Chapter 1: Reassigned
AN: This takes place after The Avengers rage war on New York against the Chitauri happened. I tried to keep it as close to the movies as possible and the avengers history but it's been a long time sine I've read the comics so I apologize for any discrepancies. And pardon the grammar errors, I don't catch them all. I'm trying to keep it funny, not quite sure how much I'll go into the avengers being in this. It will mostly be Darcy, Loki, Jane, Thor for now. And lastly please critique away!
PS. After originally posting it I reread it and tried to correct a few run on sentences and grammar errors and it's not complying. Instead some sentences are mashed together so I apologize for any need to try to figure out what I was attempting to write. I will keep trying to edit correctly. It's rather embarrassing if I do say so myself. Thank you for tolerating it though!
Darcy Lewis fidgeted with her long, dark, curly hair. She had been sitting here for what felt like an eternity in complete silence and could not help but feel a bit like a school girl who had been sent to the principles office. Agent Coulson, one of her favorite people in S.H.I.E.L.D, with his cool yet semi-creepy presence was sitting across from his desk beaming at her.
Coulson had always remained a mystery to her, causing Darcy to like him from the start. The intrigue that surrounded him only increased after she learned from Thor that he had died in the battle of New York and later was found out to have been, well in lack of better terms, resurrected. He had kept his living from the damage that had been done to him a secret from the superheroes in the hopes that the Avengers would continue to work together as a team. However his dream was short lived when Clint Barton ran into him at Grand Central station a few months back while Coulson was working with other S.H.I.E.L.D agents to take down a baddie. Clint had been there to catch a train and instead his world was rocked with the knowledge that a wonderful ally was still alive. The cat was quickly out of the bag when Clint had stumbled upon him and despite the fact that his team should have been peeved that he had hidden from him after all that time, they welcomed him back into their lives with open arms. Agent Coulson had that affect on people. He was likable, an enigma, down to Earth and took work seriously. And unlike Fury, he knew how to keep the Avengers in control. Yelling, Directors Fury's favorite technique was not the best compared to Coulsons ability to rally the group and get them to work together.
Darcy still found it unnerving to see him back behind his New York office desk full of chachkes from around the world, including a new set of Captain America trading cards, grinning that creepy grin. Coulsons resurrection remained a mystery and he refused to discuss the matter, no matter how hard she or the rest of the Avengers team tried to pry it out of him. In fact, a week ago when she, Thor, Stark, Jane and Pepper where celebrating Peppers birthday, they actually tried to get him drunk to spill the beans. Despite pestering him when he was clearly so inebriated he couldn't even think straight he never revealed what had really brought him back to the land of the living. In normal circumstances, the man should be dead and buried, yet here he was smiling away at her.
"You are being reassigned Darcy." He spoke finally, still grinning calmly ear to ear.
"Reassigned?" She squeaked. Oh man... This was not good. Had she done something wrong? Was it to Norway? Please not Norway again.
She and Jane ended up in Norway for safe keeping during the attack on New York much to their chagrin, as they wanted to help the city, not be locked away. Jane kept herself busy in the astrophysics lab continuing her research while Darcy had very little to do to pass the time. She had a few good books, copied notes for Jane and made the coffee. But man, was it cold in Norway, and boring. The lab was out in the boonies, no where near a mall, movie theater or even a library. The only thing Darcy missed about that place was the telescope she had access too. Despite being a Poly Sci major, the stars now held new meaning since interning with Jane in New Mexico.
"Reassigned?" Darcy said again.
"Yes. I want you working with Loki. He's been banished to Earth, and could use a guide. Plus, we want eyes on him at all times. And considering how you literally laughed in the face of danger he brought forth, I think you're the perfect candidate. After all, I can imagine that you would appreciate a change in the usual work with Jane as she rebuilds the bridge between the bitfrost and Midgard. Jane, Erik, Stark, and Banner are close to getting it figured out so I think you can be spared from making coffee and transcribing notes for a bit." He finished, still grinning that creepy calm grin.
