Prompt:

You are in so much trouble now for requesting prompts, and leaving it all so open. *evil cackle* I want a Tasertricks AU, (but you knew that already) At some big holiday party that Loki doesn't want to attend but Thor forces him to go. He sees Darcy, and they immediately get connected by the red string of soulmate-ness, and can't go more than six feet away from each other for the next thirty days. How's that? :D

Lefty.

Disclaimer: I don't own any recognisable characters.

Warning: Contains spoilers for MCU(minor).

A/N: Please review, they help us writers .

Prompt me by PM or through my tumblr account. .com. I also accept prompts through reviews. For further details, go see my profile.

Unbeta-ed. Any and all mistakes are mine.

I hope you enjoy the fic and come back for more.

Strings

When Odin had gone to Jotunheim that day, many a millenia ago, to end the strife on Midgard, Frigga, then a new mother, sitting on the Hliðskjálf had had a vision. She saw a baby cry, seemingly abandoned, asking for her mother. The eyes of the toddler swimming in tears, were like precious aquamarines. Much as she wanted to offer succour to the child, she knew the baby was yet to be born.

The vision had made her weary and fretful; and her son, Thor, came to mind. Thor was a delightful if a bit precocious child. It must be the Berserker blood running through his veins, she mused. She called for one of the guards and asked him to bring her news of the battle from the Gatekeeper.

'The battle rages on, my Queen.' said the Einherjar.

'I am going to visit my son. Keep watch and bring me any news you have of the king.' Speaking thus, she went to the royal nursery. Frigga seeked to gain some comfort from his innocent smile , so she went to her rooms. As she held Thor, she glanced into the scrying pool and saw Odin looking upon a newborn. He was but little, with jotun-blue skin and ruby red eyes.

As Odin held the baby, his skin changed and became pale like an Aesir, his eyes slowly changed colours and Frigga found herself gazing into her sister Gefn's green eyes.

Frigga was lost in thoughts of the future and the past , when the guard returned with the news from Heimdall that the King was on his way home.

She returned Thor to the crib by the bed and waited with bated breath. Odin entered her chambers, bleeding from the gaping hole that was once his eye and holding a bundle.

'Frigga,' he said, 'meet your son. I found him near the Casket left at the altar of the temple. He was abandoned, this little prince. He had Laufey's markings, a Laufeyson. Now he will be known as Odinson. He will unite the realms and bring peace.' His eyes gleamed in triumph,' What shall we name him?'

'I know you mean well. You want to protect the world.' She thought, 'but you don't want it to change.' She smiled and said, 'He is Loki, Bringer of Change.' Loki Friggason.

And so Thor and Loki grew up to be brothers. They were close friends, the best of friends. But over the centuries, Thor's friends became more important than his brother, his precociousness changing into arrogance, the berserker blood running hot changing into a warrior's wrath. Loki slipped into the shadows, the shadows cast by the golden prince. Frigga counselled him, taught him the art of seidr, gave him his daggers and showed him how to survive.

'I don't understand, Mother. Why does nobody like me? Did I do something wrong? Even Thor doesn't play with me anymore.'

'No, my child.. you are not at fault. You are different. People tend to fear what is different.'

'Well, I don't want to be different! Not if they hate me for it. I want to be like Thor. Everybody loves him. Father likes him better and all our friends too. People laugh at me.'

' They don't understand, they are ignorant. Thor is Thor, you are Loki Friggason. And I love you, my son.. Your qualities and quirks make you Loki. That is not shameful, that doesn't make you hateful. That makes you Loki, my little prince. You will become the greatest and most powerful sorcerer of the Nine Realms, my clever boy.'

'I love you Mother. I will make you proud.'

'You already do, Loki. One day all the realms will be beholden to you and stories will be told of your greatness. And someone will come who would love you for you, not what you can do. With all of their heart and soul.'

'Really, Mother?'

' Yes. Now, come with me. I am going to show you something beautiful. The whole world, everyone tangled in strings.' Frigga smiled and led Loki to the weaving room.

'Am I cursed?'

'No.'

'What am I?'

'You're my son.' Laufey's son...flashes of blue, Father's(Odin) wearied visage, a room with broken and tangled threads, a kind and mischievous smile fading away in a whirl of colours- MOTHER!

'What more than that?'

'You're a monster.' ...blood red hair and distraught eyes.

NO.

