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Chapter 4

A week and a half had passed since Kaia had boarded the big plane, and she was getting very tired of the cramped space. She wanted to feel the sun on her hair and the wind against her face instead of being cooped up in a stuffy airplane. She could tell that Loki felt the same. He did an unusual amount of walking, and almost always alone.

She was interrupted in her musings when she'd heard the announcement that she and Loki were to come to the Director's office. She quickly made her way down a long narrow hall, and into a surprisingly spacious room where the intimidating man was sitting behind a large mahogany desk.

Kaia had just sat down when the door flew open, and Loki came stalking in. He wasn't afraid of the one-eyed man, but she certainly was. However, there were very few people that she wasn't afraid of. She watched as he plopped down into the overstuffed chair beside her and stared straight ahead.

"I've asked you both hear this morning because we've finally found a more permanent arrangement for you", the director boomed.

Kaia began to squirm in her chair with nervous excitement. Maybe she was going to finally get off of this plane!

"I've spoken to Tony Stark and he has agreed to allow you to move in to Stark tower. This was contingent upon Thor moving in along with you, and thankfully he has agreed. We will land sometime tomorrow and you will both be transported to Stark Tower."

With that he dismissed them. Kaia looked over at Loki to see an odd expression on his face.

"What is it?"

"The last time I was there was under less than desirable circumstances and I don't know how well I will be received", he said quietly.

"Maybe they were able to put the past behind them", she said with a small smile.

She watched as he nodded before walking on ahead of her and disappearing into his room. She found that after their discussion, his apprehension had worn off on her. Kaia worried that neither of them would be welcome at their new home, and this terrified her. She only hoped that these Avengers were an understanding people.

At Stark Tower, Tony had a problem. He'd just gotten off the phone with Fury and now he had to tell his team about their coming guests. He dreaded the conversation and the angry outburst that was sure to follow. He made his way slowly to the elevator just outside his lab, and pressed the button for his and Pepper's floor.

When the doors opened, it was just as he'd expected. Nearly everyone was sitting either at the table or on the couch watching TV. He smiled when he saw Pepper making her way towards him in her favorite pair of cut off shorts.

"What's up? You look like you've been sucking on a lemon", she said playfully.

"You'll know soon enough", he said clearing his throat before speaking to the room at large, "I have an announcement to make, and you're not going to like it."

After the groans and whines died down he contented, "I just got off the phone with Fury, and he asked that we babysit a few of his assets for a while."

Natasha rolled her eyes, "Spill it Stark, stop beating around the bush."

Tony sighed, "Fine, but don't shoot the messenger. He wants us to look after that Asgardian woman you and Steve found a few weeks back and a certain Asgardian mischief maker."

At this the whole room erupted. Natasha was on her feet pacing beside the kitchen table, while Steve and Bruce sat on the couch with their mouths hanging open.

"You'd better be glad Clint and Cassie are still on their honeymoon or you'd have a real fight on your hands", Tasha growled.

"Look, I know you're all upset but we were the most logical choice. Who better to keep an eye on Loki than the individuals who recently kicked his butt."

"I think I'd better take a nice long vacation. We don't want the big guy getting riled up and taking out half the tower", Bruce said quietly.

"You do whatever you think is best", Pepper said with a smile.

They watched the other man leave, before discussing the next big issue.

"Ok, when do Clint and Cassie get back. I really don't think this is something to just spring on someone", Tony said with a humorless laugh.

"Cassie called me last night and said they would be back sometime in the middle of next week", Pepper said.

"Ok, Pepper you call Cassie the day before they get back and fill her in. If there's anyone who can prepare Clint for this it's her."

"Will do, boss", Pepper said with a grin.

"Steve, you and Nat are going to be on Loki duty. We cant' let him out of our sight. I'll figure out a special program to keep track of him and get JARVIS updated sometime this afternoon."

Tony watched as Steve nodded seriously and Natasha again rolled her eyes. This was going to be a rough couple of weeks.

Kaia sat quietly in her seat, the belt fastened across her middle and watched as the ground rose up to meet them. The time had finally come to embark on the journey to their new home. Across the isle, Loki sat still and she noticed that his hands were tightly gripping the armrests. Whatever happened between him and the Avengers it couldn't have been good.

Once the plane rolled to a stop, Kaia unbuckled her seat belt and followed Loki and Thor to the cargo bay. The large door lay open, and a black SUV sat waiting for them. They all three got in, and silently sat through the whole ride to Stark Tower.

When they reached their destination, Kaia stared up at the enormous building. She'd never seen anything so large in her life. She quickly followed the two men as they walked through a pair of glass doors and entered an elevator. Beside her, she could hear the shuffling of Loki's feet as he shifted from one foot to the other. She gently reached out and grasped his hand. His surprised glance was the only reaction he gave.

Soon the metal doors slid open revealing a room of four people. They entered, and Thor was immediately greeted by all of them. She and Loki stood off to one side waiting for whatever lay ahead. To her surprise, she recognized them as the people who'd saved her from that terrible Dr. Wright.

She smiled as the group turned to her.

"Kaia, it's good to see you again", the blond man said with a smile.

She nodded and returned the smile before noticing the way they all looked at Loki. Their stares were icy, and no one spoke. She gave his hand a gentle squeeze before addressing their hosts.

"Where will we be staying? I'm afraid I'm very tired and would like to lay down if I may", she said politely.

In a flash they were being led up a flight of stairs, and to their rooms. Kaia entered her's, looked around for and then went in search of Loki. Thankfully he'd been looking for her too, and they met out in the hall. She pulled him into her room, and then sat down on the bed.

"Alright, you must tell me why these people detest you so. What have you done to warrant such animosity?"

"It is a long story, but I will tell you all."

For the next hour Loki told her of the Battle of NewYork and what part he'd played.

"Oh Loki, how could you have done those things?"

"I had just found out that I was adopted and for what purpose. I need a place to call mine, so I decided to conquer Midgard."

"You must show them that you are not a threat", she said quietly.

"I will do my best", he said with a small smile.

"I was not lying about being tired, so I will retire now. I will see you on the morrow. Goodnight Loki."

"Goodnight, Kaia", he said as he made his way to her door, "Thank you."

"For what?'

"For not changing the way you see me after hearing of all the terrible things I've done."

"Someday you will see your potential for good, but for now I will see it for you", she said with a smile.

With that Loki went to find his own bed, not sure how to feel about the woman who clearly saw something in him that he couldn't.

Thanks for reading! Please review and tell me what you think! :)