MODOK, with its permanent sinister grin, floated inside the room. It had had a difficult time tracking the younger Stark, so it decided to go after the older. It had learned that Tony had survived the attack and was being cared for in the underground base that was located beneath Stark Towers.
After bypassing the security system (a feat that took MODOK several hours), it infiltrated the base and launched an all-scale war.
SHIELD and the Avengers tried to stop MODOK, but the organism managed to evade most of their attacks by going through the air ducts. It had to release several explosives to prevent the Avengers from following it, and these seemed to have worked.
Now MODOK saw the older Stark lying helplessly in the hospital bed, while Stark's female companion fired a gun. The bullets were useless on MODOK's bulletproof casing, although several punctured the metal and were embedded inside the organism.
No matter. MODOK planned to deal with the bullets later: after it dealt with Stark. Once Tony was dead, there was only one person left. MODOK was confident that it would find Jamie – and the child she was carrying – and destroy her and the child. John Stane did specify to "kill all Starks," and since the child had Stark blood flowing through its veins, the organism included the child in its hit list.
With that, the will of his creator would be done, and MODOK would be free to pursue its own interests.
"Leave him alone!" Pepper cried, as she continued firing. Beside her Tony's face was a mask of indifference as he continued his deep sleep.
MODOK summoned an energy blast and threw it at Pepper, who dodged out of the way by diving behind an armchair. The energy blast left a charred hole on the wall and gave MODOK the chance to enter further into the room.
As it did so, MODOK summoned a larger, much more powerful energy blast. It raised its thin arm and prepared to strike Tony Stark down.
Suddenly, a powerful blast smashed against MODOK's back, causing the organism to turn around.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you."
Jamie stepped into the room, her eyes fixed on MODOK's bulbous ones. Although she looked the same, there was something different about her. She seemed more…ethereal.
"Jamie!" Pepper slowly got to her feet, her hands gripping the back of the chair as she did so. "Jamie, run!"
"I've had enough. No more running, especially from him." Jamie took a step back as MODOK advanced, but her eyes never left the organism's face. "Why don't you pick on someone your own size?"
Before MODOK could attack, Jamie flung an energy blast (albeit smaller than the ones MODOK could summon) at it. The blast grazed MODOK's side, but left a charred mark nevertheless.
MODOK growled and floated swiftly towards her. Jamie hurried back out onto the hallway, hating how the new dress Frigga had given her made her trip and stumble. She regained her balance and turned her head to see MODOK floating after her, determination etched onto its face.
MODOK continued to advance, but Jamie continued to fling energy blasts at him, which slowed him down considerably. Most of Jamie's attacks were off; these hit the walls instead of the organism, but Jamie found that as long as she maintained a certain distance from the oversized trash can, she could direct the energy blasts towards its body.
"Jamie?"
Loki hurried towards her, skidding to a stop when he saw MODOK. He snarled, his teeth glinting in the light. Loki raised his hand and summoned an ice disc at MODOK, which flew true: it embedded deep into MODOK's chest, sending rivers of ice up and down the front.
What Loki didn't expect was to see Jamie summon an energy blast and throw it at the organism. Loki was also taken aback by the sudden appearance of Thor, who flew through the air, war hammer aloft, which he slammed against the top of MODOK's head.
The organism shuddered violently and Thor swung Mjolnir a second time. MODOK was prepared for the impact, but it wasn't prepared for the sudden force that held it in place. Jamie had both her arms outstretched, finding that she was also able to manipulate MODOK.
"Jamie?" Loki turned to his wife, who was concentrating hard on keeping MODOK firmly in place as Thor smashed MODOK to small pieces. Mjolnir made short work of the organism, and when the last microchip had been destroyed, Jamie shuddered and slumped to the ground.
Loki caught her just in time, gently lowering her to the ground. Thor was breathing heavily, some of his blonde hair plastered to his face. Several sets of footsteps sounded in the hallway, and Steve Rogers, followed by several SHIELD agents, skidded to a stop beside the God of Thunder.
"Looks like you stopped him just in – what's the matter with Jamie?" Steve noticed the brunette who was in Loki's arms.
Loki stooped over and lifted Jamie in a lover's carry, sweeping past Steve and Thor, who gave the God of Mischief a meaningful glance. He headed to the infirmary and managed to find an empty bed, where he lowered his wife onto the white sheets.
Jamie moaned softly and turned her head to the side, her eyes fluttering open. "Where…did we get him?"
"Yes we did," Loki told her, brushing some of her hair away from her forehead. "And you have a lot of explaining to do."
"Ugh, Loki can't it wait? My head feels like it's being torn apart," Jamie murmured.
