Hello Everyone!

So sorry for such the long wait for the next installment. I had a lot of plot to consider and reconsider. There were plenty of ideas in my head to choose from, so it was taking me awhile to brainstorm, not to mention OTHER ideas I had for other fics I've started. I got my work cut out for me I guess. Anywho, I hope you enjoy this one! It was fun to write. Sorry this chapter is probably the shortest one I've done, but not to worry. I will blast on all four cylinders for the next wave.

Just FYI to any new viewers, I do not own Marvel or the any of the MCU characters. (sorry if I have forgotten to mention that from earlier chapters) Please enjoy!

TheChampion04

Just A Little Too Late

Standing watch inside the chamber to the golden Portal of the Asgardian Realm, Heimdal had caught a glimpse of a disturbance on Midgard. Much to his sudden sense of urgent concern, his face bore no signs of discontent or worry for Ms. Foster who he had sworn to look after at the request of Thor as a personal guardian. He hadn't seen what was causing the disruption, but she was restless, and the atmosphere around her seemed untamed by a force that had unsettled his mind. The Guardian was overly concerned and watchful as he could do nothing but keep a keener eye on her. She seemed to be in great peril towards the dark figure that had disrupted her perception, but there was another guarding presence around her that seemed eager to keep her safe from the danger that lurked there. He could not see who or what was protecting her, and neither did he know how anyone on Midgard could've kept her from such a malevolent force from doing her harm unless they were powerful enough to do so. He knew little about the Avengers who The God of Thunder had fought alongside, and Thor had left some time ago to Svartalfheim in search of answers to see what had actually happened to Maliketh which made Heimdal curious as to who was standing by Jane's bedside. This was a mystery to him and something he needed to address to Thor right away upon Odinson's return.

Suddenly a thought struck the Guardian as he tried with all of his efforts to ponder; wondering if what he was insinuating could be true. Could the entity in Jane's room be someone else he knew; someone he knew he could not see? This brief realization had startled him, as he mouthed the Trickster's name.

"Loki."

The morning was bleak, and Jane laid flat on her stomach, huddling deep beneath her blankets, using them as a makeshift cave, and not feeling the need to get out of it to welcome the day. She hadn't suffered any nightmares the night before only because she couldn't stop tossing and turning after Loki had left her. She was positive that the decision to end things with the Trickster was the right one, but her heart seemed to be arguing with her, kept nagging the back of her mind, and telling her she made the wrong choice.

"But how is that possible?" Jane asked herself repeatedly all evening.

Thor was the one who had captivated her from the very beginning, and there was no doubt that they had shared a close bond, and Jane couldn't help but feel that maybe their connection was destined, as if some unknown power in the Universe had brought them together. He was perfect, and everything she could ever describe as Godly—no pun intended, and he was everything she could have ever wanted in a companion, or someone she could picture remaining in her life for a very long time. That was until another God had stumbled into her life when she began to question her relationship with The God of Thunder, wondering if she was wrong to have assumed such things about the evil brother she was supposed to despise and fear. Jane couldn't stop asking herself all these questions and had about enough of the endless pondering. Nothing seemed to matter anyway now that Loki was out of the picture. She was finding this all too redundant.

"Maybe I'm just not fit to be with any Asgardian. Hell, they're royalty for God's sakes!" Jane discouraged herself by shoving her face deep into her pillow, coiling into a fetal position, and trying to get some rest.

Just when Jane was starting to doze off, the sounds of keys rattled the lock to the front door, but Jane was falling too fast to notice. Finally the rustling of feet caught Jane's attention as she sprang from the bed. Hope had filled her chest with emotions as she couldn't help but wonder if Loki had come back after their little argument. Without a second thought or understanding of such irrational behavior, she said his name with excitement, and her feet took off into the hallway to greet the God with the warmest and most anxious of welcomes. She was prepared to tell him anything to call a truce and that she didn't mean what she said to him the night before. However, her anticipated smile was wiped clean when she saw Eric standing by the front door, taking his scarf off, and noticing Jane's disappointment. Confusion was written all over his face and forgot about how eager she was to see him.

"Sorry Jane, I'm not your God of Thunder, but it's nice to see you too," Eric badgered with a hint of sarcasm.

"I'm sorry Eric," she apologized and ran a hand through her hair in frustration and finding it ridiculous that Eric hadn't suspected her disappointment was to an enemy that he had no problems thinking was dead. Jane dropped her head down feeling foolish, kicking herself for thinking that Loki had come back for her, and even more for thinking about Loki's return at all instead of Thor's which seemed to aggravate her.

