Disclaimer: Not mine
Warning: Violence and Swearing
"You're going to make it, right?"
Grace sighed and turned to her son, placing her hands on his shoulders.
"I promise, Jack. I will make it to your science fair tonight. Now please, go get ready for school."
Jack nodded, still hesitant. She missed it last year. Money had been especially tight and she was offered a double shift. A whole eight hours of time and a half. It had been a difficult decision to make, but it was necessary, even if her son hadn't forgiven her.
She watched as he shuffled back into his room to finish getting ready, herding Joey to do the same. Sipping her coffee, she winced at its strength.
"What are you planning on doing with this," she asked the nearby Loki, motioning to her cup, "strip the paint off the walls?"
Loki never looked up from the newspaper, just merely smirked and flipped the page. After the events of the previous night, they both were in a rather good mood, despite being somewhat sleep deprived.
She forced down the rest of the toxic coffee before washing out the mug.
"So I'm getting out of work early today. I should be home in time to take the boys back to school. Will you be ready to go then?"
"I believe I can fit that into my schedule," he replied blithely.
"How magnanimous of you."
"I'm nothing if not a humanitarian."
"I'm sure," she said, rolling her eyes as she walked past him.
His hand shot out and took hold of hers, pulling her closer to him.
Grace watched as he opened his mouth, words obviously on the tip of his tongue before he shook his head.
"What?" she asked.
"Nothing. It's not important," he assured her, lifting her captured hand and pressing a kiss to it before releasing her.
"You sure?"
"Yes. You better hurry. The boys are going to be late."
Her head whipped around to look over at the clock. She muttered a curse to herself as she hurried off to the bathroom, tying her hair up into a knot on the way.
Soon, they were ready to leave and after bidding adieu to Loki, they headed out to begin their long day.
Loki, however, continued to stare unseeingly as the door shut behind the small family.
What could have possibly possessed him to almost mutter those words?
His mind must be deteriorating from those damnable Spanish soap operas.
She knew he cared about her. He told her, he'd shown her in a variety of ways. Why did he need to push it?
For the first time in his life, he felt like he finally had a place to call his own, people in his life who were sincere in their regard for him.
Saying that he was in love with her would not alter that dynamic. Their lives would not change at all. The only consequence of importance would be if there was a falling out. If he contained the truth about the depth of his feelings, then he would always have that part to himself. If it were out in the open, if she knew he loved her and still walked away from him... it would break him.
And then, he'd hardly be responsible for his actions.
"I think I'm going to be sick," Jack muttered, tossing his sandwich onto the table.
Joey stared at it for a long moment before snatching it and taking a big bite.
He had already consumed his own lunch.
"Why?" the younger boy asked, his question muffled by peanut butter and jelly.
"What if I don't win tonight? What if it doesn't work? This is a disaster."
Joey rolled his eyes, stuffing another bite into his mouth.
Jack had been in a near panic all day, his mind agonizing over all the horrible, embarrassing things that could happen at the Invention Convention. Just the thought of his project not working brought tears of humiliation to his eyes. It would be a travesty.
"It'll work," Joey said.
"How do you know?"
"Because you made it," he said it as if Jack was an idiot for not thinking the same thing.
Jack's tension softened as he stared at his cousin, a small smile coming to his lips.
"You really think so?"
"Uh-huh. So, can I have your pudding?"
Jack grinned and slid the cup over to him. After that, Joey could have all the pudding he wanted.
"You have that look about you?" Katie said, glancing over at her friend.
"And what look is that?"
"That beaming, proud parent look. Jack's science fair is tonight, isn't it?"
Grace grinned, nodding her head.
"It is. He's been talking about it for weeks."
"What did he do for it?"
"I don't know. It's a surprise."
"Well I'm sure the boy genius has whipped something spectacular up."
"I'm sure he did. I just wish he had a little more confidence in himself. He looked like he was about to vomit this morning."
Katie made a sympathetic noise.
"How's your mystery man with the boys?"
"Great. He's amazing with them. They both love him to pieces and I think Jack really connects with him."
Her friend silently watched her, obviously debating with herself.
"I know I was Advocate #1 when it came to you finding someone, but do you think it's wise to let some guy you barely know have so much access to your kids?"
Immediately, Grace went on the defensive.
"He's not just some guy, Katie."