'You are Loki Friggason.'

'Mother?'

'If you fail... ' screaming white hot agony, 'if the Tesseract is kept from us, there will be no realm, no barren moon, no crevice where he can't find you.'

...tendrils of memories long gone flit past as he chases them.

'You think you know pain? He will make you long for something as sweet as death.'

NOOO!

'I love you mother. I will make you proud.'

'You're a MONSTER!' Mischievous eyes and kind smile changes into a pale distraught face, eyes burning with hatred and contempt.

No, MOTHER!

'I never wanted the throne. I only ever wanted to be your equal. Now fight me!'

'I will not fight you, brother.'

'I am not your brother. I never was.' jeering, snickering..

'Some do battle, other just do tricks.'

'You're incapable of sincerity.'

'I could have done it, Father. I could have done it. For you. For all of us.'

Mother smiling, eyes twinkling .'There is only path to peace. See these strings? The red strings are the soulmates. Strings of fated souls, chosen by the Norns.'

'No, Loki.'

'There is only path to peace. Your extinction.'

'What am I?'

'You're my son.'

'Nothing lasts forever.' Screaming for mercy...'You are all puppets.'

'You're a monster.'

'I am going to show you something beautiful. The whole world, everyone tangled in strings.'

'No, Loki.'

'Am I cursed?'

'No.'

'But... there areno strings on me.'

No, Loki.

He lets go... and falls.

Loki sucked in a shuddering breath, eyes open in a silent shout of despair.

'Loki? Loki, have you risen?' Thor knocked on Loki's door, bellowing. 'Wake up, brother! 'Tis is a most glorious day!'

'I am awake, brother. Give me a moment to dress.'

'I shall wait in the lounge then, shall I?'

'Please do.' Loki got up from his bed, snapping his fingers to change the covers and make the bed. Satisfied, he goes to the bathroom and turns on the icy spray of the shower. He felt invigorated as the pain from the night terrors is washed away along with the sweat. He slicked back his hair as he closed his eyes and rested his head, leaning on the cool bathroom tiles.

'Jarvis?' he called and looked at the ceiling.

'Yes , sir?'

'Is Thor still waiting?'

'Mr. Odinson is in the communal kitchen, talking to Capt. Rogers.'

'Oh, well. I thought so. He is too restless to wait for long.'

'Sir, they seem to be making breakfast.' Jarvis said in the approximation of bewilderment.

'Seem to be?' Loki raised an eyebrow.

'The food is disappearing at a fast rate. Almost too fast for my eyes to catch.' He sighed in fond exasperation.

'Ah! Thor or the good Captain?' Loki smirked.

'Neither. It's Agent Barton who is hanging from the vents and inhaling the pancakes.'

'Hmm. I see.' Loki dressed himself in loungewear, which for him meant hunter green tunic shirt and loose leather britches, asking Jarvis to inform him when the kitchen was empty.

'Mr. Odinson, you do know that they will welcome you willingly.'

'I know, Jarvis. I'm just not ready to be forgiven.'

'Sir, as Mr. Wilson and the other Mr. Odinson have said repeatedly, there is nothing to forgive. They can be your friends here.'

'I do have a friend here.'

'May I ask who, sir?'

'Friends call me Loki, Jarvis.' Loki replied, smiling.

'Oh!' Jarvis breathed with pleased surprise.

'Mr. Odinson is in your lounge and asking your whereabouts, Mr.. Loki.'

'Please tell him that I'll be out in a minute.'

'Is my brother alright, Jarvis?'

'Loki said he'll be out presently, sir.'

Thor's mouth was hanging open, stunned, when Loki entered.

'Do you need feeding again, Thor?' Loki said innocently, mouth curved in a sly smile.

Thor snapped his mouth shut abruptly, glowering. 'I see you've made a new friend.'

Loki's eyes narrowed at him. 'So I have. What of it? Come to mock, have you?'

'Nay, brother! I am pleased. Jarvis is a worthy spirit indeed. As are you.'

'Thank you, Mr. Odinson.' responded Jarvis.

'Loki, the Captain has made pancakes . Come break your fast.'

'You know Thor, I think I will.'

Loki and Thor went into the communal kitchen, finding Tony and the archer there, battling over a plate of pancakes with forks.

'I believe those are mine.' says Loki, making a gesture towards the food.

'Every man for himself.' snarked Tony.

