Tony gets me back quickly, but damn a part of me wishes he hadn't! I didn't think I'd enjoying whizzing around in the air, especially with only Tony grasping onto me firmly for safety, but boy was I wrong! It's like when you have those random dreams about soaring high above, and my tummy kept doing happy little flip flops.

Tony sets me down gently on the roof of Stark tower and I rush over to Rod, and Tony's still right behind me watching my back.

Here I am Rod, let's do this before I get knocked off again.

Selvig is waking.

Selvig looks completely drained as he drags himself to his feet, dried blood coating the side of his face.

"M-Megan?"

"Yep, it's me. Just stay low ok, I'm gonna work with Rod and close this thing."

Noticing Tony standing behind me, Selvig lowers his gaze to the ground.

"Sorry about the whole trying to blow you up thing, Dr Selvig."

As I try to gear myself back up again, Tony groans loudly.

"I'm up on the tower's roof with Megan and Selvig, Spangles, we're gonna try and shut the portal down."

There's a long pause and I'm guessing an angry retort from the other end.

"Calm down don't get your damn panties in a twist, I do know that. Look just let us deal with is and then I'll come down and help you wipe out the stragglers."

Shaking his head, Tony gestures behind him.

"Spangles and the Viking are getting worn down, we need to do this now."

I as good as jump out of my skin as Natasha crashes down onto the roof close to me ( a little to close for comfort!). Her lip's bleeding and so is her head.

Ouch.

Giving Tony a nod, she glances at me.

"Loki's down."

How the heck did she manage that?

"ROARRRRRRR!"

Ah, that's how.

Chuckling, Tony leans over the side of the roof.

"Wish I had a front row seat to that. Big green guy vs Reindeer games, ding ding!"

If it had been any other time, I would've laughed (or snorted). But this pressure on me is really starting to dig in, I can feel the anxiety trying to drag me down into a blubbering mess on the ground.

If you wish, I could help you to fend off your emotions for a limited amount of time.

Oh, so you're actually asking my permission this time?

You are upset.

I'm not upset! I'm...ugh I dunno what I am. Just don't do something to me like that shock thing without asking me.

I acted to save your life, I would do it again if necessary.

If I could slap you, I would.

Violence is not the answer to all problems.

Alright, you're not getting what I'm trying to say, let's just save this for when the world's not about to be taken over by freaky aliens.

I think that would be wise.

"Spangles I just said- Oh, Fury. It's heading right for the city? I'll deal with it."

I whip my head up to look at Tony. Sending me a salute, he paces toward's the end of the roof.

"Got a little problem I have to deal with, just don't close the portal until I go through it, alright?"

I shake my head at him. Is he insane? Going through the portal leads to who knows where!

"You don't know where that portal leads, you can't just-"

I clamp my mouth shut when he holds up a hand.

"Not my first Rodeo."

And he takes off, soon becoming a dot in the distance. I don't like this at all, what reason could he possibly have for going through that thing?

Come, we must start this process.

I place my hand back on Rod, and I don't need to be reminded to clear my mind. If I lost concentration once and it opened the portal, imagine what if could do next time. Ugh, in fact lets not!

This will be harder and much more dangerous than trying to disrupt the God's link, I am afraid. You cannot afford to make a mistake.

I know, I know.

Look upwards.

The string's of Rod's energy are almost all trailing up into the sky, leaving a hole in the center where the entrance to the portal is. Damn, they look creepy. Not the point here, remember whats at stake.

In order to close the portal, you will have to cut off the energy emanating from me. The energy will be sucked back into me, as long as it is done properly and accurately. You are I are bond, which means you are the only being who can interfere with my energy in such a way. You will need to do this by hand, but I must warn you, it will be much colder than anything you have felt before now.

I reach out my hand, and it ghost's inches from the thick web of string's that are arching up from Rod.

Imagine your hand as a blade, and use it as such. A clean cut as close to me as you can, no hesitation.

We have to wait for Tony.

There is not time-

Rod, I have to listen to my gut here. I'm sure he'll be back soon, he knows how many people are dying.

You are...infuriating.

Oh, I'm infuriating? Ever heard of a mirror?

This is not the time for petty arguments. Do as I instruct.

I'm waiting for Tony. Or are you gonna make me?

I cling onto the machine, my other hand still on Rod, as a huge surge of wind nearly sends me flying. It's a good job Natasha latches onto Selvig's arm, because he nearly fly's over the edge. I stare up, seeing Tony shooting upwards, holding what looks like...a bomb? What the fudge is he doing!

The Chitarui ship will be on the other side.

He's not gonna be able to get back out if that thing explodes!

I do not think he plans too.

WHAT! WE CAN'T JUST LET HIM DIE.

There is nothing we can do, he has made his decision. It is his own choice.

