Pairings: Angela & Sera, Steve & Loki (explicit), Helena & Pietro, Clint & Natasha, Logan & Bruce
Explicit Content: Hand Job
Logan makes an extra large breakfast. There are three more mouths to feed after all. The fact that it helps to take his mind off of Bruce is an added bonus. He could tell himself Bruce stayed behind to help, but he knows that's probably not true. What had Loki said? Bruce was too nervous. As if delaying the inevitable won't just make it all worse when it does happen.
He cracks a bunch of eggs into a bowl and whisks them together.
Maybe Bruce won't come back. It's not the first time he's had this thought. But before he could tell himself it might be because he couldn't return. He knew that was wishful thinking even then. Now he can't lie to himself.
He checks on the bacon frying in the skillet and turns each one over with his fingers.
"Loki got a new ship?" Natasha asks as she enters the kitchen.
"Belongs to his sister."
"Ah." She grabs a mug and pours herself some coffee. "Does this mean we'll get to meet her?"
"Guess so."
"Well that'll be interesting."
"Yep."
"Need any help?"
"Nope. I got it under control."
Natasha tilts her head as she studies him a moment. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
"I don't believe you."
Logan concentrates on the bacon. "Loki found Bruce."
"He did? That's," she continues to study him as she chooses her next word, "a relief. Assuming he's safe."
"Wouldn't know about that."
"And yet you don't seem concerned." She takes a sip of coffee.
"He's a big boy. He can take care of himself. And if he can't, Hulk will take care of him."
"You sure about that?"
He can feel her eyes on him. He pulls the bacon out of the skillet and onto a plate. "You aren't?"
"Not particularly. But you know him better than I do."
The eggs get poured into the skillet. The sound of their sizzle is the only reply.
Natasha sits. "We're going to need Loki to expand the table."
"Yep."
Clint comes down the stairs. "Did you know there was a new spaceship out front?"
"Hawkeye – living up to his name," Natasha teases. "Coffee?"
"Always." He motions for Natasha to stay seated. "We aren't concerned?" His mug is extra big. He fills it to the top.
"Loki's sister," Logan tells him.
"Cool." He takes a seat next to Natasha.
Sam comes down next. Then Wanda and Pietro. A new pot of coffee is made.
Two women walk out of the new ship. One is tall with red hair. She gives off a definite Xena Warrior Princess vibe. The other is almost as tall but looks smaller. She has dark hair and sharper features. They head to the door that opens before they get there.
"Welcome. I'm Natasha." She smiles as she sizes up the two women.
"Sera," the brunette says. "This is Angela."
"Loki's sister," Natasha says. "He told us about you. Not a lot," she adds. "Come in. Logan is cooking breakfast. I'll introduce you to the others." She leads them to the dining area. She points at each person as she says their name including Angela and Sera.
"Have a seat," Clint says. "Want some coffee?"
"Or we can make tea," Wanda offers.
Logan calls, "I already made a pot. Figured Loki would want some."
"You were right," Loki says as he comes down the stairs with Steve and a little boy. Oliver the cat is following behind them. "Everyone, this is my son Vali." He starts to introduce the others, but his son stops him.
"Natasha the spy. Clint the archer. Sam the flier. Wanda the witch. Pietro the fast man. Logan with the claws." He looks at his father for confirmation and smiles at the nod. "Poppa told me all about you on Sakaar."
"I'll explain over breakfast," Loki promises. He makes the table bigger before introducing Steve to Angela and Sera. "The cat that just ran to the other room is Oliver. I'd love that tea now."
Logan sets the teapot in front of him as well as a mug. Then he brings the bacon and a large bowl of scrambled eggs.
Loki waits for everyone to serve themselves before proceeding. "For me, it began with a call from T'Challa. Angela had come to Midgard to find me." He looks at his sister then at Sera. "Would you like to tell this bit?"
Sera nods. "Thank you." After cleaning her mouth and clearing her throat, she begins. Her story is the one she told Loki only yesterday. It's not the entire story. They don't need to know her history with Angela. They just need to know how she heard about the invasion of Asgard, her escape with Angela, and their experience when they got here on Midgard. "We were instructed to land near a hut where we were met by Okoye and Bucky."
Angela adds, "We were told to wait there for Loki."
Loki takes up the story then. "When I arrived and heard their tale, I went to Westchester to tell Thor. He was there visiting Storm." He gives them a summary of what he told Steve a few hours earlier. He can feel Steve's leg against his, giving him silent support. When he gets to the part about seeing Hulk in the arena for the first time, he keeps a discreet eye on Logan.
The mutant drinks his coffee as he listens. His face is a mask.
"The fight was, as you can imagine, brutal and more evenly matched than you might think. Thor almost won, but the Grandmaster electrocuted him just before he could give Hulk a final blow." He looks at his tea. "I watched as Hulk leapt up several feet then came hurtling back down, driving both his fists into my brother." He clears his throat. "I didn't see either of them for two days though I looked. Then the Grandmaster summoned me and the woman who had brought him both Thor and Hulk. Thor had taken Hulk, and the Grandmaster wanted them back. We were tasked with retrieving them."
Natasha asks, "Hulk had been in control the entire time they were on Sakaar?"
Loki nods then looks to Vali.
"We knew him as the Green Skar. He was the Grandmaster's greatest champion. They were adding his likeness to the main tower."
"Thor managed to bring Bruce back. I'm not sure how." Loki backtracks a bit to his altercation with Borghild. Then he goes through their escape. "When we got to Asgard, the war was still raging. We joined the battle." He feels Steve take his hand. "It was difficult, but we drove away all the invaders."
"Mama Frigga?" Clint asks. "Is she okay?"
"She is back on Asgard. The healers believe she will pull through." He looks down. "Odin was not so lucky. He was taken to Valhalla after the fighting ended. Thor is now King of Asgard, and I have my son back."
"Bruce?" Sam asks.
"Remained on Asgard."
Logan stands. "Anyone want more coffee?"
To no one's surprise, Clint is the first to accept. Steve also accepts as does Pietro. Logan refills several cups.
"Vali can't yet travel Yggdrasil," Loki continues. "We used the Bifrost to return to Wakanda. From there, Angela and Sera were kind enough to bring us back here."
Clint looks confused. "All of that happened last night?"
"Time works differently on Sakaar. All of that happened last night. And yet Vali looks to have aged very little since I last saw him. I have no explanation. But I am glad to be home."
"Does Helena know?" Pietro asks.
"Not yet. I'd like to be the one to tell her," Loki requests.
"Of course."
"Will you be seeing her soon?" Loki asks him.
"Yes. She should be returning from her trip with Rogue today. She promised to come see me before she went home."
"Good." He looks at Angela. "Would you mind staying? Or have you had enough new people to last you a while."
Sera adds, "We were considering staying on Midgard for a while. Maybe you all could help us decide where we should go next while we wait?"
The tall redhead nods. "We'll stay until we've decided."
Clint leans forward. "I'd like to visit Mama Frigga."
Loki rubs his eyes. "Getting there is going to be a logistical nightmare. But yes. Of course. If you can wait, I was going to return once I saw Helena. We can fly to Siberia and have Heimdall pick us up there."
"Me, too?" Vali asks.
"Of course you, too," his father assures him gently before booping his nose.
Natasha makes a suggestion. "I can hold down the fort with Wanda and Pietro if the rest of you want to go to Asgard."
"I'm staying," Logan tells her. "You go with Clint."
"You don't want to see Bruce?"
"I'm staying." He takes a drink of his coffee making it clear he won't be elaborating.
Loki looks at Angela. "You're welcome to join us. But I understand if you can't. Still, if you wanted to see her without being seen by her, now would be the perfect time."
Sera puts a hand on her arm. "Whatever you want."
Angela frowns. "They'll probably think I'm there to claim the throne."