"Yeah, Grace. He really is. I know you care about him and the boys adore him, but just be practical for a moment. What do you really know about him? What's his last name? Where is he from? What does he do? I don't know how he consistently gets out of revealing anything about himself, but don't you find that a little strange? What's he hiding?"
"You don't understand. I don't need to know his stats. Those things don't matter. He's made mistakes, but he's trying to be better. He would never do anything to hurt me or the boys. I trust him, Katie. That's all there is to it."
"But he's still a little strange. Aren't you curious?"
"Despite his quirks, he's never given me a real reason to doubt him. He doesn't appreciate it if I try to force him to talk, and I don't blame him. Nothing from his past is relevant now. So there's no point talking about it."
"Well that sounds healthy," Katie snarked as she readied the room for the next patient.
Grace rolled her eyes as she walked towards the hallway where shouting could be heard.
"What the hell is going on out there?"
"The usual chaos that ensues with our insane patients...?"
Grace laughed and opened the door, stepping into the hallway.
There was nothing to prepare her for the strong hands that grabbed her and threw her against the wall, her head smacking against the nauseating floral wallpaper. One hand held her upright as a meaty fist connected with her face.
"Where the fuck is she?!" a furious voice reverberated in her ears as the same fist smashed against her multiple times, the ring on his finger slicing into her skin, each hit slamming into her harder and harder.
Grace tried to protect herself, her hands impotently trying to cover her face. She could vaguely hear other men shouting, a woman's scream.
Her assailant's hands suddenly wrapped around her throat, tightening and closing off her airway. Her nails dug into his flesh as his rancid breath blew into her face.
"You listen to me, you filthy cunt. You tell me where that bitch is or I'll choke the life out of you right here."
Forcing her eyes to open, she watched as three men tried to pull her attacker off of her, but the man was too strong, furious, and hopped up on drugs. She began to see spots as she reached into the pocket of her scrubs, finding a pen and quickly using the last of her diminishing strength to stab him, not caring where she hit, just trying to hit him.
She felt the pen embed into his cheek, heard his roar of anger as two security guards joined the group who finally succeeded in wrenching the man from her.
But the air was too late in rushing to her lungs.
Everything went black as she collapsed onto the ground.
The phone rang as Loki lifted a pile of books, moving around the corner to disappear amongst the stacks. As he gazed up at the towering shelves, he heard Betty answer the phone.
When he heard her gasp sharply, then quickly ask 'Is she all right?!', he dumped the books and rushed back to the desk, his brow furrowed in concern as he saw the older woman's eyes fill with tears, her hand over her mouth.
"Of course. One of us will be there soon."
Betty hung up the phone, taking a ragged breath before calling a cab. Once she was done, and Loki was on the verge of snapping at her, she looked over at him.
"What is it? What happened?" he asked, completely unnerved by this normally carefree woman who now looked so forlorn.
"Grace had some sort of accident at work. She got hurt pretty badly."
Swallowing hard, Loki forced himself to ignore the sharp tightness in his chest, the way his knees weakened.
"But she'll be fine, yes?"
"Katie said she would be, but she thinks someone should come to the hospital to get her."
"Who?"
Betty took another deep breath.
"I think you should go. She most likely needs that peace that you give her."
"What kind of accident was it?"
"She didn't say."
"If it was that bad, she probably shouldn't be going to Jack's science fair."
"She promised Jack. As long as she could drag herself there, she is going to that damn thing."
"If she's seriously injured, I'm not going to let her worsen her state by attending an elementary school function."
"Yeah, well I'll just let you fight that good fight." Betty looked over his shoulder. "The cab is here."
Gritting his teeth and feeling quite frustrated with the stubborn women currently in his life, he left the bookstore, getting into the cab and telling the driver to head to the hospital.
He stared out the window, his concern starting to outweigh his annoyance.
How bad was she injured?
How did it happen?
Why did it happen?
He had been so consumed with the idea that she would walk away from him. He can't take the possibility that she was taken by him, by death especially.
Shaking his head, he calmed himself.
Regardless of the circumstances around the incident, she would not need him panicking like he had done the night before.
He was the God of Lies for goodness sake. If he couldn't at least pretend to be relaxed and comforting despite the maelstrom inside then who the hell could?
"Don't move. I'm picking someone up."
The driver nodded as Loki exited the vehicle and walked into the hospital.