"Christ Jane, you look like hell just paid you a visit," Ironically speaking, Eric had been looking out for Jane almost her entire life, enough to know that her much needed vacation was not well spent, "What happened to you?"

His concern for her was always genuine, but Jane didn't have the stomach to tell him the truth that the God that had tormented his mind had been alive the entire time and that he showed up to see her and that they both had nearly made the most regrettable mistake of sleeping together, which Jane was starting to wonder if deciding not to was the bigger one. Better that Eric didn't know, so she lied, "I had bad shrimp last night."

Eric gave her a sympathetic smirk and placed a hand on her shoulder, "Well, maybe you should go back to bed and get some rest," Jane couldn't help but allow her eyes to water, which Eric saw in an instant, "Hey, are you sure you're okay; I mean, aside from the stomach thing?" He asked.

"I'm just happy to see you?" She smiled and gave her mentor the most massive of hugs.

Eric couldn't help return Jane's embrace, unable to remember the last time she had given him one, yet he was still unconvinced that her condition was because of some spoiled shellfish. Something else was bothering her, but Eric was practically her father, and he knew his protégé well enough not to push the matter any further. Time would allow her to open up eventually, and he figured she was only killing herself by waiting for Thor to show up. It was moments seeing her like this when he wished Jane was still that same excitable child he used to know, who played with astrology kits when she was three years old, and wished she hadn't gotten involved with the Norse God in the first place. He was the son of Odin; it seemed almost impossible that the two of them had gotten as close as they had, or could even maintain any sort of "long distance" relationship; and that was understating things drastically. Eric wanted to punch himself for thinking their companionship wasn't worth the fight, but it was difficult for Eric to have to witness Jane suffer from being so far away from him after everything that had happened to her. She was fortunate she had him and Darcy to turn to.

Jane let go of Eric, wiped the tears from her eyes, and saw as her mentor was eager to figure out what was truly troubling her. She couldn't even begin to explain her nightmares of being tortured by some ornately dressed purple humanoid creature. She had no idea who it was or why she kept seeing the figure looming over her as he beleaguered her dreams. Loki had been the only one who seemed to have had any insight, but before she could hear him out she pushed him away; losing all hope in finding the cause to her insanity. Jane felt incredibly helpless, unable to explain to Eric all that had been happening to her; that Loki was definitely not dead, and had nearly confessed feelings for her that were completely out of left field. She couldn't comprehend the reasons behind the God's feelings, but she was the last to deny that she didn't harbor similar affections in return, especially after all he had done for her that Eric was unaware of. Even if Jane were to tell Eric all that had happened between them, would he believe her, or would he find excuses to make them more of Loki's hidden agendas? In order to keep herself sane for the time being, she looked at Eric with a reassuring grin.

"You're probably right; I think I just need more rest," Jane complied.

"You do that. I'm just here to set a few things down; I need to head downtown to my office to get some business in order. S.H.I.E.L.D has requested you to head back to America as soon as possible, but I won't trouble you with all that right now," Eric assured.

"Sounds fun," She said sarcastically seeing as how much she loathed S.H.I.E.L.D, but flinched as if forgetting something, "By the way, where's Darcy? Did she come back with you?" Jane asked.

"I'm afraid not, but she is perfectly safe back in New York and helping Mr. Stark and Dr. Banner at the Avengers Tower, she gave me this letter to give to you," He fished out a tiny envelope from his hound's-tooth jacket he had hung on the coat rack, and then handed it to Jane, "You can read it whenever you feel like it."

"Thank you. Wow, Stark and Banner are reviewing my work; that's—that's actually quite fascinating and flattering," Jane's tone was almost regretful and took the note politely, but feeling a bit disappointed that Darcy had stayed behind. She kind of missed the annoying political science student, even though she had turned into more of a little sister/assistant than an intern. What she would give for Darcy's advice on her situation with Loki; she would know exactly what to do during a time like this.

"You'll be alright by yourself? Do you need me to pick up anything while I'm out?" Eric asked; beginning to get overprotective and paternal.

"No thank you Eric, I'll be fine, really," she turned him around, shoved him back towards the front door, and handed him back his jacket.

"Alright Jane, but if you change your mind, just text me," Eric left before he could really settle, not sure why Jane was so quick for him to head back out so soon, but paid it little mind and left.

Jane took a few deep breaths, not sure as to why she was so eager for him to leave, but somehow found herself slightly hoping Loki would show up any minute. However, after Eric had left, hours went by and Loki had yet to return to her.