Loki gritted his teeth. Half of him wanted to scold her and ask her why she kept doing this to him, while another half wanted to just hold her in his arms. It was the second part that won, although there were times when he came close to losing it.
Jamie seemed to understand his inner turmoil, because she reached for his hand and squeezed it, finally letting it rest on her stomach. It was then when Thor came in, his eyes lighting up as he saw the two.
"MODOK has been defeated," he announced. "And all it took was for my little sister to hold that thing in place."
Loki tried not to look too surly. "And where have you been? It doesn't take a genius to know that the two of you went somewhere."
"Asgard, naturally," Thor replied, as if it were obvious. "Wait, Jamie didn't tell you?"
Jamie's cheeks turned pink and Loki slid his eyes towards her. "I didn't."
"No wonder he looks like someone ruffled his feathers," Thor continued, while Loki continued to stare at his wife. "You told me you did."
"It was the only way you'd let me come with you," Jamie argued. "And I didn't have a lot of time, did I?"
"You accepted the All-Father's offer, didn't you?" Loki said before Thor could speak. One look at Jamie's eyes and Loki knew that she did.
He had noticed something different about her; her vitality had increased and a certain glow appeared around her when he first saw her standing in the hallway. Her skin looked like fine porcelain and her overall posture improved.
Other than that, she was the same. It only took a keen eye to notice such things, and Loki certainly was observant.
"I had no choice," Jamie answered, while Thor settled back into one of the plastic chairs. "With so many things going on and with Tony almost getting killed, I felt like I needed to. Tony spent most of his life protecting me, Loki. I wanted to return the favor. And of course, spend as much time as I possibly can with you."
Thor cleared his throat loudly, which Loki ignored.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you," Jamie continued. "I just wanted to get this over with. I didn't plan on staying long, anyway. I hoped that I'd be back before you even noticed that I was gone."
"I told you he'd notice," Thor added in a stage whisper. "He hardly misses anything."
"Such as how Jane isn't with you anymore," Loki countered. "Where is she?"
"Back in Asgard." Thor waved his hand nonchalantly, but Loki could see that his brother was bursting to tell him something.
Loki raised an eyebrow while Jamie settled back on the pillow, smiling. "Just tell him, Thor."
Thor smiled at his sister-in-law and looked at his brother. "Jane is pregnant."
2 weeks later…
Tony Stark was brought out of the medical facility and back into society two weeks after MODOK's crushing defeat. The organism that wrecked havoc in many states across the country was melted down in the incinerator of one of Stark Industries' factories, where it was molded into a cube and shipped off to SHIELD headquarters.
With that threat dealt with, the Avengers settled back into their normal lives.
All of them had accepted their way of life by now, but all of them were becoming tired of it. They just wanted to be like everyone else, no matter how much the rest of society seemed keen on becoming part of the Avengers Initiative.
Several admirers even formed groups where they copied the Avengers in terms of style and movement, while others took their obsession to the extreme. Thanks to Clint Barton, interest in archery skyrocketed. Fans of Natasha Romanoff flowed in droves to shooting ranges and martial arts centers, where they were determined to become as talented as the red-haired Russian.
Steve caused a rage for patriotic colors and shirts that bore his signature shield, while Bruce was the inspiration of The Hulk, a strong alcoholic drink that claimed to send drinkers into a "rage." Several arcades put up 'Mjolnir,' a strongman game where players had to smash a war hammer similar to Thor's in an attempt to get the highest score.
Even Loki had his own merchandise, but the God of Mischief was far beyond caring.
His wife, however, found it amusing, and had even bought a Team Loki shirt while she went shopping with Sharon Carter. She now wore it every chance she got, just to annoy both Loki and her brother.
Tony was slowly recuperating, and Jamie was with him every step of the way. He was still using a wheelchair, but his mind was as sharp as ever. He continued operations of Stark Industries and spent time poring over new ideas for his suit.
Jamie had decided to place her suit in storage, saying that she wouldn't need it anymore given her current status. As an Asgardian, Jamie had the same basic abilities as Thor and Loki, meaning she was impervious to illness and most attacks that were fatal to Midgardians.
She also had a new name.
Prior to returning to Midgard, Odin had asked her to choose a Norse name, to make things more official. After much deliberation (which was the main reason why Jamie took so long to return), she decided on "Jorunn," because it sounded like "Jotunn," the Norse name for Loki's true heritage.
"Interesting choice," Odin had said with a smile.
"Why? What does it mean?" Jamie had asked, while Frigga smiled.
"Jorunn also means 'lover of horses'. I do believe you are such a person, Jorunn."