"Well now I really want you to go," Loki says with a teasing lilt. "But of course it's up to you."
"Given where we're from," she begins, "and what just happened, I think it would be best if we stayed away."
"At least neither of you have wings," he notes. "But I understand. Shall I tell them you'll be claiming the throne in a year or two?"
When Steve sees Angela's and Sera's reaction, he quickly informs them, "He's joking. He's big on…jokes."
Natasha lifts her coffee cup. "Wait till you meet Wade," she says before taking a sip.
Steve addresses Loki. "You should call him and Helena. They'll want to know what happened to Odin and Frigga."
"If she's in America she'll still be asleep. Or hasn't gone to sleep yet." He's honestly not sure which. "I'll text them, ask them to call me." He produces his phone and realizes it's out of battery. He tosses it onto the table. "Of course." He feels near his breaking point.
"Use mine," Steve says as he hands his over. "I'll go charge yours." He kisses Loki's head as he gets up.
He takes a slow breath. "Thank you, Darling." He sends the texts while Steve goes to plug in his phone.
Clint waits for Loki to finish before asking, "Will there be a funeral?"
"Aye. Many. Asgard will be in mourning for a while." He feels Steve's hand on his shoulder before his husband sits back down.
"Will Thor need help?" Sam asks.
"He has plenty of advisors," Loki replies. "Tyr, Heimdall, the Council, Kelda, Mother whenever she wakes."
"Will they make him marry?" Natasha asks.
"Eventually but not anytime soon."
"But…" Vali looks confused for a moment. "I keep forgetting he isn't married anymore."
"It's alright." Loki strokes his head. "Thor already has an heir. His daughter Thrud," he explains to Angela and Sera. "They'll probably want her to marry first."
Angela shrugs. "If they allow a woman to rule."
"Are you certain you don't want to find out? Angela Aldrif Odinsdottr, after having been kidnapped and raised in Heven, returns to Asgard just after the death of Odin to take his throne from her younger brother Thor."
"It is very dramatic," Sera says. "It'd make a great story."
"I don't care," Angela replies. "I don't want it. They'd probably try to make me marry a man."
Steve smiles. "I doubt they could make you do anything."
xxx
This is Rogue and Helena's last night in New Orleans. They've just finished a nice dinner with Gambit. Now they are on their way to listen to Gambit's favorite jazz trio. "You are gonna love 'em," he promises.
Rogue is smiling. "I'm sure I will."
Helena feels her phone vibrate. She takes it out of her pocket. There's a text message. She reads it as they walk. "Rogue, it's Da. He needs to see me."
She stops and turns to her friend. "Is everything alright?"
"I'm not sure."
"You go on. If it's nothin', you can meet us at the bar. But if it's somethin'…"
"I'll text you." She hugs her. "Gambit, take good care of her."
"You know it." He takes Rogue's gloved hand. "Say hey to Falcon for me."
"I will. Have fun." With that, Helena disappears into Yggdrasil. She reaches into her pocket and pulls out a packet of peanuts. She opens it and spills the contents on the ground. Then she turns back to the opening to Midgard. New Orleans disappears, replaced by the sand in the Philippines. She steps out again. Looking around, she sees no one on the beach, but there is a new ship. "Da!" She strides to the house. "Da!"
Steve comes out of the house. "Helena, thanks for coming so fast." He gives her a hug on the porch.
"Is everything alright?"
"That's hard to answer. A lot has happened overnight." He opens the door for her. "Come inside. There are some people you need to meet."
"Step Da, you're scaring me," she says as she heads inside. "Da?"
"Here, Pet."
She stops when she sees the boy by her father's side.
"Come meet your brother. Vali, this is your sister Helena. Helena, this is Vali."
"Vali?" She looks from the boy to her father and back to the boy. A multitude of questions go through her mind. She approaches silently and crouches down. "Are you truly Vali?" She knows it's a stupid question. She knows he will say he is regardless of the truth.
"Yes. Are you really my sister?"
"Half sister."
Loki can see the suspicion in her violet eyes. "It's really him, Pet. I promise."
Her eyes again go to her father. "You made Wade take a test."
"I'll explain later," he promises. "Your aunt is here, too." He gestures to the two women. "Angela is Odin and Frigga's first born. And that's Sera."
Helena stands and walks over to them as she tells everyone else hello. She waves at the two women. "I'm Hel, Queen of Helheim. Is that your ship?"
"It is," Angela replies. "You look young to be a queen."
"Thanks." She feels someone behind her then sees Pietro in her peripheral vision. She takes his hand. "It's nice to meet you. Our family has some major issues, but we make it work."
"Sounds nice," Sera says.
Loki clears his throat. "Helena, there's more."
"More?" She would really like to return to New Orleans now. Instead, she steps back so that she can see her father and her aunt just by moving her head. Pietro is still by her side. "What happened? Did Thanos finally come?"
"No, thankfully. But Asgard was invaded."
"Invaded?"
Clint looks at Natasha. "Maybe we should…" He points his thumb away from the table.
"Clean up? Good idea." She gets up and starts gathering plates. Clint, Wanda, Sam, and Logan help her.
Helena looks around. "Alright, now you're all scaring me. Stop!" Everyone freezes. "Tell me what happened."
The dishes slowly get put back on the table.
Loki walks over to his daughter. "Asgard was invaded – the Jotun, the Angels, and the Dark Elves. Your grandmother was badly hurt, but she'll be fine. Odin will not. He has gone on to Valhalla."
"This is…This…What?"
"Odin is dead. Thor is now king of Asgard."
"Thrud?"
"Is fine," Loki assures her.
It's clear she's trying to process all the information. "I should get home in case any of the dead decide to come to Helheim." She looks at Pietro. "I need to text Rogue."
"Okay. Text Rogue. Do you have anything still in New Orleans?" he asks as he brushes his fingers down her cheek.
"Yes."
"Go get your things. Text Rogue. Then go home," he suggests. "I will find a way to get there."
"You don't have to."
"What kind of boyfriend would I be if I didn't?" He'd love to kiss her, but he'd rather not do that in front of her father. Instead he winks at her.
It makes her smile. She nods back. "Meet me on Asgard instead." She isn't ready for him to meet 'Boda.
"On Asgard then."
Loki has a final request. "Will you let Narfi know? Please?"
"Yes." She hugs him. "Are you alright, Da?"
"Yes." He smiles. "I finally found him."
"And you're certain?" she whispers.
"Absolutely. No one there knew who I was, only Vali."
Her brow furrows into an expression very like her father. "There?"
He promises to explain later. "And then it will make sense Sort of." He kisses her forehead. "Now say your goodbyes, and go get your things. I'll make sure Pietro gets to you." He's not sure how he feels about that last sentence, but he also knows it doesn't matter so long as Pietro makes Helena happy.
She nods. "You better explain next time I see you." She says her goodbyes, giving everyone around the table a hug, even her new aunt who looks very uncomfortable receiving it. Sera is much more receptive. When she hugs Vali, she feels him tense. She lets him go quickly then hugs Steve.
"We'll see you soon," he promises.
"Let me know if anything changes."
"I will."
She hugs Pietro and her father again before stepping back into Yggdrasil. The peanuts she poured onto the ground are still there. She's not going to leave more. And if it's still there when she returns to travel the roots to Helheim, she won't leave more then either.
Stepping out into her hotel room, it surprises her that it's still night here. She had forgotten that in the short time she was away. No wonder she's tired. She pulls out her phone and texts Rogue. 'Battle on Asgard. Have to get home in case dead choose Helheim. Thanks for the holiday. Tell Gambit to stay the night.' She doubts Rogue will actually do it, but she hopes she does.
She stuffs the few things she has into her bag. This includes Peeta Bear and Palace, though she gives each a hug before putting them in. She had been afraid Rogue would laugh at her for bringing them. But after she explained their significance, Rogue was really nice about it.
