Pairings: Steve & Loki, Helena and Pietro (explicit)
Explicit Content: Vaginal Sex
It took a lot longer for Sam to find some paper and pens than he anticipated. All morning actually. Finally he has enough for a group of kids that saw the attack first hand and whose parents are either dead or open to them being spoken to by a Midgardian.
They are meeting in Frigga's garden where they can see the sky and can easily run inside should something happen. Sam knows that will help them feel safe.
He walks around handing out paper, pens, and a small board to have a hard surface to write on. Then he moves to one side and sits down.
Loki walks out holding Vali's hand. "Have room for one more?"
"Of course," Sam says. "Hello, Vali. Take a seat wherever you'd like." There are a handful of boards and some additional paper and pens. He takes some and walks over to Vali to give them to him.
"I'll be back soon," Loki promises.
"No. Stay. Please."
"Lee, I promise you I will return. I have some things I need to take care of first." It's hard to insist on leaving with his son looking at him with pleading eyes. "I'll be back in time for tea."
"When is that?"
"About three hours."
"That's too long."
"We were apart longer while I was on Sakaar," Loki points out.
"That was different."
Sam interjects. "Vali, how about this? If your poppa isn't back by tea time, we'll go look for him together. Okay?"
Vali looks from one to the other. Finally he nods but does not look happy about it.
"Great." He assures Loki that Vali will be fine. "You go do what you have to do." He waits for Loki to leave before returning to his seat on the ground. "Hey. My name is Sam. I'm a friend of Prince Loki and Prince Steve. Who here thinks I can remember everyone's name?" He raises his hand.
No other hands go up. It's hard to know if that's because no one believes he can or because they are too withdrawn to interact.
"Okay. I get it. Midgardian. You probably think my memory is not great. That's okay. Prepare to be amazed." He gives a small smile. Then he points at each child, points out something positive about them, and says their name. The pronunciation isn't the best, but he is pretty close. A couple correct him. When they do, he tries again until they approve.
"See? I may not have been able to pronounce all of them, but I remembered your names." He smiles at them. "So the last few days have been really tough. Scary. I wasn't here when it happened, but I've been through similar things. Scary things. And I was scared," he admits to them. "Scared enough to have nightmares afterwards. Scared that I'd lose the people I love who were still here."
He can see by some of their reactions that they know exactly what that's like.
"I couldn't always find the words to describe how I was feeling," he continues. "So I used to draw it. Now I'm no artist, but it wasn't about making it pretty. It was about getting out what was in my head. It made it easier to deal with." He asks them to draw on the paper. "It can be anything. Whatever you feel like. If you want to draw a bunny, that's fine."
"What's a bunny?"
"It's a…an earth creature. Small and furry with long ears and a little tail." He knows it's too much information. "Doesn't matter. What matters is that you draw. Okay?"
The kids start to draw.
Sam watches them and wishes he had crayons for them to use. After a while he goes to each one and asks about what they're drawing. He listens. He acknowledges fear, sadness, anger, pain. He passes out tissues. He gives hugs.
Vali keeps looking at the entrance to the palace.
"He'll be here," Sam assures as he sits down. "May I see your drawing?"
The boy shrugs but moves his arms so Sam can see.
There is a lone figure on the paper. "Is that you?" Sam asks.
He nods.
"Where is everyone else?"
He points to a spot off the page.
"Wow. They're really far away," Sam says. "Must be lonely being there all by yourself."
Vali pulls the paper back to him and draws a larger figure as he says, "I'm not alone anymore."
"No you aren't." He looks at the kid. "Do you think your father is going to leave you alone again?"
His eyes stay on the paper. "He might have to. He might have to send me away again."
"He might. But I think it would take something really awful for that to happen." The shrug he gets from that is as much as he expected. "The night he sent you away, do you remember it?"
Vali nods. "Mama tried to hurt me. Poppa got scared."
"Were you scared, too?"
He shrugs.
"I would have been," Sam says. "Parents are supposed to protect you not hurt you."
Vali looks at his drawing. "When they're there." His eyes go to the palace entrance again.
"They can't be there all the time. But that doesn't mean they don't love you."
He nods. "But if you love someone, you want to be with them."
"True, but you don't want to be with them all the time. It's important to have time apart to figure out who you are and remember why you like to be with them."
"We were. For a long, long time." He stares at the paper. "I forgot what he looked like. I wanted to forget," he admits. "Grandmaster said only un-loved things got to Sakaar."
"Sounds like Grandmaster lied to you."
"Poppa came for me," he tells himself more than Sam. He needs the reminder.
"He sure did. He would have come to you sooner had he known where you were."