After some confusion and frustrating navigation, he found the radiology department.
The woman he recognized as Katie was waiting near the main desk. As soon as she noticed him, she waved for him to follow her.
"I thought Betty was going to come get her."
"It was decided that I was the more prudent choice."
Katie stalled turning to face him. Loki clenched his jaw, his eyes darkening into a glare at the woman who was keeping him from checking on Grace.
"She isn't going to want to tell you what happened."
His brow furrowed. "And why is that?"
"Because it wasn't an accident. She was attacked."
His entire body tensed, a cold feeling, unrelated to his ancestry, slithered through his veins and up his spine.
"By who?"
"Some PCP driven maniac. I guess this guy was beating on his girlfriend. The cops picked her up and brought her here. She was getting some images done down the hall. This guy found out and was looking for her. Grace was in the wrong place at the wrong time."
"Where were the guards?"
"Here. It took six of them to pull him off of her. They threw him to the ground; he cracked his head pretty hard. He's still unconscious. The police have him chained to his bed up on the fifth floor. I think Grace should press charges, but I don't know if she will feel like going through all of that."
Loki's gaze flickered towards the elevator, imagining just how easily it would be to go up there and take the decision completely out of her hands. It wouldn't take but a moment, regardless of how much he'd enjoy taking his time.
Katie watched the malice in those dark eyes, her body shivering slightly as she remembered that this man was an enigma. He looked even more deadly than Grace's assailant. He had been dangerous. Loki was positively lethal.
"What is his name?"
Katie blinked. Loki's entire demeanor changed. He now looked at her with mere polite curiosity.
"Uh... it was... " she shifted some of her papers around before finding her answer. "Ronald Isler."
"I see. So may I see Grace now, or is there more that you wish to tell me before I see what this Mr. Isler has done to her."
Loki could barely enjoy the look of sheer confusion on the woman's face as she struggled to deal with his change in attitude. All thoughts of feeling that man's neck crack, of hearing that perfect snap, were still very much in his mind. He knew it would only intensify when he saw her, but he needed to keep a lid on it. It wouldn't do to draw more attention to himself.
"She's in there," Katie said, pointing to the last door in the hallway.
"Thank you."
Loki left her, walking towards said door. His hand hesitated as he grasped the knob. After a moment to gather his thoughts, he entered the room.
He found her sitting in the empty break room. Her glassy eyes were focused on the glass of water in her hands. As he approached the table where she sat, he finally saw the extent of her injuries.
A bright white bandage covered her temple and part of her forehead, while a deep scratch stretched across her bruised and swollen cheekbone. She had two black eyes and a badly split lip. Another contusion darkened the curve of her jaw. He could see the marks on her arm where her attacker had grabbed her.
"Grace?" he whispered quietly, lowering himself into the seat across from her.
Her gaze darted from the glass to meet his, immediately filling with tears when she saw who had joined her.
Loki swore he could actually feel his heart wrench. He sat forward and covered her hands with his. Now that she lifted her head, he could also see the bruises around her throat. For less than an instant, his grasp on her tightened as fury shot through him, but before it had a chance to take root, he dispelled it.
She needed to be comforted now, not avenged.
"Rough day?" he asked, cocking an eyebrow as he smiled sadly at her.
She sobbed out a laugh, her fingers tightening around his.
"Just a bit."
"Well you can tell me all that you want to when we get home. The cab is outside."
Blinking away the tears, she nodded and followed his lead when he got to his feet. He kept hold of her hand, feeling her behind him as he led her out of the room and down the hall. She kept her head down to ignore the stares of her coworkers, most of whom she didn't even get along with anyway.
Once outside, Loki opened the car door for her, letting her slip inside first before doing the same.
"Back to the bookstore?" the driver asked, glancing curiously at Grace, but looking away and not questioning anything, for which both of his passengers were thankful for.
"Yes, thank you," Loki replied. After a few minutes of driving, he turned towards Grace, leaning his head down so only she could hear him. "Are you in much pain?"
Her dark eyes flickered upwards to meet his.
"I took some painkillers already, but I'll put some ice on the worst of it when we get home."
Loki watched as she lowered her gaze back to their hands. He shifted towards her slightly and pressed a soft kiss to her uninjured temple. He let his lips linger against her warm skin for just a moment as he felt her take a shuddering breath, a quiet sob escaping her lips.
