oOo

Chapter 4 – In Residence

Midgard/Earth: Present Day

Unable to rid his mind off his little Brother, Thor gazed at the sunset darkening the city from the roof of Jane's apartment. To this day, regrets often plagued his already troubled mind. Too lost was he in his grief that he failed to hear Jane approach from behind.

"You've been here for hours."

Unsurprised by her presence, Thor's eyes deepened with sorrow. He knew he had to face her sooner or later.

"You've been avoiding me."

"Nay," Thor spoke lightly. "I do not avoid you."

"You try." She joked.

He bitterly laughed, "I was never good with words, Jane. It was my brother's forte." He said as he trailed off to silence.

"It's long overdue, Thor."

"Forgive me."

"I don't understand." Jane took a deep breath. "It's nearly been a year after Malekith… after that stupid war… that you told me you had to take care of something. You said you wouldn't return until you fixed it. I let you go. You left me picking up the pieces, waiting… But now, you're here. For two days, you act like we don't know each other."

Thor remained silent, fearful of what she had prepared to say.

"Did I do something wrong?" Jane asked. "Am I getting in the way like I did with that Infinity stone or—"

"It is not you."

"What?"

"Never would your actions be it in ignorance, be wrong in my eyes," Thor muttered quietly. "You have been nothing but kind and patient with me."

"Then what is it?"

"A year ago in Asgard during Loki's imprisonment," Thor paused, unable to continue.

"I don't understand what he has to do with us."

"It has every reason to do with us."

"Why?"

"I love you, Jane." Thor voiced. "But I cannot put you in harm's way from the dangers my world possesses. I spoke when I left that I would right things when I returned, yet it is not easy to decide our fate when I cannot find the words to say."

Jane lowered her gaze in guilt.

"My life and my world is too great a risk for you," Thor whispered. "When you came with me to Asgard, I nearly lost you. I lost my Mother and—"

"Do you blame me?"

"Nay."

"What about Loki?" She asked. "Do you blame him?"

Thor stood quietly.

"You do."

"Nay," He shook his head. "Loki confessed that he pointed the direction to the staircase to our enemy. I was furious, but I cannot bring myself to blame him. He never intended for her to get hurt. Loki's target was not her."

"But if he hadn't—"

"If I blame him, the same blame would fall to you." The words caught Jane off guard as Thor turned his blue eyes at her. Thor did his best to explain. "Forgive me, but I cannot let you accuse him. Loki was confused, none would speak to him. His mischief allowed someone to visit him. In his actions, no matter how obscure his reasoning was, he regrets it."

"So you set him free."

"Free is not the term I would use." Thor frowned. "Loki is still bound to Asgard and is under our laws."

"Then what happens now?"

"Loki does."

"I'm not following you, Thor." Jane grimaced at Thor's avoidance.

"You are much alike." He cautiously replied.

"Excuse me?"

"I am not doing this to compare you to each other, but you are curious and knowledgeable, and fascinated with objects you cannot understand. Mayhaps that is why I grew accustomed to your presence so quickly for I felt comfort from you. The same comfort Loki offered me all these years."

Jane couldn't believe what she was hearing.

Was Thor serious?

"My brother was passionate in his studies," Thor paused, his hands trembled. "You, Jane, study the stars, the Bifrost, Shield, and the dimensions, you love what you do. And I am grateful to have been part of that—"

"You're not doing this," Jane chuckled.

"Forgive me, Jane."

"This isn't fair."

"For centuries," Thor continued. "Loki looked after me as you did on my time here on Midgard. Though he attempted to change me, he failed, where you succeeded."

"You did that on your own," Jane rebuked.

"Nay, not on my own, it took that punishment from my Father to realize that mistake. And I was selfish not to see how much it pained my brother."

"I know you love Loki, Thor." She frowned. "But I don't get how that even concerns me."

Jane scoffed at the thought.

"Really, I don't get it," She crossed her arms.

"I do this to protect you."

"But I'm safe here—"

"Not anymore," Thor sighed and took her hand. "I cannot lose more people, Jane. I've already lost my Mother, and I am so close to losing my Father. I will never forgive myself or anyone if I were to lose my own brother as well. Loki had sacrificed enough already. If it meant putting aside our relationship to bring back what Loki and I had, then I would gladly do so."