"You want me to be a tour guide to the God of Mischief?" She echoed, her lips enunciating every word drawing even more attention to her dark lipstick.
"Yes-" Coulson began but was quickly cut off.
"You want me to babysit the guy who got you killed? The guy who tried to kill me and Jane and Thor? Destroy the Earth. The guy with the goofy horn things?" She mimicked horns with her hands then smacked them atop of Coulsons desk in exasperation.
He had to be kidding her. Was this a punishment? He'd tear her into pieces the second he had the chance. Or manipulate her into sharing Janes work. This was not cool.
"Yes. Odin has banished him to Earth for punishment just like Thor was, and stripped him of his magic. So he is not a threat. We made sure of this. He has no hand-to-hand combat training and can't even hail a cab. He's also different personality wise. No longer wants to take over mankind. After spending some time on Asgard before being banished here changed him. Your biggest problem will be his attitude, but you'll appreciate his sarcasm more than Director Fury I believe. Plus we'll give you a S.H.I.E.L.D taser that works a lot better than the one you have in your purse". Coulson smiled brightly as he pulled a file out from his desk drawer.
"Please sign here". He said and pointed at the large blue post it next to the place where the signature went.
Darcy huffed, hesitating to grab the pen. Should she give it a shot? He was a killer with some serious issues. If she didn't comply though they probably would relocate her back to Norway again, only this time without her friends since she did know so much. Plus she didn't want to piss off Fury…
What the hell? She thought. Something new. And if things go sour there is always the yummy men of the Avengers to help out…
"Okay. However what if things don't go as planned? And I can taser him whenever I need to right?" She asked as she scribbled her name on the line.
Agent Coulson raised an eyebrow and smiled a little bigger to Darcy's delight.
"Sure… I know I'd like to taser him but I am a strong believer in second chances all things considering". A clear reference to his second chance at life but Darcy didn't press. "And don't worry Ms. Lewis, it'll all work out in due time, I doubt you'll have any issues. Also we will have a tracker on him if that brings you any peace of mind. We wouldn't give you this job Ms. Lewis if we didn't think you were perfect for it." Coulson replied with a suspious grin.
Coulson then went on to explain to her what her duties would entail while Darcy wondered what she was about to get herself into.
Darcy left Agent Coulson's office and darted through the S.H.I.E.L.D building like a bunny eager to tell Jane. Using her Level 4 clearance card she summoned the elevator and pressed the button for Janes floor. She tapped her foot with impatience. As soon as it dinged she charged out, still unsure if she was excited or terrified at her new task.
"Jane!" She shouted bubbling over with energy. She fled down the four steps of stairs, halting only to stop at the card reader. With a quick flick of her wrist she scanned her second ID card made only for those Jane trusted and worked with and entered the floor of the lab.
"Jane guess what just happened!" She was gasping for breath. S.H.I.E.L.D was a huge building and Coulsons office was on the other side of the laboratories.
"One second." Jane replied, but not unkindly. She was looking sleek in her white dress and heels. Why she didn't wear jeans and a t-shirt anymore was beyond Darcy. But then again Pepper tended to dress in a similar manner so she may have been trying to set a professional tone now that they were getting paid properly. Darcy however still wore jeans and chunky sweaters, not quite ready to go business chic. Jane was distracted, as always, working out a calculation and scribbling outcomes quickly on a steno pad.
"JANE!" Darcy couldn't hold this in much longer.
"God Darcy just one-"
"I'm babysitting Loki". She cut her off, eyes wide.
Jane stepped back from her workbench and tilted her head. Her mouth opened but no sound came out.
A few co-workers who were tapping away on computers across the room from Jane stopped and casted them glances before returning back to their screens obviously eavesdropping as the typing never resumed. Whatever, Darcy thought, everyone here in the lab had clearance to know and Coulson said this wasn't going to be a big secret inside the agency.
"Darcy did you just say you were babysitting Loki?" Jane finally spoke.
"Yes. Oh my god can you believe it? I have been reassigned to watch him since he got sent back. I have to go pick him up in a half hour after Fury is done with him. Here's the best part..." Darcy fumbled with her purse and pulled out a rather large black taser.