Vali nods again. "When is Poppa coming back?"
"Soon." Sam knows he won't get any further today. "Maybe you can draw your poppa a picture of Oliver the cat. Had you ever seen a cat before?"
He shakes his head.
"Well, you should know not all cats look like him. Most are smaller and less hairy. I'll show you pictures when we get back to Earth, okay?"
"Okay."
"Okay," Sam repeats. He gets up and goes to the next child. After saying hello to the little girl by name, he asks her about her drawing. He's never worked with kids before, but what they've been through is a lot like what veterans go through. He's used the drawing technique with them, too. And just like the veterans, the children are dealing with it in their own ways.
xxx
Loki enters the room where his mother lies. "You can't keep hiding here."
"I'm not hiding," Thor says from his chair next to the bed.
"You are hiding." He steps closer to the Frigga. "Your people need you, Thor."
"Our people."
"They were yours first." He looks at his brother and smiles. "I think you'll find purpose in leading our people. Perhaps you may even feel Odin's presence as you do."
"I should have been here."
"You were where you were meant to be," Loki says. "Bruce is back because of you. Borghild is here and sober because of you."
Thor nods. "You and Vali are back because of me."
"I wouldn't go that far." He returns Thor's look of annoyance. "I had things well in hand. I had a plan and everything."
"Admit it, you wouldn't have been able to pull it off."
"We'll never know." Loki looks at his mother. "She looks peaceful."
"Aye. That will end as soon as she wakes up." His eyes are sad and puffy from crying.
"Death isn't the end. You and she will see Odin again."
Thor shakes his head. "You still can't call him father, can you. Even after he said he loved you."
Loki frowns. "You can't understand. He always favored you. He…"
"He what?"
"It doesn't matter anymore. He's dead."
"He's our father," Thor presses.
Not wanting to argue, Loki gives in. "Yes, he's our father," he says in a tired voice.
"Your excitement is overwhelming."
"I'm dealing with a lot right now, Thor." There's a sharper edge to his voice than he intended.
Thor's voice hardens. "As am I, Loki."
A soft croaking voice says, "Could you keep it down? You're giving me a headache."
The two men immediately look at the figure in the bed.
Thor takes a breath. "Mother?"
Her hand rises and covers her eyes. "Like children."
"I'll get the healer," Loki says.
"Wait." She slowly lowers her hand and looks at him. "Is it true you found Vali?"
He smiles. "I did. He's with Sam and some of the other children. But I'll bring him by later," he promises.
"Please."
"I'll be right back with the healer." He looks at her a moment longer before disappearing out the door.
Thor takes her hand. "Mother, I'm relieved you're awake. How are you feeling?"
"I'm not sure yet. I ache." She studies his face. "Your father…he's really gone?"
"Aye. A Valkyrie came for him. Hel saw him in Valhalla."
She closes her eyes. "My Odie." The ache in her heart becomes stronger than the aches from her wounds. Tears escape the corners of her eyes. "I knew when I married him that he would likely die in battle. We had so many good years together and some not-so-good years."
"He loved you, too."
"I know. I never doubted it. At least now he can rest."
xxx
Angrboda is looking over the shopping list when she hears a familiar voice calling for Helena. She hates that name, but it lets her know exactly who it is. "She's in Helheim!"
Loki walks in. "Do you know when she'll be back?"
"Hello, Loki."
He takes the hint. "Hello, Angrboda. Do you know when our daughter will be back?"
"I don't."
"Alright. Well, thank you for your help." He turns and starts walking back out.
"What did you want with her?"
He stops and turns to face her once more. "Queen Frigga is awake. I wanted to let her know."
"I'll tell her when I see her."
"That's very kind of you, but I'd prefer to tell her myself," he says.
She lifts her head, challenging him with her eyes. "Don't you trust me?"
"Not particularly."
"What would I have to gain?"
"I have no idea. I cannot fathom the workings of your mind," he replies dryly.
"The answer is nothing," she says. "I have nothing to gain."
"Unless you wish to separate Helena from her grandmother."
"You really think that little of me?"
"I barely think of you at all." He sticks his hands in his pockets. "I'll just yell at her through the door until she or someone there comes," he decides. "Goodbye, 'Boda."
"Goodbye, Loki."
He walks out and heads to the door to the land of the dead.
xxx
It's an hour before sunset when Logan grabs the fish he caught and the rice wine he traded for out of the boat. He walks to the house.
Natasha looks over when she hears the door. "About time. We were starting to get worried." She and Wanda are in the kitchen cutting up vegetables and talking about spycraft.