He quickly tried to suppress the cold and absolute fury that filled him with each beat of his heart. The hatred he had once felt for mortals resurfaced in his mind.
How much pain must she go through? How many times must she be the victim? She was innocent. She never hurt anyone, but still she suffers.
Loki was powerless against her past misfortunes, but he didn't need to remain that way. He knew the name of her aggressor, he knew where the man was being held.
He could eradicate this problem for her.
He should.
And she'll never even have to know.
She must never know.
"Hand me the cover?"
Joey handed Jack the piece of metal which the older boy then used to seal the back of his contraption. The final piece in place, he took a deep breath and walked around to the front of his display. He then covered his creation with a sheet, keeping it from view.
It was a surprise after all.
"You're going to win," Joey said, grinning.
"You think so?"
"Uh-huh. Look at all the other ones. They suck."
Jack did glance around, seeing various rube goldbergs and other low tech inventions. Nothing even came close to his own robotic design.
"Maybe I will win."
Joey slipped his backpack on while Jack did the same.
"We're going to meet Tony Stark! It's going to be so cool!"
Jack laughed at his cousin while he took his hand and led him towards the exit. The convention wouldn't start for a few hours and it was time to go home.
"Don't jinx it, Joey."
The younger boy dramatically rolled his eyes as they walked out of the school and down the block to the bus stop.
"We should show Tony Stark our alien."
"That's a horrible idea."
"Why?"
"Don't you remember what happened? Aliens tried to take over the world. Tony Stark probably isn't a big fan of them."
"But I thought that one guy was an alien, too?"
"Which one?"
"The one with the hammer?"
Jack thought back, trying to remember the details. He really only had paid attention to Tony Stark, seeing as the genius was his idol based more on his intellect and engineering capabilities instead of his superhero ones. There were others too. The Avengers they had called themselves. There was a huge green monster, someone who was dressed up like the American flag, a woman, a guy with a bow and arrow, and then there was the big guy with a hammer.
What was his name?…
"I can't remember his name. It was something like that character from Star Wars."
"Luke?"
"No."
"Han? Chewbacca? Darth Vader? Jabba? Boba Fett?"
Jack rolled his eyes.
"How is it that you can't remember a single definition for your vocabulary test, but you practically have that movie memorized?"
"Movies."
"Whatever, and no, you didn't name it. It's the one that does the-" Jack raised his hands over his head and made a strange noise in his throat, attracting strange looks from the other people out and about.
"Hoar?"
"That's it!" Jack said as the bus pulled up and they boarded.
Once they found their seats, Joey continued looking confused.
"The guy with the hammer was also Hoar?"
"No, it sounded like it, but I think it was…" Jack looked up as he muttered to himself, going through the alphabet to try to recognize what sounded right. "Thor! That was it."
"Oh yeah…. We've talked about him in my class before."
"Really?"
"I think so. My teacher said there were a bunch of stories about him. He had adventures and stuff. It sounded cool."
"Huh," Jack replied, intrigued. Maybe he could read some about it so that if he met Tony Stark he'd be more informed. "I'll have to look through the books at home and the library. I should read one."
"And then you tell me about it?"
Jack laughed as he looked at his cousin.
"Sure thing, Joey. God forbid you read one yourself."
Joey glared, but softened into a smile as Jack nudged him with his shoulder.
When the boys finally returned home, they walked into the bookstore, only to be faced with a solemn looking Betty.
"What's wrong?" Jack asked, his hands tightening around the straps of his backpack.
"I just wanted to warn you boys of something before you go upstairs."
Jack's knuckles turned white as he gripped the padded material even more.
Joey reached over to grab hold of the bottom of Jack's shirt.
"Did something happen?" the older boy questioned.
"Your mother had a bit of an accident at work. She's a little banged up, but she'll be fine. I wanted you two to be prepared for when you see her."
"What happened to her?"
"I'll let her tell you that. I'm sure she's waiting for you."
Eyes wide with fear and worry, Jack nodded and let go of one strap in order to take hold of Joey's hand, letting the younger boy grip it tightly as they headed to the back and went up the stairs.
"What's going to happen?" Joey asked.
"Nothing," he answered with confidence he didn't quite feel. "You heard Betty, she said Mom would be fine."
"Grown ups lie."
"Not all the time. Besides, this is my mom. She's strong. Nothing bad is going to happen. Okay?"