"I get to taser him whenever I want!" She let out a cackle and clapped her hands, truly pleased with herself.
Considering everything he had done, she felt like this bad boy would be on the charger a lot. Hell, if he even looked at her boobs, bam, taser.
"Thor told me he was banished here and without magic but Darc, why are you the one getting him acclimated? And why are they letting him run around New York?" Jane mused moving around the desk closer to Darcy her heels clacking on the marble.
"I've seen him since, well everything, and he's different than before. He was even kind. And I think it was sincere, although I'm not completely sure. I know Thor has said he's changed and wants to make penance with all he's done but… it's Loki!" Jane huffed. She had seen the damage he had done, and how much it had hurt Thor to watch his younger brother unravel.
"Look. I do what I am told. And I was told to babysit. S.H.I.E.L.D pays me, pays for my apartment and it is plush for New York and I am not giving that up. Plus I don't really have a choice here or I think I get sent back to Norway. Although that could just be my paranoia. I have no idea why they chose me, but Coulson said I was perfect for the job. And I can totally handle myself! Look at this thing!" She held up the taser once more before plopping it back into her shoulder bag.
"Oh Darc I didn't mean it like that," Jane slung an arm around Darcy. "I know you can handle yourself. I'm just concerned that's all. It's just... Really unexpected."
"Oh Jane don't even worry. I handled myself when I hitchhiked home from that music festival sophomore year of college. This hipster guy who was clearly tripping on something tried to sell me beanies the whole drive back and I thought it was hats so I was kind of interested. You know me and beanies. But when he showed me the merchandise, it was beanie babies and I called them lame and he pulled the knife and I countered with- ." Darcy stopped as Janes expression fell into a look of confusion and absolute horrified.
"You know what? Never mind, story for a different time. Point is I get to watch Loki, former God of Mischief and Lies deal with the big city. It was funny when it happened to Thor and he drank the coffee cup and knocked it over asking for another. And considering Loki isn't as kind as your lovely man this is going to be awesome!" She sang song the last word.
"So wait, does that mean you won't be working with me?" Jane asked looking a little hurt that.
"Not until he's an honorable citizen, then I will be back to take orders and make coffee. Plus I'll be popping in all the time to gossip." Darcy winked and bumped her hip to Janes causing them to giggle.
"Darc you do a lot more than just make coffee. You helped me figure out something really important with the bitfrost last week. You're learning a lot. I know I don't say it as much as I should but you're appreciated here."
Darcy was truly touched at Janes kind words. Sometimes she felt like an inadequete monkey when all the science talk occurred between the brainiacs, as she liked to call them.
"He's not going to be… living with you is he?" Jane pulled her arm away and faced Darcy directly clearly worried now.
"Nope but he will be living across the hall from me. Gotta keep an eye on him at all times!"
Oh man. All times. In the excitement of having a chance to learn more about Loki without the threat of magic she didn't realize how they would be very much joined to the hip.
"This isn't going to be as fun as I thought it was going to be is it Jane?" Darcy asked readjusting her glasses gritting her teeth.
"It'll be fine Darcy, I trust Coulson and Fury on this. Plus Thor and I are close by." She said not quite convincingly.
"Brother you will be in good hands with Ms. Lewis. I've gotten to know her quite well." Thor reassured Loki who looked downright miserable. And why shouldn't he be miserable? Banished to Earth, a place where everyone saw him try to destroy New York when he had his "episode" as Coulson refers to it. He would be getting a lot of looks if he even tried to go out. Probably even targeted if properly recognized and he had no means of protecting himself now.
"Yes, well, I must say your Father enjoys banishing people to Earth." Loki muttered as the two of them walked to meet with this Ms. Lewis person.
"Loki. Our Father. Our. He's giving you a second chance like he did with me. Take it. He loves you, so does Mother. I know his lie hurt you but you are still his son and you my brother. The people here have a saying blood does not make family, actions do. Remember that!" He patted him on the back.