After zipping up the bag, she hoists it over her shoulder. That's when she feels her phone vibrate. It's Rogue wishing her good luck and thanking her for being here.
Helena looks around at the hotel room one last time before entering Yggdrasil.
The peanuts are still on the ground. "Must not be hungry. Well they're there whenever you want them." She's not sure Ratatosk can hear her, but the sound of her own voice is better than the silence.
She takes a breath. Then she walks through the roots of Yggdrasil, following the path to Helheim. It seems to take forever. Or maybe she just feels heavy. So much has changed in such a short amount of time. She stops and pulls Palace out of her bag. It keeps her memory of Gwen alive, and she holds it against her chest as she continues on. Part of her wants to crawl onto her Da's lap and be held by him. But now that space will be filled by Vali. Jealousy flares up in her chest and cheeks.
It was different when he found Wade and Fenrir. They were older, independent, with lives of their own. Vali will need him. A lot of him. And for a long time.
When she gets to the portal to Helheim, she steps out into her bedroom. Her bag is thrown onto her bed. Palace is laid gently on her pillow. She takes a breath and heads downstairs.
Angrboda can be heard yelling, her voice getting louder. "…that insufferable planet again instead of here doing her duty."
"I'm here!" Helena yells. "I came back as soon as I heard."
The two women almost run into each other.
"You shouldn't have had to return. Your duty is here. Or have you forgotten."
"Of course not. You never let me!" She pushes past her mother toward the barrier to the land of the dead.
"Well someone has to keep reminding you!"
Queen Hel continues striding through the castle. "I'm in no mood, 'Boda."
"And how is your father?" The words sound sarcastic, cold.
"Living in wedded bliss," she shoots back. Three strides later she adds, "He found Vali."
"What?"
"He found Vali. Also, Odin is dead."
That stops Angrboda in her tracks. "King Odin is dead?"
Helena swears she can hear happiness in her mother's voice. It disgusts her.
"Is it true?" she presses.
"Da told me," she says over her shoulder. "He was there."
"He died in battle then."
Queen Hel steps through the barrier to the land of the dead without another word and is immediately accosted by new arrivals.
xxx
Wade fills the hotel bathtub with hot water then takes off his bloody, hole-riddled clothes. He took a lot of bullets tonight before and after he killed the Russian oligarch who had been selling sex with children.
One of the older kids had managed to escape. He wanted to kill the fucker himself, but Wade convinced him to let him do it. So that's what Wade did. He killed the fucker then freed the kids, killing anyone who was abusing them at the time.
His payment was the money he found. He took enough to pay his expenses and gave the rest to the kids. They were gonna need it more than he did.
Now he is back in his hotel room and slowly lowering himself into the water with a hiss.
Somewhere his phone buzzes. Single buzz. Text message. It can wait.
The water around him becomes murky with swirls of red. Under normal circumstances, he would already be completely healed. Damn automatic weapons.
Wade lays his head back and closes his eyes. "I wonder what Spider-Man is doing right now." His eyes open. "Wow, the acoustics in here are great. Laaaaaa!" He smiles. Then he sings, "There was something in the air that night. The stars were bright, Fernando. They were shining there for you and me, for liberty, Fernando."
He closes his eyes again. His muscles begin to relax. The wounds close.
"Fernando," he whispers.
When he opens his eyes again, the water is cold and red, and his wounds have completely healed.
He pulls the plug on the tub to let it drain. After drying off, he puts on some boxer shorts. He carries his phone to the nightstand and plugs it in to charge. Then he climbs into bed and falls back asleep.
The light from outside is bright when he wakes up again. He grabs his phone and heads back to the bathroom. It's after noon. He'll have to pay for another night. Oh well.
Sitting on the toilet, he looks at the notifications on his phone. He's got a few texts. One is from Captain Ameri-ass. "Oooooh," he says as he opens it. It ends up being from his father. It's vague, just saying he needs to see him and Helena.
He sends a reply text to Loki's number. 'What up, pop?' He plays a game as he waits for an answer.
The phone buzzes. 'I need to speak with you in person. Where are you?'
Wade sends him his GPS position.
The next message has a location just north of the city he's in along with instructions to be there in 30 minutes.
"Good thing I took a bath last night." He finishes up in the bathroom and gets dressed.
xxx
Wade stares at Angela for a moment after being introduced to her. "Our family is hot."
"We aren't blood relatives," Loki reminds him.
He wiggles his eyebrows.
Pietro points at Sera. "You just met Angela's girlfriend."
Wade moves to stand between the two women. He wraps his arms around their shoulders. "What's your stance on open relationships?"
"Poppa, what's an open relationship?" Vali asks.
"It's when the people in the relationship agree that they can have sex with others," Loki explains, ignoring Steve's look and Sam's smile.
"Oh. Okay."
Wade drops his arms and goes to Vali. "My big brother, you have so much to learn. I will be your sensei."
"Sensei?"
Steve tells him it's a teacher or mentor. He looks at Loki, silently telling him to continue.
Loki nods. "Wade, could you sit please?" Once his son sits (on the ground), he tells him about Frigga and Odin.
"Woah. Wow. I thought that old coot was going to live forever."
"As did I. We're all going to see Frigga. Well, not Angela and Sera. They just came here to meet you."
Wade gasps and bats his eyes at the two women. He clasps his hands together and holds them against his cheek. "You did? I feel so special."
"The most special," Loki says with a smile. He had forgotten how refreshing being with Wade could be, how it could lift up spirits. "Would you like to join us on Asgard? I know your grandmother would love it. She always enjoys your stories."
He drops his hands into his lap. "Yeah, but I've got some things I need to take care of first."
"Well as soon as you are ready, just look up and ask Heimdall for a ride."
"Sure. Does Hel know?"
"She does," Loki confirms. "She returned to Helheim. Once things calm down there, I'm sure she'll join us."
Wade holds out his hand. "Anyone? Anyone?"
Pietro helps him up.
"Thank you." He pats Pietro's ass.
Loki verifies, "So we'll see you there?"
"Yes, Pop. I'll be there. At some point. But soon," Wade promises.
He pulls his son into a hug. "I love you. And I'll see you soon." He pulls away and turns to Angela. "I'll be in touch when we return. But if you change your mind, you know where to find us."
"I do."
"Good luck." He looks at Sera. "I'd ask you to take care of her, but I know you will without my having to ask."
She nods. "We'll take care of each other."
Steve offers his hand. "It was nice to meet you. If you need anything, you can contact Johnny Storm in New York City. He's my nephew. He'll try to help."
"They should meet Carol," Clint suggests.
"Carol Danvers," Steve explains. "Bucky's girlfriend. At least they were before we all went into hiding."
"Also in New York City," Sam adds.
Clint warns them, "But if you see Tony Stark, just know he's an ass."
Angela nods her understanding. "Thank you for the warning. You should go. We'll be fine."
Loki chuckles. "Of that I have no doubt." He takes Vali's hand and leads the way into their ship. Steve, Clint, and Pietro follow.
Angela, Sera, and Wade watch the jet lift into the air and fly north.
xxx
It's late. Or early depending on how one looks at it. Helena considers going to bed and talking to Narfi afterward. Something tells her she won't be able to sleep well if she does. Of course if Narfi is sleeping, it won't matter what she wants.
She heads to the home he shares with Baldur. It looks dark.
"Shit," she says to herself.
Helena gets to the front door before deciding to leave.
Breakfast then a nap then she'll return. She just hopes 'Boda has already gone to bed. The last thing she needs is a lecture about her responsibilities.
The palace is empty. Her footsteps echo on the stone floor. She climbs the stairs, wondering if it's possible that someone put in extra steps since she last went up. The corridor to her bedroom is empty. Almost there. She opens the door.