'You forget , mortal.' He snapped his fingers and the plate appeared in his hand. 'I am a God. I am the God of Mischief' he smirked.

'Oh bloody hell!' cried Barton.

'Hel is not bloody. She is merely different.' Loki said with a sneer on his face.

'Brother, they do not mean to insult Hela. They would not be so unkind.' Thor tried to appease Loki.

'You are right,Thor. Nobody dares insult Hela Lokadottir.'

'Wait, what?' Barton was gaping, doing a credible fish impersonation.

'Say what now? So Hell is real? I mean the myths do say that you have children. So is Sleipnir is your kid too? Like Fenrir and Jormungandr? Wow, dude! I get your leather and metal fetish now. But a horse?! You are a kinky one...' Tony spoke in a rush, eyes wide.

'Cease your foolish babbling, Stark. And close your mouth Barton. To answer your question, yes and no. Hela is my only child. Fenrir and Jormungandr are pets. Sleipnir , I created on accident while doing a spell on the mare that bred with Svadilfari. '

'Huh. What parts of the myths are true then?' Tony's mind was teeming with questions. He asked, 'What about the one where Thor dresses as a bride?'

'That is true enough. He made a very convincing bride too, if a bit a beardy.' Loki said, eyes dancing in remembered mirth.

'I am sure.' Tony grins.

'Thor in drag?! That is an image my mind does not need. At. All.' Barton rubbed his eyes, as if by doing so he could scrub away the picture from his brain.

Thor grimaced and blushed heavily. 'You can tell tales of our adventures later. Eat first.'

'Speaking of. I am hungry too, you know' Tony pouted. ' Tweety here has eaten half a dozen of those. Jarvis, is there any food left in the kitchen?'

'Sir, there is last week's half eaten pizza and a carton of Orange Chicken.'

'Oh goodie!'

'Sir, Ms. Potts has expressly forbidden you to eat food that is more than three days old. Also, I should remind you that Dr. Banner is studying the mold on the three cheese pizza.'

'Ew! Stark, I thought you'd your labs for research. No matter, there is still the chicken.' Barton wrinkles his nose at Tony.

'Hey, don't look at me.'

'Agent Barton, I believe there is a warning against touching the chicken. It is Ms. Lewis's.'

'Pfft. Like I care.'

Tony and the brothers watched on, amused.

'Ms. Lewis requested me to warn you, and she said, I quote here, ' Keep your grabby hands off of my food or I swear to Thor, I'll cut you. That means you Clint, and you too Tony.' Jarvis declared in a smug voice. He had a bit of a soft spot for Ms. Lewis and her kind yet ruthlessly brilliant ways.

'Damn!' said Tony and Clint in unison.

Thor chuckled in appreciation. 'She is indeed a formidable lady.'

Loki, interested in hearing more of this Ms. Lewis, raised an eyebrow saying, 'Oh?'

'Verily! She felled me with my own weapon. She was most brave in trying to defend the Lady Jane and friend Selvig.'

'She used the mighty Mjolnir against you?'

'No, she struck me with a box of handheld lightning. 'Taser', I think she calls it. Though, if she tried, I do believe Mjolnir would find her worthy.'

Barton exclaimed, 'Yeah. She's got style too. I saw her turning down that blond playboy with more chutzpah than I have ever seen.'

Fandral looks at her and turns on the charm. 'Are all earth maidens as fair as you?'

'No' She says smirking. Turning to Sif, she asks her,' Are allásynjur as badass as you?'

'No.' Sif replies laughing.

'May I express my adoration of your badass-dom, my Lady?' She asks, mimicking Fandral.

'Uh...yes.' Sif says confused.

She gets a sly look in her eyes, winks at Sif and kisses her.

Fandral gapes at them. She turns on a million dollar smile and says, 'Why should boys have all the fun?'

Even Coulson is trying to suppress his blush and other important bits. Clint looking on thinks, 'Hot damn! Man, I've gotta tell Tasha. She would definitely like to hear about it.'

Thor laughed, remembering the incident clearly. Tony blinked. Loki could almost see his brain whirring away at fullspeed.

Tony and Pepper had invited everyone to the newly rebuilt Malibu mansion for Christmas. That meant Avengers, their family, friends and soulmates, ex-SHIELD agents, new SHIELD agents. Everyone also meant the newly minted Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., Phil Coulson.