Loki was relieved to find that no one on Asgard had figured out that he had been fooling everyone. The realm was at rest this night and fortunately the Allfather decoy had held up long enough for him to return after seeing Jane. Jane; the scientist who had suddenly invaded his heart and soul was left behind for their own good. He had convinced himself it was the only way of riding himself of his fascination towards her and the Trickster was certain he didn't need any more of these feelings in his life. Yet, her name was burned in his brain, and rattling his thoughts with the memories of their avid last encounter that neither of them had expected. The fact that she was still desperate for help was as tormenting as knowing he refused to help her. She forbade anything from happening, and Loki merely followed her command as if his desires meant nothing. She never judged him of his wrongdoings, but still negated any of his advances. It angered him to have felt so rejected by her, and was all too eager to leave her behind. Now, he felt empty; knowing all he had done for her and the time he spent trying to aid her suffering seemed to have been in vain. There were still her nightmares to consider; and something or someone was most definitely after her.

What was it that constantly martyred her mind? Loki had experience with such torment, but didn't want to begin to believe that something so vicious could want anything to do with a mortal like Jane Foster. But she wasn't as simple as that, was she? Jane seemed restless and weary; desperate to rid herself of the nightmares she suffered, and wanting so badly for someone to care for her and protect her. Loki made his attempts known, but to even associate himself with the mortal was a risk he was not yet willing to take; not after all he had lost with his of his own family.

Loki had once again assumed position on the throne where he sat in contemplation. The Trickster continued to pose as Odin in efforts to buy him more time to discern his next course of action. He thought about confronting Thor once more, but his brother had not yet returned from his inspections on Svartalfheim. As Loki continued his efforts on how to help Jane, Heimdal quickly appeared, and entered the throne room. The God of Mischief sat up regally before the Guardian of Asgard, not very much appreciating the sudden intrusion on his train of thought, but Loki knew it was necessary to keep his guard up on occasions such as these, not just for his sake anymore, but for Jane's. Again, this realization made him restless, but attempted to conceal his uncertainties.

"My apologies for intruding, Allfather," Heimdal greeted nonchalantly, and took quick strides towards the throne as if he was eager to address something.

"Nonsense Heimdal; seeing you outside your post typically indicates that something is of much importance. Please come forward," Loki's act was flawless, but Heimdal hadn't bought into it and hid it well beneath his uncompromising façade.

"I've come to address a disturbance," Loki didn't seem struck by shock, and allowed Heimdal to continue, "It concerns Ms. Foster."

Heimdal's mentioning of his little scientist struck a chord which grabbed the Trickster's full attention, and probably more than he intended, for the Guardian tilted his head slightly in miniscule suspicion; knowing the Allfather would not have reacted in such a way. Loki's nerves began to reverberate with anxiety, hoping none of his insecurities was projecting through his camouflage. The imposter leaned to one side, trying with all his efforts to not seem distressed over Jane on the surface. Heimdal almost wanted to grin with satisfaction of seeing the Trickster for the first time it seemed. He didn't have to see Loki with his eyes, for all he had to do was be aware out of instinct. Now they both were caught in a duel to see who could out-bluff the other; to the victor go the spoils, but someone needed to provide Jane with the help she needed whether it be from Loki, Thor, the Allfather or anyone else equally as capable.

"Shouldn't you postpone your concerns until Thor's return from Svartalfheim?" The Trickster insinuated from behind Odin's face.

"I have seen Thor, and he is no longer on Svartalfheim, but has taken Lady Sif and the Warriors three to Y, which only tells me he has found no remnants of Maliketh, but is not convinced that he is as truly dead like we had thought," Heimdal placed an emphasis on the word "dead", but the true insinuation had passed over Loki's head. Heimdal was surprised the Trickster hadn't seen right through the vague accusation, and watched as the so-called Allfather looked away in deep thought which gave Heimdal the window of opportunity to call him out, "And neither are you; God of Mischief," his tone was conniving and slightly mocking which was so out of character for the Watchmen that even Heimdal seemed unexpectedly impressed with himself. The accusation was bold and an act of treason had he been wrong, but the look on the Allfather's face was truly the indication that Loki was the one hiding behind the Odin mask.

Loki always found it amusing when anyone could discover when he was being deceiving. Heimdal was the all-seeing of Asgard, the only other Asgardian to see through his tricks was his Mother, and Loki suddenly looked sullen from the thought of Frigga. He shot Heimdal a look of fiendish glee at first, letting out a convincing cackle, but then turned to his all too familiar harshness. Loki was rigid, ready to attack to defend himself, and preparing for the worst. But Heimdal hadn't moved in on him, nor did he try to intervene with threats. Instead, the Guardian stood intimidatingly severe and Loki became unsettled at what Heimdal intended to do with his new discovery.