You know you sound like Loki right now?

I am only speaking the truth.

I watch as he disappears through it, my heart clenching. He's not gonna make it out, that's what that bad feeling is. Surely there's something I can do! Maybe he has some jet packs in the tower-

Close the portal, Megan.

No! I'm not gonna leave him out there.

I understand that-

No you don't otherwise you wouldn't sound so freakin calm!

Fine, you are correct that I am unfamiliar with how humans process their emotions, but that does not mean I do not understand them. If you do not close that Portal, Tony's sacrifice will be in vain.

I can feel myself trembling. I can't do this, this shouldn't be a decision I get to make, I'm just a human.

There is no such concept as being just a human. Every living organism is unique, priceless.

A harsh whistle catches my attention, and I look over at a frowning Natasha, being careful to not loose focus on keeping the energy somewhat stable. We all know how well that worked out last time. Pointing upward's, she nod's at me.

"Steve says to close it, now!"

I frown at her. How can Steve make such a hard decision so easily?

"Tony's still up there!"

Natasha shuffles over to me, but Selvig keeps his distance, clasping his hands.

"I know. But Tony would want us to close it."

Maybe I'm the one in the wrong here. I can see why it's the right decision to close it, to make sure Earth is safe now.

But why does it feel so wrong?

Please, Megan.

I send Natasha a nod, and she shuffles back towards Selvig. I hate this, I really do, but it's for the greater good, that's the only thought I have to cling onto.

Right.

I take a deep breath, bringing my free hand to as close to Rod I can get, but even I can see how unsteady it is.

You must steady yourself.

I'm bloody trying, it's not that easy.

You are right, I apologize.

I draw in more deep breaths, until my hand steadies, and I swallow thickly.

It's time, now or never.

I slice my hand through the strings, and it's as if the cold is scratching at my very bones. It's a good job I'm done before I have the chance to retract my hand, because honestly, my reflexes would've got the best of me. The strings start to disperse, so that it seems like it's raining blue glass. I flinch backwards, worrying I've done something wrong.

It is done, the portal is closing.

I stare up, and yep, it's closing.

I'm sorry Tony.

Wait, what's that?

I shield my eyes, trying to block out the high sun.

Something's falling through the closing portal...

It can't be...can it?

IT'S TONY!

I laugh, more in relief than anything else. But...why isn't he flying? My eyes follow him as he descends further, and he's making no attempt to slow himself down.

If someone doesn't catch him...

I shoot a panicked glance at Natasha, who taps at her earpiece.

"Steve, the portal's closed, Tony's through, but he's not flying."

I lose sit of him behind a set of tall buildings.

Come on Tony, your back through the portal, you can't give up now.

Feeling a hand clutch my shoulder, I turn to see Natsha smiling at me.

"The Hulk caught him, he's gonna be fine."

So...it's over? We won?

I...can't believe it.

I certainly can.

Rod, listen, I'm sorry. I'm not good at dealing with my frustration sometimes.

There is nothing to apologize for.

Are you sure?

Yes.

I give Natasha the best smile I can muster.

"What about Loki?"

Giving my shoulder a light squeeze, Natasha gestures for me to follow her down from the roof.

"Let's go find out, shall we?"


I struggle to keep up with Natasha, I feel like I've been fed through a freakin vice or something. When we get to the lounge I was in earlier, we see the door is broken off, bits of it splayed around the room. I notice the window's are smashed too, and the room is just a complete and utter disaster zone.

You just can't take the Hulk anywhere, can you?

"Keep behind me."

Why is she-

I spot Loki, splayed on the floor, but he's dragging himself into a sitting position, just about. He spot's me and Natasha, shooting us a leer. There's a small cut on his nose and some on his face, but he doesn't look that bad saying it looks like the Hulk tried to pummel him into the ground. That's pretty scary, if the Hulk only managed to do that to him, then how strong is he?

You know what, I don't want to know.

Natasha glances back at me, drawing a gun from her thigh.

"The other's are on their way."

Loki is shooting me a death glare, but even I can see he's in no state to back it up right now.

"Rough day?"

Come on, how could I not comment?

He grit's his teeth, whether it's from pain or trying not to rise to it I don't know. Mental note, stay as far away from him as possible, he's definately got me on his hit list now.

Clint is the first to arrive, aiming an arrow right at Loki's head. He's soon followed by the other's, but I make sure to keep my distance from the big green guy. Damn he's even bigger up close, if that's even possible.

Loki seems like he's going to stand up, but he decides against it. Glancing between us all, a small grin spreads on his lips.

"I would sure like that drink now."


"Look at the state of this place, again!"

Tony, now dressed in some blue jeans and a grey sweatshirt, kicks some rubble at his feet. I agree, this place has seen much better days.

