figure today ('should he point that out?') - leaning over him. He tried his best not to look at the images, pretending to be uninterested. That would have been the first time for that reaction. Those were very interesting images.
Back to Shannon. His eyes locked at her face. He tried to decipher the level of her anger but all he could see were flickers of subtle emotions. Damn. Plan. Options?
He opened his mouth.
Option A. Denial. Say that it wasn't his and he had no idea where it had come from. Usually a solid option. It was unlikely she would buy it though. She knew him too well. That was why he did not do relationships. It was easier to get away with a lie to people who did not know him. Loki shut his mouth. Option A was out.
His eyes flickered away from her face, looking for what else to say. He could not wait too long. His mouth opened again as another thought crossed his mind.
Option B. Pretend it was a prank. He had planted it there to shock her, gauge her reaction. Play along. Take control of the situation. Only... he had already waited for too long. She knew by now something was up. His mouth closed again. Option B was out. Damn.
Next one.
Option C. Blame it on Johnn. Say it had nothing to do with him and the other man had given this to him when it had been unasked for. Yes, option C had potential.
"I- I apologise. This man - he misjudged my intentions. I should have thrown it out straight away but you know... the kids... they find everything." He was slowly following her every reaction, hoping that she would buy his story. His heart was hammering in his chest as he tried his best to look innocent.