"You really ought to find a new trick; this act of yours is getting rather old, wouldn't you agree?" Heimdal mocked.

His cover was blown, and Loki felt comfortable enough to finally materialize into his true shape, revealing his lustrous armor of gold and green, "I suppose wearing Odin as a costume is no longer necessary. So tell me Heimdal; how did you find out?"

Heimdal grimaced at the Trickster, "It wasn't that difficult. I've been keeping my eye on Jane for quite some time, and once I saw something had been in her presence that I couldn't actually see at all, naturally that led me to believe that it was you," He motioned to Loki as if presenting him to observers.

Heimdal still had yet to engage in his arrest, and Loki couldn't help but find his behavior peculiar. Why wasn't he shouting for his apprehension or attacking him? Loki was not convinced by the unpredictable behavior Heimdal was projecting, and needed to keep his guard up, "My reputation precedes me; inconveniently enough."

Heimdal looked Loki over, knowing something was definitely wrong, but the problem wasn't with the trickster; it was with Jane. It was the uncertainty in the villain's eyes that led him to question his integrity and his intentions, and clearly he was after Jane. Yet, Loki revealing himself to him meant something was surly wrong; he wouldn't have done so if he didn't have a purpose for it, Heimdal knew Loki well enough to decode his usual patterns. Heimdal had little options, and couldn't simply play the narc. He needed to be tactful, and Thor needed to be notified when the time was right. For now, he needed to let Loki know he could trust in the Asgardian Keeper.

"Ms. Foster is in need of help; she's in trouble Loki," Heimdal wanted to skip the petty informalities or feed into Loki's ego. He was the only God in Asgard who could help her even if it was a risk. Especially if something much darker than Loki could ever be.

Loki's smirk fell, knowing Heimdal was right in his assumptions. Something was coming after Jane, and his feelings for her wanted to stay, but his fears of someone actually caring for him back that Jane had the potential to give to him, along with the hatred for the sentimental was holding him back.

"I cannot," He turned with and angry smugness that Heimdal immediately disengaged him.

"You've been guarding her for nearly a week now Loki. You've gone and come back more times than is needed for me to know what that means…you care about her. Since she came to Asgard you saw what her spirit does to everyone around her: to Thor, to the Allfather, especially Frigga…" Loki looked back at Heimdal sharply, hating his mentioning of his mother, but didn't interject, "She inspires you to be more than yourself. I can sense that about you; which is why I'm standing here telling you to go back, before it's too late."

Loki straightened his posture and he looked defeated by Heimdal's speech, but knew in his heart he was right. He looked over at Heimdal with a suspicious grin which unnerved Heimdal slightly, but he waited to hear the God's response, "Tell father not to wait up."

Before Heimdal could say or do anything, Loki was quick to disguise himself as Heimdal and took off in a sprint that even Heimdal couldn't help but snicker at; not caring or paying much attention to the fact that he now wore him as a costume. He knew allowing Loki to leave to go to Jane was wrong, but not if it meant the safety of the realms; that was his duty as a Keeper. Any animosity to come between the brothers had always been competitive, but he knew Loki meant Jane no harm, and that was enough to convince himself to let him go to her.

Figures that she'd go right back to where she started. Jane paced her apartment in grief after another bad dream and the constant thoughts of her last encounter with Loki. Wishing he could be here to coax her back to sleep whether she was aware of it or not. That thought immediately snapped her head up and made her want to smack herself across the face. She let out a long exasperated sigh. She needed some fresh air. Being cooped up in her confined apartment was turning her into a recluse. How Loki saw her as anyone worthy of affection after seeing her this way was beyond her understanding, but he seemed so taken by her. He was willing to do anything, and that had made Jane impossibly confused.

Thor was always the God that made her swoon, but now Loki was all she could think about. How was that even possible? Sure, the God was incredibly handsome in his own unique way. Not as strong as his thunderous brother, but had a charm all of his own, and their chemistry was instantaneous, and both were the type that quenched for knowledge. Somehow she felt they were both more compatible, and he was eager to please her and protect her from anything. She overlooked his eagerness to be there for her the last time, and she couldn't hate him, almost regretting letting him go. She couldn't for the life of her comprehend why she was so adamant about keeping her moral code. The thought of him touching her again fervently was turning into a quick addiction, and never had that sense of wanton yearning for Thor. Sure she was attracted to the God of Thunder, but Thor had never engaged her that way; he always took things only relatively slow with her. Not that she minded much, but she had to admit that the thought crossed her mind. Thor was tender, but never ravenous like Loki; and she responded only too well to the trickster's hand. It was then she no longer saw Loki as the villain; far from it in fact. He had been misunderstood, that's all; or at least that's what Jane kept telling herself. She wanted nothing more than for him to come back for her, and that thought frightened her.