He lifts up the rice wine. "A present."
"Nice."
Wanda nods her approval. "The fish still need to be cleaned?"
"Yeah. Just dropping this off. I'll go out and clean them."
"I can help," Natasha offers. She wipes her hands and follows him back out to the beach. "Fish not biting today? Or do you just not like Wanda and me."
"Had some trading to do."
"Right. The rice wine." She gives him a look. "You trying to get us drunk?"
"Pretty sure you don't get drunk."
"I can. I just choose not to."
He doesn't seem to care. His focus is on the fish he is starting to clean.
"So…Bruce." That's all she says. She studies his reaction to the name. Most people would say there is no reaction, but Natasha reads people better than just about anyone. She notices the slight flare of his nostrils, the tension in his shoulders. She notices the change in the way he uses the knife.
The silence lengthens.
Natasha is slower at gutting the fish than Logan is. By the time she's done with hers, he's almost done with his second one.
Logan likes Natasha. She doesn't feel the need to talk. They can be comfortably silent together. The only problem is when he knows she is scrutinizing him. Like now. The silence now isn't that comfortable. "No missions today?"
"Nope. And you're changing the subject."
"Didn't realize there was one."
"Bruce," she says again.
"What about 'im?" He puts down the cleaned fish and goes to wash his knife in the water.
"We know where he is."
"Yep. Knew where he was yesterday." He picks up the fish as he walks back to the house.
She follows him in. "It doesn't bother you that he's there and not here?"
"What do you think?"
"I think you deserve an explanation."
He pulls the door open and walks in. "Wanda, fish."
"Yes, you showed me before," she reminds him with a wee smile. "Are we not cooking them outside?"
"Yeah. Figured we'd want to season 'em first."
She steps aside, giving him room. "I yield to the master."
"Now you're just buttering me up. Makes me think there's a conspiracy."
"I only conspire with my brother," she tells him. "Did you get fish for Oliver?"
"He can have some of Natasha's."
Wanda looks at Natasha who shrugs. "Did she ask you about Bruce? Is this why she is now to share with Oliver?"
Logan gives a noncommittal grunt.
"You should find someone else," she decides. "You deserve better."
"No one deserves anything. I'm gonna go start the fire." He leaves again.
"He's not going to talk about it," Wanda tells Natasha.
"Nope. But we had to try." She looks at the door. "Maybe if we avoid the topic."
"You believe that will work? He will bring up Bruce himself?"
"This isn't working," Natasha notes. "Couldn't hurt. Besides, if we keep bugging him about it, he might do something rash."
Wanda shrugs. "I will be surprised if he brings up Bruce. But if he doesn't want to talk about it, we should not try to force him. Hearts heal at their own pace."
"Still trying to get over Vision?"
"No," she replies with perfect honesty. "Vision chose. I chose. We did what we felt we had to." She doesn't mention that she and Vision meet up sometimes. She doesn't need a lecture about how risky that is. "I think maybe it was easier for me than Logan," she says instead. "Vision didn't just disappear. He made it very clear where he…prioritized me."
Natasha nods. "Yeah. That definitely helps." It certainly helped her decide to leave the Winter Soldier and defect to the United States and S.H.I.E.L.D. She gestures outside. "We should go help."
"Yes." She grabs the rice wine, handing it to Natasha. Then she grabs the bowl of veggies to take outside.
Logan is just getting the fire going when the ladies join him, Oliver following behind. "I'll start cooking the fish in a bit."
"No rush," Wanda replies. "I like just sitting out here on the beach. We did not have beaches in Sokovia. Only mountains and grasses. The air smelled different. Not as salty or dense."
"That's the humidity." He feeds another branch to the flames.
"Do you miss it?" Natasha asks her.
"Yes. Sometimes," she admits. "I miss the people. I don't miss having to survive there."
"Yeah. Same here."
"Poor Logan stuck here with two Eastern European women."
A corner of his mouth quirks up. "And redheads at that."
"You don't like redheads?" Natasha asks.
"The opposite. There was a particular redhead," he explains as he pushes the large cat away from the fish. "Her name was Jean. She was a telepath."
The women exchange a look. "A telepath?" Natasha quips, "No wonder you liked her. You didn't ever have to say anything."
"Ha ha."
Wanda asks, "What was she like? This Jean."
He gets the fish over the fire. "Tall. Big trusting eyes. Headstrong. Kind. Almost as powerful as Charles. Maybe more."
"Wait," Natasha says. "Is this the woman you and Scott Summers used to fight over?"
"One and the same."
"You and Scott are very different."
"Like Clint and… What did you used to call Bucky?"