Thor wanted to go and rejoice with his comrades and his family. But Loki was stubbornly refusing to go. He wasn't ready to face Coulson having killed him while under the influence of Thanos. His brother tried to coax, cajole and goad him into compliance, but he was not the Silvertongue.

'Come, brother. 'Tis a joyous occasion, we should celebrate it. Besides you used to love Yule.'

'For the last time Thor. I .don't .want .to .go . '

'Brother...' Thor implored.

'Look Thor, I'm unwilling to face the man who I unwittingly murdered.'

'You were not at fault!'

'I was weak. Weak to succumb to HIS control. That is fault enough!'

'Loki, no.'

'Thor, please. You go and rejoice in my stead. I'll be fine.'

'I'll miss you at the feast, brother. That reminds me, Mother has sent a package for you through the Bifrost.'

'And what about you, brother? Did the Lady Sif come for you?'

'Loki!'

'Oh, Thor! I was jesting.'

'Sif sent a letter, she said she would come to the feast.'

'Don't keep her waiting. Now begone.'

'I love you, brother' said a grinning Thor.

'I know.' Loki murmured, 'And I you.'

Loki found a golden scroll in the package saying, 'Think of me and say my name. Love, Mother.'

'Mother.'

'My son. Why do you look so upset? Is anything troubling you?'

'The soldier I killed will be at the feast tonight, Mother and I find myself unable to face my demons. There is no rest for the wicked. No peace.'

'Attend the feast, my little prince. Do not give up. You may yet find your peace.'

Darcy Lewis was born on 13 June, 1986, without a soulmark. As she announced her entry into the world with a lusty cry, her mother who was dead tired started to cry too. The nurse murmured soft apologies, 'I'm sorry Mrs. Lewis, but you have to name her.'

'Harry. Where is he? It's my fault, it's all my fault... ' she started muttering, for she was a blank too. And in those days, blanks were not accepted by the society. They were looked down upon, suffered discrimination everywhere. Moreover, the simple and narrow-minded people thought that those born without soulmarks were the followers of Satan; for if they had no soulmark, how could they have a soul?

Henry Lewis, a lawyer, having an avid interest in literature and a rather controversial sense of humour, enchanted by his daughter ironically named her Darcy Katherine. Thus thumbing his nose at society. He didn't care. His daughter was a pure being, made, he felt, of magic.

Henry ,himself , had met his soulmates( having two soulmates of different gender had made him the black sheep of his family, although his progressive thinking and devil-may-care attitude didn't not help his case) while they were already married to each other. Henry was in his gap year and backpacking across Europe, when he came across them. His marks had begun tingling when he realised that he had been staring at beautiful redhead for quite some time when he heard ' Beautiful, isn't she?' immediately followed by ' James! I think he is ours.' Apparently, they were recently married and were high school sweethearts. They had just exchanged names when there was an explosion nearby and in the resulting melee, lost sight of each other. Henry was in a foreign nation and the telephone directory could not perform miracles. Two years later, his marks flared and turned red. He lost consciousness and ended in the nearby hospital.

He met Charlotte in the ER(who had been admitted because of an accident which killed her parents and left her with broken bones)and struck up a conversation with her. He learned that she was a blank and she came to know that he had just lost his last hope of seeing his soulmates as his marks were now dead. Their conversation turned into a tentative friendship which gave them solace and later love. They married two years later despite the protestations of his now, estranged family. Darcy's birth would have been a point of reconciliation had she not been a blank like her mother.

By the time Darcy was two, she knew that her Daddy adored her and she could get him to do whatever she wanted and that her Mama always cried. Charlotte's post-partum depression had taken its toll, making Henry the primary caregiver in the family. The day after Darcy's third birthday, Charlotte resolved to see a therapist and try to overcome her problems. The entire family had gone out for a treat, when a fight broke out in the streets and a ricochet from a stray bullet killed her.

Henry carried on as he had, his first priority was Darcy. He imbibed his daughter with his resilience and his never-say-die attitude. Darcy was her father's daughter, her charming and outspoken and sometimes brash exterior hid a kind heart and an old soul.