"Okay," Joey muttered while Jack subtly took a deep breath before opening the apartment door and leading them inside.
Loki stood in the kitchen, holding a bag of frozen peas and stilling when he saw the boys.
"Is Mom okay?" Jack asked.
He knew Joey had a point. Adults did lie, but Loki wouldn't sugarcoat it.
"Nothing a little time and care won't cure."
Jack visibly relaxed a little and he released Joey's hand. Both boys then went about unloading their backs.
Inside her bedroom, Grace took a deep breath. She had allowed herself to wallow in pain and self pity for a few hours, soaking up comfort from Loki. Never before had she felt so completely powerless. Even after she woke up in that bathroom so many years ago, at least then she had been spared. Ignorance had been a blissful, silver lining, but now it was different. When she closed her eyes, she could feel that man's hands around her throat, hear his voice shouting at her, smell him as he closed in on her. Fear and anger churned in her gut, and it only intensified as she looked in the mirror, seeing the carnage that had been wrought on her face.
Taking a deep breath, she shook her head.
It could be a little bit better, and a whole lot worse.
She was alive, relatively unharmed, and safe. Just like she had done after her first attack, she will rally and move on.
It would be easier now. She had people who loved and supported her.
Everything would be fine.
Opening the bedroom door, she stepped out and went down the hall, seeing the boys.
When she met her son's gaze, she saw his heart break.
"Oh, Jack," she muttered, rushing over to take both of them into her arms. She felt her son start to cry as he gripped her. "I'm fine, sweetheart. It looks worse than it is. I promise."
"What happened?"
"Someone at work was saying how cavemen were obviously more awesome than ninjas and I had to set them straight. You should see the other guy."
"Really?!" Joey asked, pulling back.
Jack, however, only let her go to stare at her sternly. "That's not funny."
"Oh, come on. I don't even get a sympathy laugh?"
"I think you look cool," Joey said, although he looked a little shaky himself.
She smiled at her nephew.
"Thank you, now go wash up and start your homework."
The boy groaned loudly, but otherwise did as he was told.
Jack continued to watch her.
"What happened?" he asked again.
Grace led him to the couch and they both sat down.
"A man at work was upset. He thought I was responsible for something, so he got a little violent."
"But I thought the hospital had security."
"They do, but sometimes bad things like this happen."
'What's going to happen to him?"
"I don't know, buddy, but that's not something you have to worry about. You got to focus on your big night."
"You're still going to go?" he asked, shocked.
"Of course. It's going to take a lot more than this to keep me from breaking a promise."
Jack's face broke out into a wide grin before he leaned over and hugged his mother tightly.
"I love you."
"I love you, too. Now go start your homework. We'll have something to eat a little later, then head back to the school."
"Okay," he replied, getting up and going into his room.
Loki soon sat in the vacated spot, handing her the frozen peas which she placed against her cheek and jaw.
"You seem better," he said, referring to her mental state, not physical.
"I think I needed to just get the crying and angst out of my system."
"I think you don't like your son seeing you weak."
She glanced over at him. "That too, but I'm fine. Really. It's not that big of a deal."
Loki clenched his teeth together, shaking his head as he obviously disagreed.
Seeing him, she reached over to cover his fist with her hand, soothing him.
"It is not right," he whispered harshly.
"No, it's not, but there's a lot more injustice in the world. Don't let this get to you."
Still, he didn't relax. Not one muscle in his body released its tension.
Sighing, she leaned over, kissing the tightened muscle of his jaw. Finally, he let out a deep breath before turning his head and resting his forehead to hers, gently enough to not hurt any of her injuries.
"It's okay," she whispered, raising a hand and caressing his face and neck with just the tips of her fingers. "I'm still right here. Everything is going to be okay."
He scoffed quietly, but didn't pull away.
"You are the injured party, but you are still the one doing to comforting."
"That's just because I have too many protective males in my life."
Loki allowed himself a small chuckle before pulling away from her.
"I can go start making supper."
"Oh no you don't," she laughed, getting to her feet. "I'd rather not set the kitchen on fire." She ignored his insulted expression. "But you're more than welcome to keep me company while I scrounge something up."
"I suppose," he said, smirking as he followed her into the kitchen.
"How is he?"
Heimdall never altered his stance, even as Thor approached.
"Your brother is content, but cruelty still pervades his being."