I'm in the lounge (well what's left of it) with the others, plus Fury and a few SHIELD agents. Tony makes sure to keep close to them, he obviously hates having them rooting around in his tower.

It's been a few hours since we stopped the Chitarui and Loki, but it doesn't seem like minutes. Maria stopped by and brought me a change of clothes, which I very much needed. Tony let me use one of his showers, and believe me, I never want to use another one again. I actually considered taking it off and sneaking it out with me under my shirt. See, nice things turn you into a criminal. Or maybe that's just me, if so, oh dear.

Steve was so glad I was okay after I probably should have been blown into teeny tiny pieces, and I even got the 'don't you ever do anything like that again' talk. I didn't mind that much, I know he's just concerned about me.

Most of us have changed into more 'normal' clothing, in fact the only one still wearing the same thing is Thor. Tony offered him some clothes, but they weren't big enough for starters, and Thor didn't want to change anyhow. But I caught the look of displeasure on Tony's face before he stalked off.

So yeah, here we all are, in the aftermath. Loki's not here, he's a few floor's down, in a 'cell' that Tony designed. I don't even want to know why he decided to make his own prison cell, but there you go. That's the main reason Fury's here, because Tony is insisting Loki stay's here until Thor takes him back to Asgard.

"Hey! More looking, less touching!"

Shaking his head, Tony pry's a piece of technology from a startled looking SHIELD agent. Fury sighs, gesturing for the agent to move away.

"Tony, why don't you just co-operate with us and we can be out of your hair."

Huffing, Tony reaches behind his bar and pours himself a drink.

"You know, I'm not big on the whole team work concept, especially with SHIELD. What's the problem anyway? Thor's gonna take Loki back to Asgard pronto."

"The big deal is he belong's back at a SHIELD base."

Really?

"Because that worked out so well last time?"

Did I seriously just say that?

Everyone's staring at me, looking as shocked as I feel. Bruce is hiding his face behind his hand, but I can see his shoulders shaking. At least someone's finding me funny. Tony is grinning though, his eyes locked on the furious looking Fury.

I'm about to get it.

"Excuse me?"

Do I back down?

No.

Rod, are you encouraging me to participate in an argument?

In this case, yes. You need to stand up for yourself.

I'm such a bad influence.

Well, here goes.

"You heard. Tony's right, there's no point risking moving Loki when he's gonna be gone soon anyway."

Fury stares at me, but he doesn't shout at me, which to be honest I was expecting. Instead, he turns to glare at Tony.

"If he get's loose, it's on your head Stark."

Tony rolls his eyes, taking a swig of his drink.

"My brother will not be escaping again."

Sending a nod toward's Thor, Fury begins to walk out.

"Hey, I want some help with fixing this place back up Fury!"

Fury ignores Tony, and points at me.

"I'll arrange transport for you to another SHIELD base in the morning, for tonight Tony has offered for you to stay in one of his guest rooms."

And then he's off, the agents trailing behind him.

The rest of us glance at each other, the air does feel a bit tense. I'm sure we could all gladly start hula hooping when Selvig rushes in, the familiar metallic suitcase in his hand. His bulging eyes lock on me, and he shoves the suitcase toward's me as if it was on fire. I quirk an eyebrow at him, but he just lowers his eyes to the ground.

"I've got some stuff to do, I'm sorry."

He rushes out, and I can't help but feel really uneasy. He doesn't seem well at all.

After effects I am afraid.

I know Rod is locked inside, I can sense him. I hug it closer to my chest. I don't ever want to let him out of my sight again.

Stepping toward's me, Steve gestures at the suitcase.

"Is the Tesseract in there?"

I nod, enjoying the feel of the cold silver seeping through my clothes.

"SHIELD really just let you keep it?"

Umm...

"They don't know I have it, they kind of think it's in an identical suitcase which is not to be opened under any circumstances, but they will...eventually."

Tony chuckles, pushing his empty glass to one side.

"I knew I'd like you."

Like me enough to give me a couple million? Nah, let's not push it.

Thor shifts on his feet, staring out at the now setting sun.

"I must go back to Asgard and speak with the all father on this matter, before I take back my brother."

Steve frowns, pointing downwards.

"So you're just going to leave him here?"

Thor nods at him.

"I apologize, but it is urgent. I know you are more than capable of making sure he does not escape again."

And with that, he's gone. Steve clears his throat, and I realize he wants my attention. He gestures for me to follow him.

"I have something you'll want to see."

More surprises? Goodie!


I'm so sorry about the wait everyone! Life has been real hectic lately, but it seems to be calming back down! This isn't the end of this story xD Now I'm just gonna carry it on but probably not running along exactly with the other films, but I have a lot of ideas! Thank you if you're still reading, I appreciate it!