"I can wait," Jane insisted. "This all just needs to die down and we'll be fine again."

"For how long can I keep you waiting?" Thor mumbled. "I can live for a few millennia more. You deserve better, Jane."

"It can't end like this."

"But it has to," Thor squeezed her hand affectionately. "It has to end."


oOo

"Do you have the time?"

"Depends on what part of my time you want," Tony smirked as he stopped tinkering with his suit and placed all of the tools on the table. "If you want to talk, I'm all down for that."

"You don't look busy."

"Not really."

"That's good, I need you to—"

"Did you do something with your hair? You look oddly sparkly and dressed up for work today. Are you going somewhere?"

"Unlike you," Pepper smiled. "I'm busy."

"Need a day off?" Tony grinned. "I can give you one."

"Thanks, but no thanks."

Pepper gave him a paper to sign, which Tony reluctantly took and signed without care before handing it over to a serious looking Pepper. They stared at each other before Tony broke contact and sighed.

"What?"

"You just signed an agreement to auction most of the museum items under your name. That auction is the day after tomorrow. We're being sponsored by Richardson's. You just agreed to sell great pieces from your collection that you bought and never used or cared for."

"All I heard is the word auction," Tony said. "I'm not interested. Money is money, Pep."

"Come on, get up."

"What?" Tony pouted. "You never said anything about getting up."

"I'm saying it now," Pepper crossed her arms. "You signed the agreement, now we're going down to the basement to check up on the things we want to sell."

"You tricked me!"

"It's all prepared for when you decide to sell them or not."

"You handed that paper because you knew I wouldn't look at it," Tony frowned at the betrayal. "That hurts, Pep."

"Tony, I'm not joking around." Her lips thinned. "You need to tell me what you want to sell and what you want to keep for yourself."

"Sell them all," Tony waved a hand at her. "It's more money for me anyways."

"Anthony Edward Stark."

"But you've done this before!" He whined. "Can't you just pick which one you like and then sell the rest? You can keep it if—" He paused when he saw Pepper frown. "Fine, you win, but you have to buy me breakfast afterwards."

"Coming from a rich man, you're pretty cheap."

"You tricked me, so it's on you."

Tony pushed himself off the chair and followed Pepper down the basement.


oOo

"How is he?"

"His appearance is well, but the same cannot be said for his mind." Heimdall answered as he stood at the observatory.

Odin sighed, "What is he doing now?"

"He watches the training ground from the tower two floors high."

"Is he alone?"

"He speaks to Muninn."

"Good," Odin nodded. "At least one of my ravens is watching him."

"I do not think it is enough, my King." Heimdall voiced. "He speaks of his mother when he thinks none listens. It happens often. He misses her greatly."

"We all do."

"Not as much as he."

"He will learn to live with it," Odin bitterly said. "He refuses to heal therefore he is helpless and hopeless."

"The healers have done what they can for him in body, but never in mind." Heimdall grimaced. "They will never be able to repair such damage to his memories."

"He will recover," Odin turned away to look at the stars. "Keep Loki under your gaze to make sure he does nothing foolish without my knowledge. The boy's own worst enemy is himself."

"Aye."

"What of Thor?"

"He is in deep conversation with the mortal." Heimdall grimaced. "Tears are involved."

"It was long overdue," Odin took a deep breath. "It needed to end. She was a distraction to his duties." They remained silent for a while, enjoying the beauty of the stars, until Odin asked, "Do you see any danger?"

"Nay, my eyes see no threat."

"Alert me if anything changes."

Odin left the observatory towards the Bifrost Bridge where Sleipnir waited for him. Huginn swooped down and perched himself on the All-Father's shoulders. Odin turned a weary concerned look at the raven who squawked enthusiastically.

"He is not up to mischief, is he?"

The raven shook its head.

"Good," Odin sat himself upon Sleipnir and galloped towards the city. "Watch over him, Huginn." He ordered. "Keep Loki out of trouble."

With that, the Huginn flew away.


oOo

"I don't like it in here." Tony grimaced as they walked around the basement.

"We'll be quick."

"Damn it, Pep." He whined. "Sell it all."

"Are you sure that nothing finds your interest?"