"Hel."
Head dropping, she sighs. She had been so close. "Can it wait?"
"If you had been here –"
"I don't want to hear it. I'm in no mood."
"Your duties –"
"Have been fulfilled. And now I'm going to bed. Good night, 'Boda."
Angrboda is not done. "I sacrificed everything for you. For this."
"I didn't ask you to." She can feel her muscles tensing. "And had I known Asgard was going to be invaded, I would have been here sooner. I'm sorry for not being able to see the future." Her voice ends up much louder than when she started. She takes a breath and turns to her mother. "This was your dream not mine."
"That's not true. You wanted it. You told me."
"I told you what you wanted to hear so you'd love me. So you wouldn't leave me like Da did." She must be tired if she's telling her mother the truth.
Angrboda is shocked. "I would never have left you."
"You left my brothers. You let Odin take them away."
"That was different."
"They were your children."
"Oh, so you can forgive your father that but not me, eh?" She is tired of the double-standard her daughter has for her two parents.
"He asked," she points out. "He apologized. When did you do either?"
"I shouldn't have to. I was here."
"You were here because you wanted this," she says gesturing to the space around them. "Da loves me."
"Loki loves anyone and anything that pays him the least bit of attention."
"Except you." The words thicken the air between them. "Good night, 'Boda." She goes into her room. After collapsing on the bed, she holds Palace against her chest and closes her eyes.
xxx
The sun is rising on Asgard when Loki, Steve, and the others get there. The damage is consequential. Steve remembers what the streets looked like when he rode through them just before his wedding. Now some of the buildings he passed then are barely more than piles of debris. It breaks his heart. He can tell by the look on Loki's face that it hurts him as well. He takes his husband's hand and gives it a squeeze.
This makes Loki look at him.
The scenery reminds Pietro of Sokovia. "I am glad Wanda didn't come."
"Oh?" Sam asks.
"When we lost our parents, our apartment building looked very much like that." He points to a building with the center part of the front completely gone.
Clint looks at the building. "The scars of war. They look basically the same no matter the place or the war." He has seen enough of them to know.
Vali cranes his neck to see. "They took all the bodies already."
"A good thing," his father says. "Dead bodies are not pleasant."
"I know. Sometimes I had to work cleaning up at the arena."
Steve says, "Well now all you'll have to clean up is your own mess."
Pietro cracks, "Which if you're like Clint will take you a long time."
"Hello, pot," Clint shoots back. "Pretty sure you're messier than me."
"Even if I am, I can clean it up like that." He snaps his fingers.
"And then eat half our food after." It's only a slight exaggeration.
Vali likes them. He likes all of his father's friends. With all of his father's stories, he feels as though he knows them all already. He snuggles against his father and smiles. He's free. He's truly free and, even more miraculous, he is loved.
xxx
Thor dozes in a chair next to his mother's bed. Even in that state, he hears the door open and someone enter. His grip tightens on Mjolnir. Slowly, he opens his eyes. His grip slackens. "Oh, it's you. I'm surprised you're back."
Loki touches his mother's hand. "Has there been any change?"
"No. No change."
"And how is the new king of Asgard?"
Thor sights. "Wishing he were not yet king."
"Well there's always the chance that Angela will return and claim the throne." He looks at his brother. "Is that what you want?"
"No. She may be our sister, but she doesn't know Asgard." He rubs his forehead. "Besides, you know women aren't allowed to if there's a male heir. Did you come alone?"
"No. Steve, Vali, Pietro, Sam, and Clint are waiting outside."
"Logan?"
"Stayed on Midgard."
"Perhaps that's for the best." He looks at his mother sleeping so peacefully. "This wasn't how I wanted to become king."
"There was no good way for you to become king," Loki points out. "But I know you will make a good one. Provided you keep your head out of your ass."
"Oh very nice. Mother is right there."
"And she'd agree with me." He takes a heavy breath. "Mother will make an excellent advisor."
"So will you, brother."
"Except I will be on Midgard."
"Even with Vali?" Thor asks.
"Especially with Vali. He's been a prince. He's been a slave. Now I'd like for him to just be a boy."
"He will never just be a boy."
"No, you're probably right. But we will try."
"We? So Steve has accepted him then? What am I saying. Of course he has." Thor stretches his neck. "Is there anything I can say to get you to remain here as an advisor? Even for part of the time?"
Loki is tempted to accept. "You'll be fine. You have many advisors. You'll have mother. And you have Borghild. I imagine she's staying."
"Aye."
"Good."
"But she isn't you. She doesn't have your cunning."
"No. But mother does. And you can always send her to get me if you truly need me here." Loki looks at Frigga. "Is it alright if the others come in? I'll make sure it's one at a time."
Thor nods.
"You should go to bed. You won't be good to anyone if you're tired."
He pouts. "I was sleeping just fine until you came in."
"My apologies." Loki stands. "Of course with the others coming in and out of here, you'll get even less sleep. So you should go to bed if you want to get any rest."
"Fuck off, Loki."
"I love you, too, brother." He blows Thor a kiss and then leaves.
Steve comes in next. He immediately gives Thor a hug. "Hey, I'm so sorry about Odin."
He chokes up a little. "Thank you."
"I know what it's like losing a parent. If you ever need to talk or just sit with someone…"
"I appreciate the offer." He is tempted to bring up Loki staying as an advisor but decides against it.
Steve looks at Frigga. His hand reaches out and touches hers. "She looks so peaceful."
"Mmm."
He sits on the edge of the bed. "Hi, Mom. You finally got me to call you mom, and you aren't awake to smile at me. Well, maybe when you wake up. You have to wake up," he tells her. "Loki will never forgive himself if you don't. And you know how he can spiral. Plus, we need you. There are future grandchildren you need to meet."
"Future grandchildren?" Thor asks.
"Distant future," he clarifies. "I should let Clint come in." He stands. "I'll see you soon." After patting Thor on the shoulder, Steve leaves.
A moment later, Clint walks in holding a flowering plant. "Hey, Thor. I brought this for Mom." He looks around for a place to set it down.
"It's beautiful. She will love it."
"I hate hospitals." He puts the plant on the windowsill. Then he goes to check on Frigga. "This sucks."
"Indeed," Thor replies.
"Loki told us about your dad. I'm sorry."
His head drops. "As am I."
"He also said your mom is going to be okay. That's good."
"Yes."
"I met your sister. She's quite a woman."
"She tortured me."
He scratches the back of his head. "Well that's awkward."
"We didn't know we were brother and sister at the time," Thor adds.
"So delayed awkward." Clint sticks a finger in his ear to adjust his hearing aid. It's had a slight buzz off and on since going through the Bifrost. He's hoping it clears up on its own. After all, it isn't like Tony can fix it.
"Yes, delayed awkward. But I was happy to find her." He smiles. "I was even able to tell Loki that I was right about her being alive."
Clint nods in understanding. "Nice."
"What was your impression of her?"
"She reminds me of Natasha but with less humor." He shrugs. "Or a different kind of humor anyway. She's not as fun as you are."
Thor smiles at that. "Good to know. But I'm not surprised. I am the funniest of the family."
Clint looks at Frigga. "How long do you think she'll be like this?"
"The Healers say it will be days. It's as though she were in the Odinsleep."
"Friggasleep."
Thor chuckles. "Aye. Friggasleep. I just hope it works."
xxx
Narfi hugs his sister when she comes. "We saw you a few times yesterday, but you looked really busy. Uncle Baldur said we shouldn't bother you."
"Uncle Baldur was right. I was really busy. How are you?"
"Good."
Baldur gestures for Queen Hel to sit. "Is there any word on the King and Queen? A few of the new arrivals said they were both hurt."
She nods. After sitting, she pulls Narfi onto her lap. "Last I heard, Grandmother is still alive. But Grandfather has been taken to Valhalla."