Thor frowned and gazed at where the bridge was still under reconstruction.
"He is in love with her, is he not?"
"It would appear so."
"Then that is good news."
"The woman and her offspring incite emotions within him that he is inept in dealing with. When you came to care for Jane Foster, you merely wished to protect her. You left her to do so. Loki does not share your selflessness, nor your honor. His strategy to defend is based on vengeance and wrath."
"But he has come such a long way. Even Father believes it so."
"Your brother may never be cured of his malcontent. Either way, unless the Midgardian woman is aware of the entire situation, she cannot be burdened with healing your brother alone."
"I do now know of the Allfather's plan for Loki, or for this human woman and her children. I do know that Father does not intend on leaving Loki on Earth forever. Soon the day will come when Loki will return to his true home."
Thor could only hope that his brother would still see Asgard as his true home.
"Just give me a minute. I want to go get it ready before you see it, okay?" Jack asked, wringing his hands together.
"Sure thing, buddy. Have Joey come and get us when you're ready."
Both boys took off down the hall to the gymnasium where the Invention Convention was taking place.
Once they were out of sight, Grace turned towards Loki, ignoring the looks she was getting from other parents and the school staff.
It was bothering him more than it was her.
"Why must they stare?" he griped quietly.
"I don't know. It's human nature?"
"It's insulting and disrespectful," he spat.
"They're just looking, Loki. It's not like they are giving him a round of applause for his good work."
A small growl vibrated in his throat.
"You're being ridiculous," she said with a shake of her head.
"Truly? They are the ones gawking at you with some sort of sick fascination, but I am the one that is out of line."
"I never said that, but people are going to do what they're going to do. It's the same reason why whenever there's a car accident people have to slow down and stare at what's going on. It's going to happen anyway, so why work yourself up about it?"
"What would you have me do, then?"
"Fuck 'em," she said, bluntly.
Loki reared back, looking positively scandalized.
"Excuse me?"
"Who cares what they think, Loki? I don't give a shit, so I suggest you do the same."
"Oh, you don't mean that I actually go and-"
"Oh God, Loki!" she scolded, scrunching her face up in disgust. "Now you really are being ridiculous."
"Well it's a bit ridiculous that you people have so many different definitions for that one word."
"'You people'?"
He didn't get a chance to reply as Joey came up behind Grace and tugged on her hand.
"Jack is upset."
Immediately, the conversation was forgotten as Grace's maternal instincts honed in like a laser.
"What happened?"
Joey didn't say, just glumly led his aunt into the gym and to Jack's display.
Loki followed.
Jack saw behind the table, slumped in his chair, using the back of his hand to wipe his tears away as he cried silently.
A sheet laid over something on the table, but Grace only had eyes for her son. Quickly, she knelt beside him, asking him what had happened.
Loki, however, moved towards the table and lifted the sheet, looking beneath it to see a busted pile of metal and wires.
"Someone sabotaged my project. It was perfect when we left, but now it's broken. I'd have to build it from scratch all over again," he said, his face crumpling into tears again as he practically fell into his mother's arms.
"Oh, sweetheart, I'm sorry. I know how important this is to you."
While Grace comforted her son, Loki looked around, trying to set eyes on the culprit. Finally, his gaze settled on a familiar boy. The one who had bullied Jack the last time he was at the school was currently smirking at the sight of a weeping Jack.
Apparently, he hadn't learned his lesson.
The boy's eyes suddenly shifted and he noticed the malevolent glare he was receiving from Loki. His face paled, eyes widening in fright.
But it wasn't Loki who acted.
It was Joey.
The young boy had looked up and saw Trent's smirk, then his fear. Joey had witnessed Trent's treatment of Jack. Most people ignored Jack, the only one who would do something so mean was Trent.
"You!" the boy screamed and took off running, throwing himself at the startled boy, the momentum taking them both to the ground. Trent tried to grab Joey, but not before the little boy had managed to slam his fist against the older boy's nose, hitting it hard enough to draw tears.
Loki hurried over and plucked a wriggling, furious Joey off Trent. Parents, staff, and other students were quickly gathering around, and Loki whispered in Joey's ear for him to remain silent before placing the now tamed child back on the ground.
"What is going on here?" the principal asked, glaring at Joey then Trent as he picked himself off the ground and wiped his eyes.
