Beverlee ate hungrily, but after a few bites, she was able to pace herself. The chosen items on the plate were delicious and she wanted to make sure to enjoy every morsel.

Loki found the remote control to the large flat-screen TV that hung on the wall in front of them.

"Let's see if we can find something to entertain us," he said.

Powering the TV on, he flipped through some channels to find a program they both could enjoy. While he was doing so, he found a newscast discussing the shooting in the mall. He was about to flip past it when Beverlee told him to stop.

"Are you sure?" Loki asked with concern, knowing she really shouldn't be watching such things right now.

"Very sure," Beverlee replied, "I need to know what happened..."

The reporter on TV said, "a shooting at a New York Mall on Friday, has left 12 wounded. The gunman, who was apprehended, opened fire around 5:30 pm according to NYPD. A video posted by WABC-TV, shows screaming shoppers fleeing as shots rang out in the distance. Officials have not revealed the shooter's name but have said he has a criminal record. More about this as the details come in."

"No deaths," Beverlee said, exhaling with relief, "thank goodness for that..."

"Easy," Loki said, looking at her, "that's enough news for you for a while," then proceeded to flip the channels again. He stopped on one that was playing a certain type of music - Christmas music. As he listened to the current song playing, the lyrics caused him to chuckle.

"What's so funny?" Beverlee asked.

"This song about Santa Claus coming to town... Where I come from, his name is Yulnir. What I find amusing is the way they describe him. While we are told that he has such abilities, I would have to say Heimdall is more worthy of the description."

"Well, don't stop there," Beverlee said, intrigued, "tell me of this Heimdall."

"He was our all-seeing and all-hearing guard of the Bifrost Bridge on Asgard. The Bifrost was a link between all the Nine Realms. Although it was never confirmed, it was said he could see a single drop of dew fall from a blade of grass a thousand worlds away."

"Wow, talk about being far-sighted!"

Loki looked like he had more to say, but was contemplating whether to speak.

"Loki, what is it?" Beverlee asked.

He looked in her eyes and cupped her cheek, "I wish I could have had his vision... to get you out of the mall before that madman hurt you."

"So, I got hurt," Beverlee said casually, with a shrug, wincing again due to her arm injury, while her other arm moved for her hand to instinctively clutch it, "but I'm okay. It could have been a lot worse, if not for you."

"Beverlee," Loki spoke slowly, "you've been through something traumatic. Trust me, I know about these things."

"I know you do," she said quietly, looking at him with a thoughtful expression, "right now though, I feel fine. But then, I have always felt safe with you, Loki."

Loki knew it had been too early to discuss this, but felt he had to test the waters. Asides from the moments she had with him in the hospital to soothe her shock, and holding her after being questioned by Officer Malone, he suspected the full effects hadn't sunk in as of yet.

Loki pulled Beverlee carefully into his arms, "I'm so glad," he whispered, "you will tell me if there is ever a time you're not fine?"

"I promise - you'll be the first one to know."

Loki used his magic and moved the now empty plate and cup sitting on the pillow back onto the bedside table. Taking that pillow, he placed it over his lap and gently lowered Beverlee to lie down on the side of her uninjured arm, then draped his arm around her.

"You've always been there to take care of me," Loki said, his other hand stroking her hair, "well it's my turn now. Believe me, I am more than up for the task," Loki kissed the top of her head.

The arm that Loki had draped over her, Beverlee grasped his hand and gave it a squeeze.

They listened to Christmas music for about an hour, until Dr. Lowenstien entered the room.