Blood makes you related, loyalty and love makes you family. Loki had heard this saying before and hearing it from Thor warmed him a bit.
They stopped at the end of the hallway where a fidgeting Darcy and Jane were waiting. Jane had seen Loki a few times since everything has happened and had grown to forgive him enough for a second chance, however she now hesitated at having him here on Earth alone with Darcy. Darcy however, had never been properly introduced and seen him mostly on television.
As soon as Darcy locked eyes with Loki, rage she didn't realize she had bubbled up inside her. She remembered the terror inflected on the city she now lived in. The lives lost, the almost death of her now close friend Tony Stark. Oh yes. The taser would be used a lot.
"Ms. Lewis I presume?" Loki asked putting out a hand to shake, deciding to try and make the best out of an unfortunate situation. Fury made it quite clear he'd be sorry if he didn't. And at least he hadn't been saddled with anyone from The Avengers. Hawkeye and Black Widow as they call themselves would probably never let him even try to redeem himself. They would most likely lock him up and use him for target practice. Again, not that he blamed them. Sure he was the God of Mischief and Lies but he had gone to far.
Instead of returning the hand shake Darcy did something surprising to the group. She stood on her tip toes and slapped him across the face as hard as she could.
"Did you know you almost killed me in New Mexico?" She screamed, the rage pouring out. "You almost KILLED A LOT OF PEOPLE! Including people I care about! Oh man!" She started to fumble for her taser but Jane put a hand on Darcy's shoulder.
"Darcy wait!" Jane begged pulling her a few feet away from Thor and Loki.
Loki was shocked at what the mortal had done but he couldn't say he was surprised. He was to except a lot of this as he made a life for himself here. Of all places to be banished this was the worst. Nice punishment Father... He thought begrudgingly.
He watched, flexing his jaw, as Jane whispered something in Ms. Lewis' ear. Thor brushed past Loki grimacing apologetically, and to Ms. Lewis' other side. That's when Loki really looked at her. Something about her intrigued him. Not only was she beautiful, but she also didn't seem afraid of him. A slap to the face? Very bold. It was going to sting for awhile . Perhaps his time here with her would be somewhat interesting after all. Assuming she didn't use him like a punching bag like he thought Hawk-eye and Black Widow would do. Loki, intrigued, watched her expression slowly change at the words Thor and Jane were whispering to her. Minutes later, her pursed full lips gently fell into a small barely noticeable smile as she composed herself after hearing what his brother and his doting mortal lover Jane had to say. He had to admit he was curious himself what they said to her. Maybe Thor would tell him later.
Darcy had pushed the rage down after Thor and Jane begged her to just give him a chance. Thor explained a bit to why Loki had done what he had done, although it was still not an excuse to go loco, told her about the adoption, his fathers lack of faith in Loki. And how Loki was going to be working with S.H.I.E.L.D to learn about other worlds and help come up with plans of protection for Earth. Thor left out a few details though, urging Darcy to try and talk to him about it because it would be good for his brother. Jane reassured her that she trusted Thor's judgment, and that this time was different, for Loki was looking to redeem himself in his brothers eyes as well as Earths.
Darcy has listened quietly, thinking it all over. When they finished she glanced over to Loki. He had been staring at her, looking amused. The two locked eyes and he looked away clearly embarrassed at getting caught staring.
To Darcy, it sounded like Loki was attempting to turn over a new leaf. She wasn't quite sure how much of his heart, if he even had one, was in it, but she fully intended to find out. No one would get hurt again by him if she could help it.
Darcy cleared her throat, nodded to Thor and muttered alright to Jane. She reproached Loki and stretched out her hand ready to try and start over.
"Former God of Mischief I presume?" She smirked.
Loki took her hand and shook it, happy not to get another slap in the face.
"Yes. Former is correct Ms. Lewis." Loki bowed his head a bit.
"Okay. Well Reindeer Games let's get you started with getting used to New York. I'm thinking alcohol and food." Darcy turned on her heel, calling him by Starks notorious pet name. Loki threw a nervous glance at Thor and trailed after her like a puppy.