And then, suddenly, he was backing away. He held his hands up in surrender, a tentative smile gracing his lips. Loki didn't stop until he stood on the other side of the room, his heart aching as he watched Hermione try to make sense of what he'd just told her. If she wanted her space, her independence, he would give it to her even if it killed him inside. Their relationship was formed out of a magical bond, and there would be many battles to fight between them as they learned about one another. This was just the beginning, and he did not want to alienate her so early on and risking a hate forming beneath the surface of their love.