Darcy's childhood had never been easy, being a blank, she was not invited to her classmates' birthday parties. She did not have many friends to begin with except her father, who according to her, was the bestest. Being different herself and thus being treated as a truant, whether or not she was guilty, made her sensitive and compassionate towards who suffered the same plight for different reasons. As a child she wanted to become Captain America when she grew up. While Henry could not give her the shield or the serum, he gave her boxing lessons which later turned into various martial arts form and an intricate knowledge of the law, and its loopholes. So instead of the shield, she grew up to have an excuse, 'It was in self-defence!' and a mean right hook(which was applied liberally to the affected area oops...person). Adolescence brought in boobs, a smart mouth, meaner right hooks and a Taser which she named 'Captain'. Her obsession with both the good Captains grew with time. Darcy became friends with Sharon when they were both made reps in the Student Representative School at Open High school(Virginia) in urban Oregon Hill. Sharon lived with her parents Harrison and Amanda Carter. They became best friends as they shared similar ideals. Herown words which was spread around her collarbone like a neckclace, 'Hey, if you want...if you want, you can use my machine.' did not inspire much confidence. Guys often used that in a suggestive if not in an outright lewd manner. Darcy being an buxom blank, got various names. Boys thought that she would be/should be easy. Suffice to say, their martial arts lessons were often put to good use. They bonded over insensitive assholes, computers and Captain America.

When they were 15, their class went to the Richmond RV expo on a fieldtrip. Separated from their group, Darcy and Sharon, came upon an old woman who told them that their mates were in pain and they should be kind to them. When asked how by Sharon, she said a cryptic ,'You will know when you do.' Darcy just shook her head adamantly saying that she was a obviously phony as she did not even have a mark. The woman cackled, muttering something about strings.

As time passed, they forgot about the incident. Their ambitions and aspirations became more important, Sharon applied to VMI, NWC and got accepted in both, choosing VMI because it provided the most challenge. Darcy, meanwhile, chose Culver over Berkeley and Columbia because of its proximity to her city, and thus her father.

Darcy wanted to change the world, do more, be more. And she felt right at home at Culver, until her absentminded Student Advisor let her know that she still needed six science credits to graduate. As she had no intention of another semester of college, her only other option was to take an internship under a professor. A quick look at the notice board let her know that only three of them were asking for interns. One of them, a Dr. Samson, asked her a variety of questions(which were, in her opinion, quite similar to those asked in eHarmony) and if she had any medical/nursing training. To which she cheekily replied, 'Eh. I know first-aid and CPR and I make a mean chicken soup.' The good Doctor laughed but had to let her go. The next one made the mistake of making a pass at her. Darcy slid a business card, 'My solicitor will give you a call.' And then she sneered and did a Draco, 'Wait 'til my father hears about this!' (for funsies, because she was weirdly wired like that). The last one turned to be a bit dotty, an astrophysicist, Dr. Jane Foster was obsessed with the stars, her theories were interesting if a bit out there. She was often ridiculed by the science community, Darcy took one look at her and her protective instincts came to the fore. It helped, of course, that she would have to go to New Mexico for the duration of the internship(YAY for Roadtrip!). Jane took her on, never mind that she only got one application for the post( Darcy had hacked Jane's university issued email account and deleted the other applications. What? She always says- 'Why depend on luck, when I can depend on me?' Exhibit A- Soulmates and/or lack thereof.)

She went to Puente Antiguo with Jane. Then Blond, Cut and Godly fell from the sky. She used the Captain judiciously. He turned out to be an actual alien/demigod. Cue SHIELD. The Lady Sif and the Warriors Three make an entrance, followed by the giant alien fire-breathing robot. The Asgardians leave via Bifrost. 'Figures.' Darcy thought, 'Ancient Bridge, I should have paid attention.' She wanted to change the world, and her world changed.

Darcy decided to stay with Jane, then the second alien invasion happened, which she had to watch on a TV in a dingy room at the lab from Tromso. Thor returned to fight with the Earthborn Avengers. They fought and won. Thor returned to Asgard without a visit or even a phone call.

The Covergence, things got really freaky while the third alien invasion occurred this time led by Malekith and his Dark Elves. Loki helped Thor save Jane and to avenge his mother, and later found out that the death of his mother was an illusion cast to draw out the truth from Loki. Asgardian tough love. Meh. Thor returned to earth and killed Malekith, the Scientists Three and the Lady Darcy( she was so calling themselves by that moniker) helped save the world. Thor went back to Asgard.

SHIELD was blown up by Capt. America(squee! fangirling!) and the Black Widow (gasp, shudder,sigh,whoa!) with the help of a man with Wings(?!), to destroy Hydra. The Winter Soldier was actually Bucky Barnes, again(?!), brainwashed by Hydra into compliance.