"Trent got beat up by a little boy!" one student said, laughing loudly.
"Awww! Give him a tissue! Such a cry baby!"
More students laughed, taunting Trent while parents tried to shush the kids.
"That boy attacked him!" one parent said.
"Joey, is that true?"
Joey didn't say anything, just stared at the principal with silent stubbornness.
The principal stared back, but he had nothing on the absolute immovability that was Joey.
"Well that's fighting on school property, Joey. That's an automatic two day suspension."
Loki glanced down at the boy as Grace came forward.
"What's happened?"
"Joey here attacked Trent for no reason. That's incredibly troubling behavior, Miss Stewart. Although it would seem violence is commonplace in your household," the principal said, even giving Loki a suspicious glance.
"How dare you make assumptions and judgments like that. Now if Joey did something wrong, then punish him, but don't you look down on me. My son's project was sabotaged, but I don't see you doing a damn thing about it."
"There were no witnesses for that. Everyone here saw your boy attack Trent, unprovoked I may add."
Grace looked down at Joey who merely gazed back at Jack and his ruined project. Her gaze followed his before traveling over to Loki, a question in her eyes.
With a nod, he confirmed her suspicions.
"Then what's his punishment?"
"Two day suspension, starting tomorrow."
"Fine."
She took hold of Joey and lifted him up into her arms before turning and walking away.
"Did he ruin Jack's project?" she asked quietly.
Joey nodded, looking hesitant as he wondered if he'd get punished at home, too.
"Then you're getting ice cream when we get home."
"Really?!" he asked.
"Yes, but as you eat it we're going to have a long talk about how violence is never the answer. Got it?"
Joey nodded. She set him down when they got back to Jack's table.
"Are you ready to go home then, buddy?" she asked.
"Yeah. No point in staying here."
"I'm so sorry."
He nodded, sniffling quietly as he just walked away from his display.
Loki followed behind them, casting one last glance over at the bully who was now shouting at his peers to 'shut up' since they were still teasing him for getting beat up by a baby.
A smirk played at Loki's lips, knowing the loss of reputation would sting so much worse than any institutional punishment for his crime.
Once outside, he approached Jack, laying a hand on his shoulder and squeezing softly. Jack glanced up at him, looking lost.
"From the great words of your mother," Loki said, "'Fuck 'em'."
"Loki!" Grace admonished, surprised.
Jack couldn't help but laugh, and then laugh even harder at Loki's innocent expression.
"What? I thought the sentiment was appropriate."
"Oh for God's sake," she huffed.
Loki met Jack's gaze and shrugged.
Jack's smile remained at his lips, even if it dimmed slightly.
"I wanted to prove I could do something great."
"You don't need to prove it, Jack. Your genius would be wasted on all of them, anyway."
"You think so?"
"I know it."
Jack nodded, looking down at his feet. Grace, however, stared at Loki, a soft smile directed towards him. She really did love seeing him comfort and guide her son. It warmed her heart.
The bus approached the stop and they all boarded. Silently, they all rode home.
The bookstore was closed by the time they returned, Betty having already retired for the evening. Once upstairs, Grace had served up ice cream for the boys, and, as promised, gave them a long lecture on why violence is never the answer.
Loki, however, didn't listen. Violence was a fairly good answer, if used properly. Sometimes, it was the only answer.
And when one had the ability to apply it with the skill the Loki wielded, it was the most effective answer imaginable.
Grace put the boys to bed before readying herself for the night as well. Before long, they laid together in her bed, his fingers brushing through her hair, soothing her into a deep sleep.
Loki gazed at her, her soft features tainted by bruises and pain.
Joey had solved Jack's problem by attacking him, and while Grace couldn't condone the behavior, it worked. For hours, Loki had debated with himself over Grace's issue. That man hurt her. Intentionally, with ill intent. He had began to strangle the life out of her.
Loki could not allow that man to go on without recompense.
He would not allow it.
Leaning over, Loki brushed a soft kiss to her forehead before slipping out of bed.
It was time for Loki to do a little problem solving of his own.
A/N: I'm going to apologize for any errors. I'm too tired for editing and this chapter went a lot longer than I had anticipated. I'm also trying to get the ball rolling on the plot. I'd also like to thank every one for their patience with me. I was out of the country for a month, then I've been having some health problems. I haven't given up on the story, so please don't give up on me.