My little girl 13
On Asgard things weren't working out the way the Avengers had planned. They found no evidence on how Loki escaped, even Odin gave the order to stop the search, as it brought nothing but exhausted forces. Frigga was upset. Nobody could blame her, after all Loki was still her son, adopted or not.
Tony was admiring the sunset from one of the balconies. He thought about Charlotte, how she would have loved this. For now she was in safe hands, but he surely didn't want her to stay in Boston forever. With Loki running free, everyone he cared about was in danger. He leaned over the railing, lost in thoughts. This was how Frigga found him.
"Enjoying the view, Tony."
"Well, yes your highness. It's really nice."
"I agree. You know, I don't approve of what Loki did, but he wasn't always like that. Despite everything, he's still my son and I love him."
"I know what you mean. I have a daughter. She means everything to me."
"Where is she now? Why didn't you bring her?"
"Well, I didn't know what to expect and I didn't want her to be in danger. She's fine, she's with her mom. Well, kind of."
"What do you mean?"
"Charlotte, my daughter, she is actually my sister. Our parents were murdered when she was just six months old."
"How old were you?"
"21. After that… well, I couldn't leave her. My aunt Peggy, who's actually our biological mother, she helped me when she could, otherwise I was either on my own or with a friend. She adopted Charlotte as her own, kept her safe when I couldn't. I tell everyone she's my child, because it's easier to explain. Even most of the team doesn't know the truth. If you could keep it a secret…"
"Don't worry, I won't That was brave of you. Well next time you come for a visit bring her too."
"Thank you."
Back on Earth Charlotte was dragging one very desperate Loki through the mall. Emily gave them her credit card, something she will regret doing once she sees the bill. With the first wave of bags and some dog stuff loaded in the car, the duo returned to the mall to get some ice cream. They sat down at one of the tables and started talking:
"This stuff is really good." Said Loki, his mouth covered in sprinkles.
"Agreed, this is the best one in town. Mom and Dad used to take me here every time we were in Boston. No matter how many problems they had at work, nothing mattered as long as we sat here and just enjoyed being together."
"By mom and dad you mean Emily and Tony, I assume. Or Peggy?"
"The first one. Peggy may be my birth mother, but she insisted I call her aunt Peggy and allowed Emily to adopt me. She was the coolest aunt, though. She may have been busy, but she came for a visit every single time she could. Apparently retiring from Shield doesn't leave you with nothing to do."
"I see. Sounds like you have a very loving family."
"Yes, I do. What about you? There has to be someone you care about back on Asgard."
Loki looked up from his ice cream. Charlotte was observing him. She noticed the pain in his eyes. After a moment of silence, Loki decided to answer Charlies question.
"My mother, Frigga. She was the only person on Asgard who ever accepted me for who I was. I hurt her so much with my actions and words. "
"Have you tried to apologize?"
"No, I didn't. I didn't have a chance to before I left Asgard."
"How about you write her a letter? We'll send it back the way you came here."
"I guess it's worth a try. You know, you look just like your mother. Same spark in your eyes."
"Haha, thank you. Tony takes more after his father when it comes to the looks, but we do have the same eyes."
"Yes, I noticed. Well, what else do you want to buy? We're running out of time, we need to get the puppy."
Charlottes eyes lit up. No more shopping was done that day.
The trio arrived at a dog shelter in the evening. "Remember, just one!" shouted Emily after Charlotte. She knew it would be a hard choice since all the dogs were adorable.
While Charlie was searching for the right dog, Emily and Loki were talking with the caretakers. An hour later another caretaker emerged with Charlotte holding a little golden puppy. Emily and Loki smiled at her excitement. They left the shelter leaving behind a huge donation and set course for home.
Meanwhile the Avengers were packing up their stuff. They were leaving the next day and wanted to enjoy one last evening before facing Fury and other everyday problems.
Tony and Pepper decided to take a walk in the palace gardens. They sat down on the fountain with a nice view of the starlit sky. Tony was admiring the sky reflecting in Peppers eyes as she spoke:
"It's beautiful, isn't it?"
"I agree. It wouldn't be this nice if you weren't here. I'm glad you came along."
"I'm happy too. Finally a peaceful place to be."
Pepper looked at Tony who smiled at her.
"You know, Pep, you're the most amazing woman I ever met. You were always here for me, a big egoistical asshole, even if I was very annoying. I never thought I'd ever be able to love someone the way I love you. Pepper you are my world, the person I cannot live without and you complete me. So if by any chance those feelings are mutual, would you make me the happiest man in this universe and become my wife?"
Pepper looked at him. Sure, they had been dating for quite some time now, but she wasn't expecting him to propose anytime soon. Nevertheless, she loved him more than anything.
"Yes, Tony, yes I will. I love you, too."
Without missing a beat, Tony pulled the ring out of his pocket and slid it on Peppers finger. It fit perfectly…