Tony Stark offered all of them a place in the Stark Tower which included Darcy. Along the road, Darcy made a lot of new friends, was reunited with a few. She and Clint were total bros. The Winter Soldier 'call-me-Bucky-doll' had an ongoing flirtation with her, sometimes joined by the presence of the alluring Black Widow(it was scary and arousing). The ex-Soviet assassins were made deadlier by the fact that they were soulmates. Captain America, as it turned out, was a paragon of virtue; Steve Rogers, on the other hand, was a little shit And her bestie Sharon's soulmate(small word, huh?). Dr. Banner was rocking the hot but absentminded professor-slash-scientist thing he had going out when not Hulked out. Tony Stark- genius, playboy, self-proclaimed sugar-daddy to the Avengers( 'wasn't the term philanthropist, Sir?') did have a huge heart and a bigger purse. Jarvis was a godsend and her new bestie. Pepper 'Goddamn' Potts was a living goddess. The man with the wings was an ex-pararescue codenamed Falcon. Ex Deputy Director of SHIELD Maria Hill was good people and a badass but no ninja like Coulson.

They were all living in the Tower like a big, happy, dysfunctional family, when Thor came. With Loki in tow. It was later heard that he had actually invaded Earth under the unholy trifecta of torture/coercion/brainwashing.

Darcy was happy with her life. She got a part-time job as a nerd herder, training under and assisting Pepper Potts, and was also a full-time student (She got in Columbia for studying law and business administration after finishing her degree in political science, on SI funding she could be an eternal student if she wanted.) With the fall of Shieldra and the resulting data dump, her following the NDAs were no longer necessary, so she could finally come clear to her father.

Her tests and assignments were also over and done with and she just wanted to enjoy her Winter Break. Speaking of holidays, Tony and Pepper had invited her to their mansion in Malibu which had been rebuilt after the Mandarin incident. Tony insisted that everyone should wear red and gold as he had destroyed all his Iron Man suits and wanted everyone in his colours. Pepper had humoured him and included it the invitation.

Everyone had decided to do a Secret Santa since it promised to be more fun, Jarvis had activated privacy protocols so that nobody could cheat. Darcy had got Coulson who had returned her iPod with new playlists and his own Taser(SHIELD issued) showing a glimpse of his humour, sent an unsigned note with it saying 'Use it wisely.' Darcy had given him a hand knit scarf and signed Captain America cards.

The deadly duo had circumvented the rules a bit saying that this is an early new year gift. They had given her an invitation of their own asking her to join them in a triad, which really blew her mind. Darcy was undecided, she wanted to give it a go but did not want to lose what they had if it fell through. Sighing, she got dressed in her Christmas finery financed by her spankin' new Black Amex card given to her by Pepper when she completed six months as her assistant. She had bought a strapless knee length lace dress in red with an asymmetrical skirt, a pair of really regal yet funky looking black and gold Jimmy Choo, a blue-black leather bolero jacket which framed her ample cleavage very nicely, a gold mask with a beautiful leafy design that fully covered her eyes, half her cheeks, forehead and nose. She finished it off with her signature red lipstick and was good to go. She was ready to rock their socks off.

The party was a blast, then again it was a Stark party, and when were they not? The floors open to the public were decorated by swathes of red and gold cloth with branches of holly and mistletoe twined with them. Most of the new agents were awed by the Avengers and had retreated to their own little corners after introductions and appropriate fangirling small talk. Clint, Tony, Sam and Bucky all wanted to play some party game. Someone suggested Never have I but as the group as a whole was a mix of eclectic, extraordinary and frankly eccentric people( Aliens, Spies, Scientists... oh my!), they quickly ran out of things to say. They had gone through a dozen bottles of mulled wine already which had made them form a barbershop quartet comprising of Natasha, Sharon, Darcy and Sif who started with the song 'You're a grand old flag' as a tribute to the First Avenger that devolved into 'I kissed a girl and liked it'( which made Tony and Clint delirious). The party was slowly winding down as most of the newbies left and some guests excused themselves for an early night. Only the Avengers, their soulmates and their friends were still up for fun and games which meant that Tony, Pepper, Jane, Bucky, Natasha, Clint, Darcy, Sam, Maria, Steve, Sharon, Sif, Thor, Bruce, Rhodey and Phil remained. Bruce and Phil being the relatively sane ones proposed another game instead of Never have I, Clint countered with Truth or Dare which was accepted enthusiastically by the others.