"Does this face look like it gives a damn?" Tony made a face that didn't amuse Pepper at all.

"Just look around a little bit," Pepper insisted as she looked at the other men handling the items. "I'll be right back, try not to break anything."

"Pepper!"

Tony was left on his own as he awkwardly stood there surrounded with nothing but museum worthy items. He wasn't even sure when or where he bought all these items, but he never really cared about their value. He looked at Pepper who was making the guys sign things and found himself getting bored by the minute. He sighed, and began to walk around, figuring that there wasn't any use staying in one place.

It felt like hours to Tony.

Ready to head back to Pepper, he found something glinting in the corner.

Curious, Tony decided to move around the items to get to the piece he wanted to look at. He picked up the object and pulled it from where it was caught. He held it high and admired its beauty. Although there was a crack, it was wonderfully made.

"What do you have there?"

Tony jumped and spun around to face Pepper.

"Geez," He barked. "Warn a guy next time, will you?"

"I didn't think you were interested in jewelry."

"I'm not," Tony argued. "But it's nice."

It was a teardrop shaped crystal pendant with black and gold patterns wrapping the tip and lacing itself neatly towards the chain. Its blue hue matched perfectly with the black and gold design. Tony seemed mesmerized by it. There was a crack and Tony seemed drawn to it. He could have sworn he saw something move inside of it.

"Do you want to keep it?"

"Eh, why not?" Tony pocketed the item and stared at her. "What? You wanted me to pick something to keep."

"There's history in there."

"Boring."

"Only you would find something ancient, boring."

"People find anything that's old, boring." Tony whined and shifted his feet.

"What's wrong?"

"Can I go now?"

Pepper sighed, "Only you, Tony. Only you…"


oOo

"What are you staring at, Fandral?" Sif questioned.

"Come now, Fandral." Volstagg intervened. "Do not be distracted, we have warriors to train."

"He has reason," Hogun looked up.

"I am very concerned, my friends." Fandral scowled and crossed his arms.

"With what?" Sif scoffed. "Are you concerned that Thor is not here to fulfill his duties, because I for one agree."

"No, Lady Sif." He sighed and pointed. "I am concerned with our dear young Prince."

The warriors looked up to see Loki sitting on one of the large open window of the lookout tower. His legs dangled over the edge as he kicked them one over the other. He seemed deep in thought as he looked beyond the borders. Loki wore casual clothing and was rarely seen in his armor. He wore a light green tunic and a brown vest like cloak that was secured with a belt and black pants. He also had his boots on.

"Are you concerned he will jump?"

"Aye, Lady Sif." Fandral nodded. "I am prepared to catch him should he attempt the act."

"So that is why you've been standing on the same spot," Volstagg had wondered. "Clever."

"Thank you, my giant friend."

"What makes you think he will jump?" Sif raised an eyebrow.

"Circumstances may say otherwise. Best be prepared than to watch helplessly as he falls."

Everyone else agreed.


oOo

"Figures I am not trusted to be alone," Loki complained as he sat with Muninn.

He kicked his legs over the other as he hummed a sweet lullaby Frigga used to sing to him when they were children. Loki continued this for a while until a memory surfaced in his mind, causing him to stop and contemplate. Muninn turned to him with a confused look.

"I suppose the All-Father needs his peace."

The raven tilted its head and tried to look at where Loki was staring at.

"I do not have any schemes," He mumbled. "Not anymore."

Loki eyed the cruel beauty of Asgard, yet in his eyes the darkness overpowered it. Sensing something from below, Loki looked down to see Fandral waving at him. The others looked at him strangely and turned their gaze to Loki. Caught off guard, Loki shyly turned away. He couldn't bear to have them judge him on how pitiful he was. Although he couldn't blame them. Loki had thought of suicide before, and it wasn't just a quick idea of escape.

It had been real.

He had thought of it many times, yet he always faltered to finish it. Numerous times, he was given the chance to be alone to do what everyone else wanted to do. To kill himself… yet Loki would always hesitate. He would always stop.

Three years since New York.

Three and half, since his fall from the Bifrost.

And a year since Frigga's death.

One would have thought the years would be forgotten, but it only dug itself deeper into Loki's sub-conscious. Guilt wrapped and tore at his defenses like a disease. It simply ate him up on the inside. Who knew that learning the truth would destroy the life he had? He wasn't sure if it was for the better, or for the worst.