Were he still alive, this news would have had more of an emotional impact on Baldur. As it is, his main concern is for his brothers. "How is Thor taking it?"
"I don't know," she answers. "I haven't been to Asgard. Da told me about it just before I returned. But there's more."
"More?"
Helena looks at her half brother. "Da found Vali."
Narfi's eyes go wide. "He did? Where is he? What happened?"
She takes a breath. "I don't know. I only know he's back, and he's still a boy."
"Still a boy?" Baldur asks.
"Yes. Da is certain it's him." She shrugs. "He said he'd explain later."
"Do you think he'll stay that way?" Vali asks, secretly hoping that they'll be the same age whenever Narfi comes to stay.
"I don't know. I doubt it," she replies.
"Oh." He looks down at his hands.
"Maybe you'll be able to visit his dreams the way you do with Da."
That makes him perk up a little. "Can I?"
"Yeah. It'll probably work the same, right?" she figures. "You should try tonight. He'll probably be on Asgard."
"Okay."
Baldur finds that interesting. "You think Loki will return to Asgard?"
Helena rests her chin on top of Narfi's head. "He's probably there already. He and some of the others were going to visit Grandmother."
"Will you be meeting them there?"
"Eventually."
"Eventually?" Baldur knows his niece and his mother have gotten closer recently. "Why are you reluctant?"
She thinks for a long while. "They are afraid, because when she dies, they won't see her until they die. But I'll get to see her whenever I want." She presses her lips together. "I remember how I felt when Gwen died. It still hurts. I don't want Da to feel that."
"He's felt it before," her uncle reminds her.
"I know, but…"
"But you didn't have to witness it?"
"I did. When Da had to relive his memories in front of everyone." Her gaze drops to Narfi's hand in hers. "It was awful."
"I'm sure it brings him comfort knowing you'll be here for her," Baldur offers. "I know it would to me."
She nods. "My boyfriend said he'd meet me there."
"Is the fast one still courting you?"
She rolls her violet eyes. "Uncle Baldur, you sound so old fashioned. We're dating." A small smile appears on her lips.
"You like him."
Narfi asks, "Are you going to marry him?"
"Probably not. He's Midgardian."
"So? You said Poppa married one."
"Yeah, but Step Da became Asgardian for him," she points out. "And Pietro has a twin sister. He wouldn't want to become Asgardian and lose her. And I don't want to become mortal."
"Then why court, excuse me, date him?" Baldur asks.
"He's fun and cute and sweet."
"And he makes you happy."
She nods. "He makes me happy. For now at least."
"Enjoy it," his uncle tells her. "Hel, do you ever visit Valhalla?"
"Not usually. Why?" she asks, grateful for the change in topic.
"I thought you might be able to deliver a message to Odin the next time you visited. But if you don't…"
"I can. I can swing by there before going to Asgard."
"If you do, just tell him I'd love to see him." Baldur isn't sure if his father will come, but it would be nice to see him again.
xxx
Bruce is helping inspect structures to make sure that they are safe for people to go into. He carefully walks through a home and a gaping hole in the roof. Other than that, the place looks fine. "This one is safe."
"Bruce!"
He turns and squints to see who is there, body tensing.
Clint comes into view. "We've been looking everywhere for you."
He doesn't see Logan with the small group, but he knows that doesn't mean he isn't on Asgard. "Hey, Clint." He nods to the rest. "Natasha?"
"Stayed at home with the others. They say hi."
Pietro cocks his head. "I don't think Logan said hi."
Loki agrees. "Logan definitely did not say hi."
"He might have," Steve offers.
"No. They're right," Clint admits. "Logan didn't say hi."
"What he did say," Loki adds, "though perhaps not in so many words, is that he won't wait for you forever. So you need to decide what you want."
Sam tries to come to Bruce's rescue. "Loki told us about Sakaar and what you went through. I'm sure he'd forgive you if you just went to see him. But we're really glad you're back."
"Thanks."
Vali looks at each man as they speak. When the silence continues, he asks, "Do you live on Asgard now?"
"Me?" Bruce is caught off guard. "I don't know. No? Maybe."
Pietro shakes his head. "You make it too complicated. If you love Logan, go to him. If you do not, stay here. Simple." It's hard to argue with that.
"Are you here to help with cleanup?" Bruce asks instead.
Clint answers. "We came to see Frigga. But we can help if you need it." He verifies that's okay with the others with a look. No one has any objections.
"Well I'm making sure these houses are safe before anyone moves back in. Others are cleaning debris or helping with the wounded."
"Who's helping with feeding everyone?"
"Dunno. Uh…" Bruce looks around.
Steve jumps in. "The biggest kitchens will be at the palace. Why don't you go check there?"
"I could do a pass," Pietro offers.
"And then your metabolism will kick into high gear."
Loki waves that away. "That shouldn't be a problem here. Unless they destroyed the farms and ranches. But it didn't look like they did when we were here last."
"Okay. Pietro, please do a pass. Let us know where they seem to need the most help."
"Back in a moment." And then he's gone.
Steve and Loki wave at a few of the people as they wait for the Sokovian to return.
Clint looks like a tourist as he takes everything in. "This place is cool. It's like old-timey."
"Don't be fooled," Bruce says. "They have some impressive technology."
"Huh. Have they figured out how to give a shot without needles?"
"I…don't know."
"Then it wouldn't be a shot," Loki reasons.
"Star Trek did it," Clint points out.
"That's fiction," Sam reminds him.
"Some of that stuff has come true – automatic doors, iTunes, touch screens, cell phones." He could probably go on, but he gets distracted by a woman he's never seen before striding over to them.
"Loki, back already, eh?" Then she squats down in front of Vali. "Hey, you. How was Midgard?"
"Different," he replies. "I met my sister and brother."
"You did? What do you think?"
"I like them."
"Good." She boops his nose then stands.
"Everyone," Loki says, "this is Borghild. Borghild this is Clint, Sam, and my husband Steve. Pietro is also here, but he's running around somewhere." He looks around as she shakes hands with the three men.
There's a whoosh, and Pietro is standing among them once more. "Hello, new person. I'm Pietro."
"Borghild. These three would still be on Sakaar if not for me."
Loki lifts an eyebrow. "Well that's a bit of an exaggeration."
"Uh-huh." Pietro puts his hands on his hips. "Clint would be dead if not for me. But that was a while ago." He turns to the others. "There are three areas for food. There is the palace, the road to the mountains, and the dock area. I saw Thrud. She was helping out at the palace."
Sam asks, "Which area needs the most help?"
"Most of the people are near the mountains."
"Guess I'll head there."
Clint says, "I'll go with you," then turns to Steve. "Come get us if you decide to leave or Frigga wakes up."
"You got it."
Pietro decides to go, too. They say their goodbyes and head toward the mountains.
Steve looks at Loki. "Do you want to head to the palace? Or back to the hospital."
"Palace first I suppose."
He takes Loki's hand. "Borghild, it was nice to meet you. Thank you for bringing my husband back. Bruce, you really should talk to Logan." He turns to Loki. "Did you tell him about the Sokovia Accords and everything?"
"Ah. No. I didn't have time."
"Sokovia Accords?" Bruce asks.
Steve and Loki exchange a look. Both know it's going to take longer than a few sentences to explain. "I was not there for all of it," Loki reminds him.
"Yeah. Go ahead. I'll meet you later." He gives Loki a quick kiss. "Vali, I'll see you in a bit."
"Okay."
"Bruce, we should go find someplace to sit."
Borghild smiles. "Ooh, this should be good. Let's go find us some ale."
"That's not a bad idea," Steve says.