Jamie had blushed, but she was pleased. Loki shared her sentiment, finding it both touching and appropriate.
Tony, however, had qualms about her new name. "Why couldn't you have just stayed as 'Jamie'? Jesus, you change your entire race and you even change your name?"
"Well, have you ever heard of a Norse goddess named 'Jamie'?" Jamie had teased him. "You can always think of a nickname."
Tony had snorted and wheeled himself out of Jamie's room. Jamie had simply smiled.
Now she was inside the obstetrician's office once more (this time in the hospital in Brooklyn), waiting for the results. Her stomach was now a round bulge, which meant that she had to wear loose, flowy dresses and tops. Jamie had sworn off maternity dresses, opting to get her clothes at her favorite summer clothing store instead. Loki had initially thought that Jamie would walk around in string bikinis and had nearly choked on his drink when she told him where she was going.
The beach dress that Jamie was wearing was a purple tie-dyed dress with a halter that showed her shoulders. Loki was in another of his usual get-ups (leather jacket with jeans) and was spending time pranking people who were passing by the obstetrician's office.
After the third person tripped over Loki's invisible rope, Jamie wrapped her fingers around his wrist. "Loki, behave."
Loki ignored her for a few moments, stopping only when Doctor Miles came into the room. She had several folders tucked under her arm.
"Nothing wrong, as usual," the doctor reported as she sat down. "The only thing that is out of the ordinary is the speed with which the child grows. You've only been pregnant for nearly a month, and yet it seems as if you're due in two weeks."
I thought the growth process would slow down once I became an Asgardian, Jamie thought, tapping into the telepathic link she had with Loki.
I'm not entirely sure, Loki replied. You're the first to be pregnant with the child of an Asgardian while still mortal. Things may be slightly different.
Well great. Tony's been asking me when he can expect a baby shower.
I'm not having my firstborn brought to the bathroom after being born!
A baby shower is a party, Loki. Not literally the shower in a bathroom.
Doctor Miles looked at Jamie and then Loki, wondering why the two weren't saying anything. Finally, she decided to continue.
"I say we stick to the same rules. Don't tire yourself out, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and make sure to drink that milk I prescribed," she said. "Same procedure."
"Am I allowed to travel?" Jamie asked, while Loki rubbed his fingers on the side of his head.
Jamie was planning to bring Tony to their house in Malibu. She believed that a change in scenery would do him wonders, plus she missed California. Most of the Avengers would stay in New York, save for Thor, who had returned to Asgard to be with Jane. The news that Jane was pregnant was surprising, but Loki knew it was only a matter of time.
"It depends," Doctor Miles admitted. "Where were you planning to go?"
"California. My brother and I have a house in Malibu, and I was wondering if I could accompany him there. Rest and recuperation."
The doctor nodded. "That sounds fine. I'm sure your husband won't let you do anything that's not on our list."
Loki shook his head while Jamie sighed. Several minutes later the two were on their way out of the hospital, where they met Doctor Franks. Jamie thanked him – and asked him to say 'thank you' to Elijah as well – before walking out of the hospital with Loki.
Their car was waiting for them at the curb, and Loki helped Jamie in before sliding into the backseat himself. Jamie exhaled and laughed softly.
"He's kicking," she said, and Loki immediately rested his hand on Jamie's belly. He could feel subtle movement under his palm and a feeling of warmth and love spread over him.
It was then when reality hit: he was going to be a father.
He had been so preoccupied with MODOK and the issue of Jamie's mortality that the fact of his paternity didn't completely sink in.
Now it did, and he was thrown aback. He had his wife (who was now an Asgardian, like him) and a child that grew every single second. A child that responded lovingly to his touch; a child who would love him for what he was.
"Is something wrong?" Jamie had rested her head on his shoulder and now looked up at him. "You became tense all of a sudden."
"I was thinking," Loki answered. "What if-"
"What if our child grows up to be just like you?" Jamie chuckled, having read Loki's thoughts. "Then the world would have gained another hero."
"How can you even say that?" Loki stared out of the window and at the buildings that flew past. "You know what I've done in the past."
"Yeah. Stop The Other, finish Thanos off, rescue the country – and me – from Hades and Lucifer, and help bring down MODOK. I'd say you've done a bloody lot to qualify as a hero," Jamie said passionately.
"You really believe that, don't you?" Loki smirked.
"I believe it, and you'd better believe that your kid is going to believe it with all his little heart."
"Well what if I grow tired of being the hero? What if I decide to become the villain?"
Jamie sat up straight and looked at Loki dead in the eye. "Loki Laufeyson, the only time I'm allowing you to become the villain is when we're in the bedroom."
