Snuggled together on the couch, Loki asks the question on his mind since Wanda's return, "What is it she isn't telling me?"
"What do you mean, Brother?"
"There is something she isn't telling me. I don't know if it is about her, or about Pietro, but there is something you both know that you have not said."
"She will tell us little about her treatment at the hands of HYDRA other than she expected no less than what she received. Pietro is...well, he is in a sad state."
"What did they do to him?"
"We do not know the extent of it, but we know he had his memories wiped. He knew nothing of us when we arrived. He knew his sister, but he remembered little of what they had been through together with HYDRA or Ultron. The twins were barely allowed to speak to one another or see one another. I believe it was to keep him from remembering. We have called on Dr Banner."
"He will come?"
"Reluctantly, but yes. He has said he does not want to be a part of our missions, and we will stand back. But he is a doctor, and a talented one at that, so we will allow him to do his work without our meddling."
"I hope he can help. Where are they keeping Pietro?"
"SHIELD has a secure facility in the middle of the wilderness that they have for situations like these. It is quite home-like. I have seen it. He will be comfortable, at least, and Son of Coul has taken an interest in making sure he is well supported as his memories return."
"He thinks they will?"
"Yes. His did."
"You are again not telling me something."
"Correct."
"What happened to Director Coulson?"
"His memories of what they did to bring him back were so horrific that they replaced them with others. He has now recalled what really happened."
"Ah..."
The silence is uncomfortable and Thor searches for the words to break it, "You are thinking."
"Yes."
"Of? If it is of his death and resurrection, I do not know how they did it."
"No, actually. Not that."
"Then what?"
"How will this family fit together when Pietro is back with Wanda?"
"You mean how will you fit into the family?"
"Precisely."
"Adding one does not mean the removal of another. Wanda spoke of this after Pietro was safely with the SHIELD team. She does not worry about herself, she loves you dearly, and she knows Magda does as well. She worries about you boys and how you will adapt."
"Will he know who I am before he meets me?"
"I do not know."
"Magda has never met him."
"Correct. But she has brothers of her own. And you are no less family to her because of it."
"Magda is remarkable."
"Magda has been through hell. Anthony looked up some of her history. Her family was once much larger. They buried six siblings in the span of a year. Her uncles died in the wars for Sokovian independence. And of those remaining, there are some who refuse to speak to her or use her name. She builds family where she is and loves deeply because of these things."
"As I said, she is remarkable."
"She will help you if you struggle to add another brother to your life. And she will help him as well. Is it not her life's work to bring peace to those who need it?"
"Yes, it is."
"Then what worries do you have, my Brother?"
"I do not know. But there is the odd feeling rattling in my heart that I will lose something very dear. It is terrifying."
Thor holds him tight, "Whatever it is, it will not be me."