They get some ale and find a table to sit at. Bruce listens as Steve tells him about Lagos and how Wanda saved the crowded market but wasn't strong enough to prevent Crossbones' bomb from killing a contingent of Wakandans. He feels sick as he's told about the aftermath and Secretary Ross' visit. His hand covers his mouth when Steve tells him about the explosion at the U.N. meeting and how Bucky was framed. By the time the story gets to the confrontation at the Berlin airport, he's sure everyone is stupid. "You couldn't just talk it out?"
"As good as Tony is with talking, he's not so good at listening. I tried to tell him what was at stake. He was more concerned with turning Bucky in. And the authorities didn't care about the truth. They just wanted Bucky in custody so they could say they caught him."
Borghild shakes her head. "And I thought Asgard was fucked up." She takes a swig of ale.
Steve finishes the story. "So after Loki came and we got everyone out of the secret prison, we dropped Bucky off to be worked on and went to live in your hideaway in the Philippines. Now we help out wherever we can while evading the law."
"Great. You're the A-Team now," Bruce deadpans.
Borghild looks to Steve to see if he understands.
He shrugs. "Anyway, that's where we are now. Logan misses you. He deserves an explanation."
"Bucky?"
"Is better but still in exile. Carol is also better thankfully. Rogue accidently put her in a coma," he explains. "It's been tough for everyone. But Bucky and Carol were able to see each other once since everything. They were able to talk and say those things they didn't get to say."
Bruce knows what Steve is doing. "Good for them."
"Not really, but it's better than nothing." Steve turns the tankard in his hand. "Any questions?"
"Rhodey?"
"Loki checked on him for Sam. He's walking with an exoskeleton that Tony created. But he won't ever be able to walk on his own."
"Geez." Bruce stares at his drink. It has not yet touched his lips. "How is Rae handling it?"
"I couldn't say. But she's a strong woman. I'm sure she's grateful he's alive."
"And this Ant-Man guy is with you, too?"
"No. He was able to make a deal. House arrest so long as he doesn't put on the suit again. Not ideal, but at least he gets to see his kid this way."
"He has a kid?" Bruce shakes his head. "And you let him help you?"
"It was his choice. I told him what it meant. I gave everyone a chance to back out."
Borghild finds the man interesting. "Perhaps you should have made the decision for him."
"That's not how I work," he tells her. "You may be okay forcing people to do things, but I'm not."
"Excuse me?"
"Loki told me how you made your living on Sakaar."
She presses her lips together. The words bother her more than she'd like to admit. "I didn't have a choice."
"Really? Look, I've made decisions I'm not proud of, but there is always a choice. It may not feel like it, but there is. That said," he leans forward, "I'm glad you chose to help Thor and Loki get out of there. So thank you."
She nods. "You're welcome."
Steve looks around. "I should go find Loki." He turns back to Bruce. "How are you?"
He shrugs. "Okay I guess. I don't really know what happened on that other planet. I don't want to know."
"Hulk just took over completely?"
"Yeah. When we got here in the middle of the fighting, I thought he'd take over and not let go again."
"But he did let go," Steve observes.
"I'm still not sure why. Maybe he thought Logan would show up."
He nods. "He loves you, you know. And he deserves something, even if it's goodbye."
Bruce frowns. "I've gotta think about it."
"That's fair." He stands. "I'll let you get back to what you were doing. It's good to have you back, Bruce. We were worried."
"You didn't have to be."
"Well we know that now." He smiles and turns his head toward Borghild. "It was nice meeting you." He leaves the tankard on the table and heads to the palace to find Loki and Vali.
xxx
Helena stands in front of Valhalla. She thought she could do this. She thought it'd be easy. But the memories of what happened the last time she was here make her tremble.
It's stupid really. Her grandfather is inside. Circumstances are different. Her magic is stronger.
The door looms in front of her. She stares at it. She doesn't want to go in, and she hates herself for it. It makes her feel weak, childish. She's a queen damn it.
Her feet won't move.
"Stupid," she quietly spits. It makes her angry. Why can't she go in?
"Queen Hel?"
She turns and sees a Valkyrie, large and muscular with two blonde braids running down past her waist. "Brunnhilde, right?"
"Thou remembers me. I am honored." She swings her leg over the head of her winged horse and jumps off. "I just took one of our warriors to thy realm. Hadst I known thou were coming, I would have given thee a ride." She leads her horse to the door. It opens for her. "Hast thou come to see thy Grandfather?"
"Yes, but…"
"Enter. Thou art welcome, Queen." She strides in. "King Odin! Thy granddaughter is here!" She turns and takes the harness off her horse. Rubbing the white snout, she says, "There. Go on."
The horse turns and flies away.
"Come on, Queen Hel. We'll find thy grandfather." Brunnhilde looks as daunting as any male Asgardian Hel has seen. Honestly, she looks as though she could take on Uncle Thor.
Helena swallows. She feels that if anyone can keep her safe here, it's this Valkyrie. "Alright." She follows her into Valhalla. "You weren't here the last time I was here."
"No. I heard of it though. As difficult as it was for the warriors to hear, that was no excuse for how they treated thee. Had I been there, they would not have dared."
"I believe you." It makes her wish the Valkyrie had been.
She points to a group of men. "I bet he's there. Odin! King Odin!"
"What is it, woman?!"
"That's Valkyrie to thee. And it's thy granddaughter."
Helena stays close to Brunnhilde.
"Hel." Odin dismisses all the men around him save one who bears a remarkable resemblance to him. He approaches the women. "So you know of my fate."
"Da told me. Congrats on dying in battle?"
"Your grandmother?"
"Not on Helheim." She senses Brunnhilde pulling away and grabs her wrist to keep her there. "I came at the request of your son my uncle Baldur."
"Ah."
Why Helena expected more she doesn't know. "He wanted you to know that he would love to see you should you choose to visit him."
He stares at her with his good eye.
"You can travel back and forth between Valhalla and Helheim," she explains.
"Mmm."
His lack of interest is starting to piss her off. "We did that after your lies about Ragnarok came out."
"You're a lot like your father."
"Thank you." It's clear she takes it as a compliment. "That may be the nicest thing you've ever said to me." She turns to Brunnhilde. "Mind walking me out?" She doesn't need to spend any more time here.
"Not at all. This way, Queen Hel." She gestures with her arm. Then she stays close as they return to the door.
"Did you know my cousin well?" Helena asks.
"Thrud? Well enough. One of the newer Valkyrie she was. Does she well on Asgard?"
"Yes. I think so. She's a warrior like her mother."
"And thou art a sorcerer like thy father?"
"I dabble. But I don't think that's what Odin meant."
"Nay. I think he meant thy spirit," she says with a jovial smile.
"Yeah." She frowns. "Not sure he likes spirit."
"I've heard his Queen is spirited."
That makes Helena smile. "Yeah she is." Then she remembers her grandmother was hurt very badly. "She was hurt. I need to go see her."
"Aye. She will be glad to see thee."
"If she's awake."
Brunnhilde places a hand on Hel's shoulder. "Even if she is not, thou wilt be glad to see her."
Helena nods. She looks up at the Valkyrie and feels an attraction. If she wasn't already with Pietro, she'd try to explore it. "Thank you."
"Here be the doors. Safe travels, Queen Hel."
"Good luck, Valkyrie Brunnhilde."
xxx
Helena walks into the room where her grandmother lies. She sees her uncle sitting in a chair next to it. "You look like I feel."
"That bad?" Thor asks. "Perhaps I should bathe."
"You are a little stinky," she teases. "I can stay while you clean up."
He looks at his mother. "If she wakes…"
"I'll tell her you'll be right back," she answers. "And that I saw her husband in Valhalla."
His head turns quickly to his niece. "Did you?"
"Yeah."
"How is he?"
"Fitting in."
Thor smiles. "I can well imagine."
Helena can tell he thinks it's a good thing. "Go on, Uncle Thor. I promise I'll watch over her."
"You don't want to go find your father first?"