"Ow!" Loki pulled his hand away. "What are you doing?"

Muninn had pecked him.

"I have no malicious intent." His lips thinned. "What mischief could I possibly make?"

Muninn jumped and fanned his wings threateningly in complaint. Loki grumbled and silently wished to strangle the life out of the raven for its mockery. Loki tiredly lifted his arm and pulled the green sleeves down to his elbows.

"There," Loki wriggled his wrists. "No magic. No Seidr."

Muninn stared at the golden bracelet locked on Loki's wrists. It wasn't the bracelet itself that caught his eyes, but the angry marks underneath. Fresh angry red marks… The marks looked as if they were scratched raw. Several faded bruises on the arm as well were visible and looked as if it was tampered with.

"Heavy runes," Loki mocked.

Muninn stared.

"Carved, weaved, and locked by the power of the All-Father." He whispered. "Nearly unbreakable, therefore I am useless and powerless. Would you like one as well?" He offered.

Muninn squawked.

"Are you satisfied, flesh eater?"

The raven shook its head and flew away, leaving Loki alone with his thoughts. He dropped his hand and stared at Muninn's fading form. Unaware, Loki had begun to claw underneath the golden bracelets, drawing fresh blood.

"I know where I stand," He mumbled. "I know my mistakes."

Loki dropped his head, unintentionally looking at Fandral's way. Once more, the annoying charmer had caught his eye. Loki flushed in embarrassment and looked away.

It was so easy to throw himself over the edge.

Be it a short distance, the fall won't kill him, yet it would be enough to dull some of his senses. Loki sighed as the trail of horrid thoughts continued to flow in his mind with different ways to end his life without worrying anyone, especially Thor.

But his brooding was put to an end when he felt an energy spike.

It jolted his body from his horrid induced trance. It was strong and unyielding, dark and invigorating, yet terrifyingly familiar, for he swore he heard a single word uttered from it. He couldn't recall, but he knew he had heard it before. The voice was dark and foreboding and every inch of power.

"Norns," Loki tilted his head.

At the outskirts of Asgard just beyond the large gate and wall, was a thick smoke coming from the mountains just past the Skallagrim pass towards Nidavellir.

"T-that's odd." He stood up.

All of a sudden, Loki felt extremely dizzy and heavy.

Home.

It called for home.

"I do not understand." Loki breathed.


oOo

Tony eyed the pendant dangling from his fingers. He pointed it at the light numerous times, yet he couldn't get the same reaction he did before. The blue hue had turned black, he knew it. It was ink like, something he couldn't explain fully. Like ink put in water, but this was flexible, easily manipulated, like a solid-liquid type thing. Tony just couldn't put his fingers on it.

He wasn't sure why he took the pendant.

But he was glad he did.

Before he left Pepper to her work, she had constantly lectured him about taking care of the historical piece. Tony practically tuned her out with all the boring stuff. All he got was the history of two traders finding it then selling it and basically more trading and whatever they did in the old days. He didn't really care. All he knew was that, Pepper would kill him if he lost or destroyed such a valuable object.

Valuable wasn't really the word Tony would use, since he bought it in the first place, but oh well. It looked pretty as a decoration or ornament than an accessory anyway. And there was something off about the way it seemed.

Safe to say, Tony didn't just go for the looks…

"Don't worry, buddy." He muttered as he thumbed the crack. "Once I'm done with you, you'll be good as new."

He put it in the light and saw a quick change of colors, from blue to black and blue again.

"What the hell was that?"

He brought it close to his face and tried to put it in the light again, this time, closer. But it didn't happen again. Tony swore there was something with this pendant that he couldn't put his finger on. It was so strange. He would need to experiment on the thing. He had always been curious at heart, so why not do a little testing on a harmless little trinket?

"Sir, Miss Potts is waiting."

"Oh yeah, breakfast." Tony felt his stomach growl. "Close up shop, Jarv."

"Of course, Sir."

Tony threw the object and caught it, neatly placing it on a small glass cube casing on the table.

"I'll have Jarvis check you later," He muttered to himself as he left. "Damn auction. At least its staying nice and cozy in its new home."

Home…