The landline at Caia's apartment had been ringing on a regular basis. S.H.I.E.L.D. agents and old 'friends' had given her no rest since she turned in her resignation. On top the incessant harassment, she could feel the stifling effects of exhaustion, an almost tangible sense of nausea, Tony Stark's building requests, and Tyra's constant begging about when Loki would be back that all kept her nerves frayed. She hardly slept, even thinking about food made her want to hurl, and all she could do was wait for the next time Loki came home. It felt like she was constantly holding her breath, waiting for the next moment he would be there with his mad grin. Every night she promised herself that she would stop waiting, but every morning he wasn't there sat like a lead weight in her heart. As she moved about, cleaning up toys and whatnot, there was a knock at the door. Sighing heavily, Caia set down her haul and went to answer the door.
"I wanna answer it, Mommy!"
"Alright sweetheart," she replied, following after her baby's enthusiastic pace.
Tyra quickly unlocked and swung open the door, giving a high pitched squeal as she jumped into the arms of their guest. A smile spread across Caia's face, making her scar stretch uncomfortably.
"Captain Rogers, what can I do for you," she asked, letting him step inside.
"Well, I was hoping you could help us with Hydra."
"You know I don't-"
"Look, I'm not asking you to fight."
"Then what are you asking me to do?"
"Decrypt files."
"Why can't Tony do it?"
"Says he's got a project."
Caia rolled her eyes, "You do realize he can work on his 'project,' have J.A.R.V.I.S. run the decryption, and still be able to go on missions with you, right?"
"We want you back on the team."
"I'm designing buildings for the Avengers, how is that not being on the team?"
He set Tyra down and the two watched as she ran to her room. "We need all the help we can get."
"Have you asked other ex-agents?"
"Tony's says he doesn't trust them."
"Why not? There are plenty of good agents left out there."
"But none of them have your background."
"This is about Loki, isn't it?"
"What about Daddy," Tyra asked as she looked between the two, her green eyes wide and sparkling.
"Nothing sweetheart. Why don't you show Captain Rogers your drawing, and then it's nap time."
"But I don't wanna take a nap!"
"Sweetheart, Uncle Thor is coming over later to take you to the park. Do you really want to be tired and grumpy the whole time?"
"No," Tyra pouted.
"Then show Captain Rogers your drawing and get nighties."
"Ok," Tyra grumbled, climbing onto Steve's lap, "This is you and Binkie-"
"Bucky, hon."
"Binkie, from the picture in the museum."
"That's a real great drawing kid."
"It's for you. I drewed a map on the back so you could find Binkie and be friends again."
"Thanks."
"Ok, nap time sweetheart."
"Bye Capin Rogers!"
Steve gave her a slight wave before turning back to Caia. "She's Loki's kid?"
"He's my husband, what exactly were you expecting?"
"If people find out-"
"I know. That's why I came here when I found out I was pregnant again."
"You mean you have other kids?"
"Had. I'm 965 years old and married to the god of mischief. They just didn't get to live long before Odin got to them," taking a deep breath, she continued, "I had to watch every single one of my children be killed, imprisoned, enslaved, or exiled for having Loki as a parent. I couldn't let that happen to Tyra too, and with the S.H.I.E.L.D. files online, I don't know how much longer I can keep her safe here."
"You don't have to protect her alone. You know that warehouse Tony's got you working on?"
"Yeah?"
"It's isolated, plenty of space, well defended-"
"Probably short on people Tyra's age."
"Could be worse."
"What happens when she wants to be around someone her own age, or some one who's not afraid to hurt her comes knocking?"
"You seem to be holding up."
"You mean we? Don't pretend that you weren't picked specifically for this reason. Besides, I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss Asgard, being around people with similar life experience. It's hard knowing that I'd be killed if I ever went back."
"You don't have to answer right away. But the tower's done, and Tony's having a get together to celebrate tonight...if you're interested."
"I wish I could, but I'm still married."
"Didn't Thor say Loki died?"
"I'm not taking any chances. The last time I thought he was dead he came back and had his little "surprise I'm not really dead" rampage that got a lot of people killed, and destroyed a large section of New York. Also, it's a pain in the butt to find a babysitter last minute. Thanks anyways."
"Anytime."
"Feel free to stop by more often, and don't forget your picture. Tyra would be devastated if she saw you'd left it."
Steve folded up the picture and placed it securely in his pocket before giving her an awkward handshake. "I should probably get going."
"Tell everyone hi for me."
Looking like a whipped puppy, he gave Caia a half smile and nod before heading out the door. After a couple of seconds, she sunk onto the couch with a sharp exhale. She could keep Tyra safe by accepting Steve's offer, but if she were going to continue seeing Loki, moving in with the Avengers wasn't an option that she could consider. The cell phone in her pocket buzzed, making her jump.
"Hello?"
"Caia Le Roux?"
"Yes?"
"Hi, this is Joyce Maines from Dr. Barnum's office calling to remind you of your appointment today."
"That was at two, right?"
"Yes."
"I'll be there. Thank you."
"No problem. Have a nice day."
"You too. Bye."
Running a hand through her hair, Caia stood and checked the time. A wave of dizziness hit and she gripped the back of the couch for support. It was yet another thing to add to her list of considerations. How she would explain this away had her worried. All she could do was hope that her life wouldn't get anymore complicated. Just then, the heard some one at the door and prepared herself for the rest of a very long day.