Jane took in a deep breath and straightened up to ease her anxiety over the situation. She quickly collected herself and grabbed her coat from the stand on the wall, and left the apartment. Maybe a nice long walk would do her some good. She made it outside and saw that the typical London fog was not as dense as it had been the last time she took a long stroll through the thoroughfares. But it was just as cold, and she didn't quite bundle up as much as she should have. A scarf would have been nice, along with some gloves. Jane shoved her hands in her coat pockets as she walked down the block and to the park watching the icy cold breath cloud in front of her.

She took herself out onto the Cricket green; the only place nearby where she could get any glimpse of the stars. London was nothing like New Mexico where you could see the starry sky for miles and admire the grandeur of it. Most nights, and with the right telescope, she could see everything; planets, meteors, even the mystic river of the Milky Way. Jane suddenly felt homesick, wanting so much to grab her rickety old lawn chair and take it to the roof of her lab and sit for hours just staring up and thinking about what was out there. London was loud, busy, cold, and Jane found herself feeling displaced. She wanted to be out there in that open universe; to be in space. She wanted to chart the stars that she knew were out there for the taking, full of more planets and people to see, with or without an Asgardian Prince to take her there.

The moment her thoughts drifted into space, a rumbling noise began to grown from beneath the ground and reverberated throughout her entire body. Had she been standing it would have knocked her off her feet. Jane almost thought it was an earthquake, but nothing shook in the distance. Jane quickly got on her feet, but struggled with her balance by the massive vibrations from beneath her feet. Fear grew within her gut, when a large flying object had breached low and hovered above her from the sky. A blinding beam of light struck down onto her, and she couldn't help but shield her eyes from it.

She was frozen in amazement as what looked to be a foreign vessel drifted down, and a hatch had opened beneath the unknown ship. She wanted to run, but she was stunned still and unable to move any part of her body. With no knowledge of what was happening, there was no more time to turn tail when she saw two strange figures appeared out of the light; one looked like some sort of small animal with two pointy ears and a bushy tale that was standing equipped next to some enormous creature that she couldn't make out.

"That's it! That's the girl Starlord told us about!" The small creature called out with an attitude as if he came straight from Brooklyn, and he pointed right at her, and could see sharp little fangs gleam against the light of the ship as he spoke, "Hey! Don't look at me, let's go get what we came here for!" He directed the enormous wood-like being towards her.

The larger thing next to the animal ran towards Jan, which made her finally aware of her footing and began running away from them. From what little she could see it was as if a large humanoid tree was chasing her, roots protruded from all areas, but had the body of a large man. She heard the little guy curse at her for running away over the Man-tree's heavy stomping. She could hear the pitter patter of smaller feet start to move in on her as well. Jane was more than frightened, and wondered if her dream had ever ended. Being chased down by a couple of alien oddities was not what Jane thought would help her get to sleep. If she were even awake. Her heart pounded with fear as she was being pursued.

"I got her!" The animal was evasive, grabbed her by the hem of her coat, and yanked her back so forcefully that she slammed back against the tree man.

She let go of a loud oomph as she hit against the hard surface of the creature behind her. Jane's breath escaped as she was suddenly hoisted over the walking tree's shoulders and trying hard to not struggle, but she was uncontrollably panicking. She couldn't even hear herself scream in alarm, and started kicking at her abductors to let her go. Then they suddenly stopped, and she finally saw in full view the small one down below stand underneath her, holding some sort of canister in one hand. He looked like a Raccoon! Standing on its hind legs and wore a boldly colored jumpsuit and held a reasonably sized gun she didn't recognize as any handheld weapon she had ever seen before. She was stunned for a moment; taking in the unusual sight.

"This will make you stop your damn whinin'," The Raccoon complained and sprayed a mist of some blue mist directly in her face.

Jane was unsure what the Raccoon alien had just spritzed in her face, but it instantly made her feel incredibly heavy. She felt her eyelids begin to fall, as the last thing she saw before she went unconscious, was them carrying her back to their ship.