Pepper, being the host, was given the chance to spin the bottle first. The bottle pointed to Tony who chose Truth and said that he wanted to marry her. She was stunned and asked, 'Is that a proposal, Tony?'. He answered with a cheeky but nervous, 'Yes. I dare you to marry me', to which Pepper replied, ' Will that be all, Mr. Stark?' and Tony said, 'That'll be all, Ms. Potts.' Congratulations were graciously given and received. Natasha who had an inkling that this would happen excused herself and went with Bucky to bring in the books and collect on the bets. It was Clint's turn, who being the meddling pervert he was (he knew about the assassins and their intentions towards Darcy) used his skills to spin the bottle towards Darcy. Darcy knew that Clint would ask her about Bucky and Natasha in front of the others and she didn't want them to influence her decisions; she chose Dare. Which was a win-win situation for Clint as he would get an answer either way, he dared her to go stand near the door and make-out with the next person to enter the room.

Darcy went and stood under the doorway to wait for Natasha or Bucky to come. She turned around to stick out her tongue and make faces at Clint. Clint who was returning the favour suddenly stopped short. He saw another woman walking at a rapid pace towards the room. She was wearing a gold-coloured Grecian style gown and golden strappy heels, with a single long golden earring brushing her collar bone. She was enchanting and looked otherwordly. He was tense because he had heard stories from Thor about Amora and her sister Lorelei who had been on Earth the last year and caused a buttload of problems for Phil's team. Sif had captured her and taken her back to Asgardian prison but she could have escaped again.

Unfortunately, Phil was busy talking with Sif and Thor was busy guzzling wine and toasting Pepper and Tony. Steve, however, had noticed Clint's preoccupation. He spoke with Clint and decided to verify if she was an invitee. Steve readied his shield and asked Jarvis.

Jarvis answered, 'Her face could not be matched to the facial recognition program. However, she is giving off a special signature quite similar to that of Lo..' stopping his reply in a stunned manner.

The woman had reached Darcy who had planted a kiss on her lips and both of them were standing stock still. Darcy, meanwhile, had emitted a loud shriek(Jarvis's speakers were drowned out by the high pitched sound).

The woman who had been kissed by Darcy was looking at their hands, which were entwined and now bound with strings.

Sharon, who had ogling her soulmate's delectable ass was bewildered by the sudden piercing sound. She was familiar to Darcy's banshee like wail, having heard it twice before. The first time when she was selected for the school debate team and asked out by her crush on the same day and the second time when Bucky and Natasha had both asked her out.

Sharon's full attention was focused on Darcy now looking for the reason. Her eyes narrowed and zeroed on Darcy's hand. Darcy's hand which was tied to another by red strings. She cried out, 'STRINGS! OHMIGOD DARCY STRINGS!'

Sharon's speech, Darcy's shriek had caught the attention of the others, Natasha and Bucky who were on the other side of the house came running.

'What did we miss?' Bucky asked, 'Are you alright, doll?' Natasha was observing the woman closely.

Steve wanting to understand the situation, used his Captain America voice and said, 'Ok. Somebody explain.'

It didn't help the situation anyway as Sharon, Darcy and the woman started talking simultaneously.

'I kissed... She...And I..Strings?! But...'

'I have always longed but I never thought... I had given up hope...Norns, mother was right!'

'Darcyhasstringsandtheoldwomansatthefairhadsaidsomethingaboutstringsandpainandsoulmates!Ohmygod ohmygod! SoulmatesDarcystrings.'

Thor and Sif were trying to butt in too. Bruce had started practising deep breathing exercises. Finally, Jarvis had had enough or Pepper had enough and asked Jarvis to intervene. Jarvis cleared his virtual throat. 'AHEM. May I please have a moment to speak?'

Everyone hearing the normally amiable and well-mannered AI's annoyed voice quitened down. Jarvis continued, 'As I was saying to Capt. Rogers and Mr. Barton before Miss Darcy's shriek cancelled out my speakers, the woman is giving off a special signature quite similar to that of Loki. In fact it is a 80% match. I'm quite sure she is related to Loki, if indeed she is not Loki herself.'

'Why would Loki come as a girl? Can he even do that?' Tony asked bemused.