"No. It's fine. If you see him just tell him I'm here," she replies. "When was the last time you ate? You should eat, too."
He nods. Standing, he gives her a kiss on her forehead. "I will. Thank you." He takes one last look at his mother. "I'll be back soon," he says then heads out.
Helena sits in the chair. It's warm and still smells a bit like her uncle. "Well, Grandmother, the universe has changed. But I could really use a hug from you right now." She crosses her arms around her stomach.
"Pet?"
She looks up to see her father and Vali at the door. She has no idea how much time has passed. "Da?"
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
He doesn't believe her. "Come give your father a hug." He gestures her over.
She gets up and hugs him almost reluctantly. But then she feels his arms around her, and she holds him tighter. "I told Narfi."
"How did he take it?"
Helena pulls away and glances at Vali. "He was happy and sad. Happy Vali was found. But a little jealous that he won't get to grow up the way Vali will, the way I have."
"Did you tell him growing up is overrated?"
"No, but I probably should have," she says. "Baldur was happy for you, too."
Loki nods.
She swallows and looks away. "He asked me to give Odin a message."
"Did you?"
Eyes still averted, she nods again.
"In Valhalla?"
Another nod.
"Did anyone go with you?" Loki asks carefully.
This time she shakes her head. A moment later, she gets pulled into another hug.
Vali looks at them. "Isn't Valhalla good?"
"Your sister had a poor experience there last time she went. Some of the warriors tried to harm her," he explains, his arms still wrapped around her.
"Why?"
"Because she told them the truth."
Vali nods. "Better to lie." It's something he learned on Sakaar.
"Not always," his father says. "Had Odin not lied to begin with, it wouldn't have been a problem."
The boy shrinks slightly. "But if the truth will get you hurt…"
Loki grabs his shoulder and pulls him into the hug. "Sometimes yes. I certainly am not one who says one must always tell the truth. Some have called me the God of Lies."
He looks up at his father. "Are you?"
"I prefer to think of myself as the God of Stories, a Trickster who tells lies to get to the truth. Or because people deserve it," he adds.
Helena pulls away as she tries to discretely wipe her eyes. "Did you ever get in touch with Wade?"
"I did. He had some things he needed to take care of before coming."
She hugs herself and nods. "What about Fenrir?"
He sits and pulls Vali into his lap. "I haven't even tried."
A flare of jealousy erupts in Hel's chest. Her father's lap should be her place. How many more times has Vali sat on his lap compared to her? "I want to sit."
"Oh, I'm sorry." Loki sets Vali back on his feet before standing up. "It's all yours."
She doesn't want to sit now, but she does with a plop. "I told Uncle Thor I'd stay here till he came back."
"Alright." He can tell she's in a foul mood. It's understandable. "Pietro is here. Would you like me to let him know you're here?"
She shrugs. Then her forehead creases. She nods.
"We'll tell him." He turns toward the door and takes Vali's hand.
"Da?"
His head whips around to look at her. "Yes?"
She wants to know if she's losing him, if he still loves her, if she still matters. But she can't bring herself to ask. She can feel her eyes filling with tears. Clenching her jaw, she wills them not to fall and fails when she blinks. "Nothing."
Loki glances at his son. He had wanted to come alone after what Thor had told him, but Vali didn't want to leave him. After what the boy has been through, he didn't have the heart to deny him. And now he's feeling like a shit father, something he should probably be used to be now. "Alright. I love you, Pet."
"Really?" She hates how much she sounds like a needy child.
"Completely," he assures her. He gives her a smile before leading Vali out.
Helena brings her knees up, heels resting on the chair cushion, and wipes the tears from her cheeks. "I'm a horrid sister," she tells her sleeping grandmother. "I don't know how to be one. Not to Vali anyway. It's different with the others. Even with Narfi. I don't have to share Da with him the way I have to with his brother. Our brother." She rubs her forehead.
Ideas come, not all pleasant ones. She starts thinking her mother was right. She should be back on Helheim. "No offense, grandmother. I love you, but it's not like I can do anything here."
A gust of wind makes her hair fly into her face. She moves it with a hand and smiles when she sees Pietro. "Hey."
"Hey." He kneels down in front of her, taking her hands. "Your father said you were here."
"Did he say anything else?"
"That you went to Valhalla. But he said it in a way that seemed to have special significance."
She nods. "Just hold me, okay?"
They trade places so that he can sit. Then she sits on his lap and feels his arms wrap around her. It isn't her father's lap, but it's nice.
"Did your sister come?"
"No. She stayed on earth with Natasha and Logan."
"Oh."
"And also the cat," he adds. "He did not look happy when we left. Then again, he never looks happy."
"Sure he does. You just aren't good at cat expressions." She's feeling better now that he's there.
"And you are?"
"Better than you." She pokes his shoulder. "I'm glad you're here."
"So am I." He guides her into a soft kiss.
Thor's voice interrupts. "Don't let Loki see you doing that. And maybe don't do that in front of your grandmother."
"It's not like she can see," Hel says with a frown.
"She deserves more respect."
A surge of anger has her on her feet. "You don't think I respect her?"
His nostrils flare. "I didn't say that. But you haven't exactly been respectful in the past."
Pietro gets between them. "How about a walk?" he asks Hel. "It's beautiful weather outside. Come. Excuse us." The last he directs at Thor.
"Not respectful," she grumbles as they go.
"He's worried. Grieving. Just like you," Pietro reminds her.
"Not just like me." She turns and yells back toward Thor. "And he doesn't have to be an asshole about it!"
"Have you eaten? I'm hungry."
"You're always hungry."
"This is true. But are you hungry?" he asks again.
She shrugs.
"There is food nearby." He squeezes her hand. "Come on. We both need water, too."
"How do you know what I need?" she challenges.
"Because you have that same hangry look in your eyes that my sister gets." Then he winks at her.
It somehow makes the anger go away, but it's replaced with an aching sadness. "Do you really think it's just hunger?"
"Not just hunger," Pietro says. "But I think it might be part of it. It's a lot to take in."
She nods. "It feels like I've just lost my Da."
"You haven't," he assures her. "He's still alive, and he loves you."
"But now he has Vali."
"Before that he had Fenrir and a bunch of grandpuppies. And before that he had his mother. And before that he had the cat."
"Oliver," she reminds him.
"Yes, Oliver. And before Oliver, he had Wade. And before Wade he had Steve."
She looks at him with her violet questioning eyes. "Is this supposed to be making me feel better?"
"If grandpuppies could not make him stop loving and paying attention to you, your new brother won't either. And speaking of new brothers and sisters, you know he and Steve want children, too, yes?"
She nods. "My nieces and nephews really are adorable aren't they."
"They really are."
"Vali hasn't met them yet."
"Well then that will be something to look forward to," he says.
"Great. More people to like Vali more than me."
Pietro stops. "What? No. You believe this? You believe Loki loves your brother more than you?"
"Why wouldn't he? It's his long lost boy."
"And you are his only girl," he reminds her. "Besides, I don't think parents are allowed to love one child more than another. They just love them different."
"Is that what your parents used to tell you?"
He nods. "Yes. Before they died. Even if I learned they loved Wanda more than me, I'd still want them alive."
Hel lowers her head. "You must think me a right selfish bitch."
"No. I think you are so scared of losing your father again that you don't realize how lucky you are. But that's okay. You have me to remind you."
She kisses him. "Thank you."
"You're welcome."
xxx
Steve is shutting off the water flowing into the bubble-filled tub when Loki walks into the bathroom. "Did Vali finally fall asleep?"
"He did."
"Good. And perfect timing." He pulls Loki into a kiss. "How are you doing?"
"I'm tired. And I know I've let Helena down."
"You haven't."
"I have," Loki insists. "I need to figure out how to get Vali to not need to be with me all the time. I suppose I could use a duplicate, but that seems…"
"Like a cheat?" Steve offers.