'I do what I want Stark.' the woman answered.

'Brother, did I not say that you should give yourself a chance to be happy.'

'Thor, you can say I told you so later to Loki. I know you rarely get the chance but we should call Queen Frigga.'

'Indeed, my lady Sif. You are correct. I'll call out for Heimdall immediately.'

'There is no need, Thor' Lady Loki interrupted.

Darcy spoke up. 'What do you mean? I want answers. Right now.'

'My lady Darcy, allow me to speak.'

'I am Loki, I believe that we are fated by the Norns. I have to call Mother to explain further because to my knowledge there has been no Midgardian who has been fated for the Aesir or the Jotuns as Midgardian lives are very short compared to either.' Loki explained.

Sharon who had been stunned into silence, now said, 'Darcy and I had gone for a schooltrip to a fair where we met an old woman who had said that we should be kind to our mates as they would be hurt. And said we will know and muttered something about strings.'

'Indeed, my child. You are correct.' Frigga appeared.

'Aesir, Jotuns and the inhabitants of other realms are connected to their soulmates by red strings. We call them the strings of fate. Midgardians have words instead of strings because there are too many of you spread over a very large area. It'd be very difficult for Midgardians to live when their soulmates far away as the strings remain until the bond is consummated. I can travel without Odin as Sif lives without Thor because the bonds were consummated.'

'Ah, I see. By consummation you mean physical relations' Clint piped up.

'I assume you mean the act of sexual congress when you say physical relations.' Frigga asked.

'Yes, ma'am. I mean , yes, Your Majesty.'

'Physical relations does not mean the act of intercourse or any related activities. Some people find the act not to their liking, maybe even distasteful, they are still happy and live with their soulmates. Moreover soulmates may be platonic or indeed be like Lady Jane whose soulmate is the Yggdrasil as she strives to understand its soul and body.'

'Your Highness, if I may how are the bonds completed or consummated?' Steve asked.

'Call me Frigga, dear one. A soulbond can be completed by marriage or by sexual congress or by physical relations.'

'Mother, how does this pertain to Loki and Lady Darcy?'

Darcy said, ' My Queen, what if one us does not want to do any of those things? We hardly know each other.'

'And yet you kissed Loki.' Frigga smirked. Tony could see where Loki got his.

'Mother! Lady Darcy is correct. We hardly know each other. And I can't hope that she will decide to give me a chance.' Loki said blushing.

'Aww! She's so cute when she blushes. Just adorable.' Darcy thought.

'Loki, don't forget that I can See. I do have the gift of foreknowledge and wisdom.'

'Both of you'll have to stay within six feet of each other for two moons, a month by Midgardian time I believe.'

'A month?'

'Tied like this?'

'It's impossible.'

'Silence! If you do not want to leave the rest of your days in agony, you've to comply with it. A bond between a Midgardian and a half Jotun is critical, you must build it, or you'll perish with the bond. In the meantime, I suggest you get to know each other.'

'Yes, Mother.' 'Yes, your highness.' They said chastised

'Dear ones, you've my blessings.' She kissed Thor and Loki on their cheeks.'

'Thank you, Mother.'

'Loki?'

'Yes, Mother?'

'Should I asked our seamstresses to make wedding costumes for my son or my daughter?'

Loki blinked. He had forgotten that he was still in his female form. He blushed and changed.

'I See.' Frigga smiled and disappeared.

'Okay, so that happened.' Darcy said to Loki.

'Yes', he replied smiling. 'Will you allow me to court you?'

She looked towards Sharon who was blinking back tears. Clint had a stupid grin on his face. Thor was giving her the puppy dog eyes. Others were smiling.

'Doll, if he gives you cause to leave or hurts you, you can come to us. Me and Natasha, we're there for you. For anything.' Bucky said gruffly, 'If it doesn't work out, remember that you're not alone. Give us a call.'

'Anything at all.' Natasha said winking.

'Huh.' Tony said, 'How about that? Pepper did you see the ex-Soviet Spysassins propositioning Darcy in front of her soulmate? Did you know? Pep I'll make a suit for you, if they try to act fresh or anything, you can fly away to me or blast them to pieces or... what am I saying... I will boot you out. Both of you will be booted out by me or Jarvis or Brucie-poo will Hulk smash you or ...

'Tony!'

'Yes, dear.'

'Shut up.'