"I like cheating. So no." He tries to find the word, but it eludes him. "How do I choose which child gets the real me and which gets the facsimile?"
"You don't. You're right, Vali needs to get over his abandonment issues. But it's going to take time."
"Therapy?"
"I don't know how much experience Sam has with kids," Steve says. "He may suggest we find a docter, which should be interesting."
"Yes. Not a good interesting either."
"Something to worry about tomorrow." He pulls off his shirt. "Come on. Your bath awaits, Prince Loki."
"Ugh. Don't call me that."
"Why not? I thought you liked being a prince."
"I do. But when we're alone, I prefer simply being your husband."
"That's not how you used to feel." He scratches his chest. "You used to like being all kinds of things – Mr. Harker, Lieutenant Frost."
Green eyes travel over his husband's naked torso. "Perhaps you've tamed me."
"I highly doubt that."
"Be that as it may, my favorite thing to be is your muse."
He steps closer to Loki until they are almost touching. "You are always my muse." He kisses him with desire.
The rest of their clothes get pulled off as they try to maintain the kiss. It results in some interesting contortions and cloths snagging on elbows and heels. But finally they are naked and pressed against each other. Steve picks up Loki and gets into the tub.
The water is on the border of warm and hot. Steve has to be careful as he lowers himself and Loki down into the bubbles. It isn't as easy as one would think.
"Gently, Darling."
"I'm trying."
"You can always put me down first," Loki reminds him.
Steve reluctantly decides that's the best option. He sets Loki's feet down in the tub. "Not exactly romantic."
Running his long fingers across Steve's lips, he replies, "I'm with you. That's romantic enough."
He sits in the tub, spreading his legs so Loki has room, frowning when he watches him sit at the other end. "You're so far away," he complains. Almost immediately he feels Loki's foot touch his upper thigh and travel to his cock. "Is that what we're doing?"
"Do you have any objections?"
"Not yet. But I probably will in a bit." He bites his lip when a particular touch sends a jolt of desire through him.
Loki smiles at the reaction. "Then I'll change what I'm doing when that happens." He moves his toes, using them to stroke his husband's cock.
"I should be the one pleasuring you."
"You are." He looks at Steve and sees the man who keeps accepting him, all of him, and all of his baggage. "I love you."
"I love you back," Steve practically pants. He scoops up a handful of bubbles and blows it at Loki.
No longer content to use his foot, Loki moves closer and wraps his hand around Steve's cock. "I adore you."
Steve leans forward for a kiss that is denied. "Loki."
"Apologies. I just like looking at you when you're like this," he explains.
"Putty in your hands?"
"In the midst of sexual pleasure."
"Oh I'm in the midst." He cups Loki's cheek, the water and bubbles running down his arm and dripping off his elbow. "I'm lost in it." He kisses Loki, completing the action this time, and ends it by biting his lip.
Loki growls in approval. His hand works faster along Steve's shaft.
"Fuck," he pants.
"I love it when you talk dirty."
"I love everything about you."
"Will you draw me? Will you put on your white boxers and draw me?"
Though he's now finding it very hard to talk, Steve answers, "Yes. Always. I'll never get tired of it." The words are more breath than voice.
"Are you certain? We'll have thousands of years together."
"I'm positive." He licks his lips and closes his eyes for a moment. When he opens them again, he looks directly at into his green eyes.
Loki smiles. "You make me shiver."
"You make… You… Oh shit." His brow scrunches up. His chest heaves. His mouth opens as a groan escapes his throat.
"That's it, Darling. Come for me." Loki watches with the purest enjoyment. When he feels Steve is done, he moves to sit with his back to Steve's chest. He wraps his husband's arms around him.
Steve kisses his temple. "I love you."
"I love you back. And thank you."
"For?"
"For being so damned understanding. At least we know I have no more lost children to find."
"I'm glad," Steve says. "But only because it means you have all your kids back."
"All save one. But I know where he is." He feels Steve kiss his head again. "Well the next long lost child is bound to be yours."
"Nope. Not long lost. Newly created. Whenever we're ready. Which won't be for a while. I'm going to stop talking now."
He smiles. "I still can't believe you want a child with me."
"Why are you so surprised?"
"I'm still surprised you love me. And after what happened with all of my other children, I just find it strange that you think I should have more," Loki tries to explain.
"Well, with all your other children, I wasn't there. Not until recently."
"And I'm all the better for it. Who knew it would only take one Midgardian to repair all my relationships."
Steve chuckles. "I think you're giving me too much credit."
"You're wrong. None of this would have happened without you. I'd still be in prison."
"No. You escaped before coming to me," he reminds him. "You'd be out with Asgard still hunting you."
"Perhaps I would have found my way to Sakaar and stayed there."
"You would have probably taken it over."
Loki smiles. "Perhaps. I'd at least have Vali."
"See? Not all me."
"Mostly you." He's quiet for a moment. "As soon as I got to Sakaar, I knew I had to get back to you. It was my only goal."
"Until you saw Vali," Steve remembers from what Loki told him before.
"Until I saw Vali. And then Thor. Then Hulk. I was afraid Amora was going to pop up next."
"You're back. And you got everyone back with you." He breathes Loki in. "You made it. You made it back to me."
"And you didn't have to rescue me this time."
"Sure didn't. Usually don't," Steve points out. "The Doom thing was a special circumstance."
"Doom wasn't the only time. You saved me from myself and from Asgard."
"Pretty sure you saved me from Asgard. At least that's how I remember it." He remembers it pretty well. He particularly remembers punching Odin. It felt really good. But now Odin is gone, leaving the memory with an aura of guilt.
"No. You saved me. I was ready to destroy Asgard. You pulled me back from that."
"For purely selfish reasons," Steve assures him.
"You? Selfish?"
"When it comes to you, completely." He kisses Loki's cheek.
"Liar. You just accepted my son into our family knowing we'll be the ones raising him. Were you truly selfish, you'd insist we let Sigyn raise him."
"Nope. That wouldn't make you happy. And if you aren't happy, I'm not happy. See? Selfish." He's kind of proud of his logic.
Loki chuckles. "Fine. You win. You are horribly selfish. And I love you."
"I love you back, Kitten. I always will."
"I'm counting on it."
They stay in the bath until their fingers and toes are wrinkly. Then they dry off. Steve puts on pajama pants. Loki remains nude. He checks on Vali before getting into bed. Steve is already there waiting for him. There is a lot to talk about. They probably should have discussed it in the bath, but they were busy enjoying the silence. They can discuss it tomorrow – what's best for Vali, if he and Loki should live on Asgard while Steve stays on Earth, do they immediately get him tutors or enroll him in school, what sort of education should he get. So many decisions to make. But they can wait. Tomorrow. Or the next day. Then maybe Vali's grandmother will be awake.
"I need to tell my birth mother," Loki realizes in a whisper.
"I can go," Steve offers. If he needs help crossing over into Otherworld, he can ask Brian. Assuming Brian doesn't try to arrest him.
"We'll figure it out tomorrow." Loki gives him a final kiss goodnight before resting his head on his chest and falling asleep to the steady beat of his husband's heart.
A/N: I'm so sorry this took so long to post. I took a little break from writing over the winter holidays. After that, it was slow going. But now it is here in all its angst and multiple introductions between characters.
In the tub, Wade sings Fernando by Abba. It's a really fun song to sing. I highly recommend it. It was almost MacArthur's Park (the 'cake in the rain' song), but Fernando felt like the better choice.
Brunnhilde the Valkyrie in Valhalla is the one from Marvel Comics before *spoilers* they made Jane Foster the new Valkyrie. Brunnhilde is fun. I hope you enjoy her.
I'm hoping the next chapter won't take as long to write. But I suppose we won't know… Until next time…