She frowns. "Terry. Difference is I didn't love them at the same time."
"Loving someone doesn't ever completely go away," he replies.
"True. But it becomes more like nostalgia. Missing what was, who they used to be, who you thought they were, who you wanted them to be." The sound of the water and the wind and the birds fills the brief silence before she continues, "Did she ever choose?"
"Scott," he answers. "She chose Scott."
"Were they not into threesomes?"
A fit of coughing comes from Wanda. She had just been taking a drink of the rice wine when Natasha asked the question. "I'm okay," she says in a tight voice between coughs. "You just surprised me."
"Sorry. Could have saved everyone pain to have a nice polyamorous relationship."
"Scott doesn't like to share," Logan tells her. "I think Jean actually suggested it once, maybe as a joke."
"Not a joke," Natasha guesses. "She was probably testing for a reaction."
"Well Scott's reaction would have been negative. We didn't exactly get along."
"Do they work?" Wanda wonders. "Polyamorous relationships."
"They can," Logan says. "Takes a lot of trust though."
"Something I certainly don't have a lot of," she says.
Natasha sits in a chair. "I didn't either at first. Slowly you learn to trust again. You've already started. I started with Nick and Clint. You started with Steve."
"And Clint," she adds. "But yes, I trust more now."
"You're a good kid," Logan says.
"I'm not that young."
"Compared to me you are."
Natasha looks at the water. "By that measure, so is Steve."
"Then everyone is," Wanda realizes.
"Yep." Logan checks the fish and decides it isn't done yet.
"Not Thor and Loki," Natasha points out as she takes the wine from Wanda.
"Can't argue with that."
Wanda asks him what his favorite era was and is surprised to hear him say he hasn't lived through it yet. "How do you know?"
"'Cause every era I've lived through has had some bullshit or another. And I'd like to think we'd get over the bullshit sometime in the future."
Natasha raises the bottle to her lips. "Here's to your eternal optimism." She takes a drink then hands it to him.
"You ain't as funny as you think."
"I'm funnier."
Wanda shakes her head. "I asked for your favorite not the best."
"Then I come out lookin' like an asshole, 'cause I picked an era where women were treated like property or there was a war or blacks were strung up just because."
Natasha looks at him. "We promise to keep your privilege in perspective."
"Gee, thanks." He looks at the cooking fish as he considers. "Well, I like indoor plumbing. And comfortable clothes. Maybe late nineteen-teens? The 1990s were okay, too." He checks the fish and decides it's done. "You girls hungry?"
"Yes," Wanda answers. "It looks good."
No one speaks as they eat and pass around the wine. Oliver stares at them, trying to get them to feed him some fish. Wanda is the first to give in, but she makes sure there are no bones first. It isn't long before Natasha and Logan are also feeding the large cat.
"Didn't you have a cabin in Canada?" Natasha asks as she gives the last bit of her fish to Oliver.
"Still do." Then he adds, "I think."
"As long as you're paying the mortgage and the taxes, you should be good."
Wanda looks at them. "How is that possible from here?"
"We've got internet on our phones," she reminds her. "And I'm sure a man who has lived as long as Logan has a nice balance in some bank accounts."
Logan hands the bottle of wine to her. "You assume I'm responsible with money."
"No, but I do know you don't spend much."
"Don't make much neither."
"Come on. You taught at the Xavier School. You saying you didn't get good pay?"
"I'm saying most schools don't supply room and board." He takes each of their plates. "Don't matter. I'm gonna get rid of it."
"Rid of what?" Wanda asks.
"Cabin." He walks to the water and throws the bones in. He waits for them to ask why, but it never comes. He finds it odd. He walks slowly back to them.
"I hope you get more than what you paid for it."
Wanda hands the bottle to Logan when he gets close enough. "Do we have those marshmallows?"
"We should. You wanna make s'mores?" Natasha asks.
"Plain marshmallows are better," Logan says.
Wanda pouts. "But they don't have chocolate."
Natasha chuckles. "Don't worry, Logan. You can still do plain marshmallow." She pats his shoulder as she stands. "I'll be right back. Find us some good sticks."
"Take these." Logan hands her the plates.
She grabs them and heads back into the house. By the time she returns, the sun is gone, burnt orange and sienna hues the only trace of where it had been. "Marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate." She hands the marshmallows to Logan. "Here you go, old man."
"Thanks, kid."
Wanda stares into the fire. "It's so quiet without everyone."
"Enjoy it," Natasha suggests.
"Missing Pietro?"
"Yes. And Steve's guitar," she replies. "I like when we have sing-alongs." She looks at Logan. "Did you ever learn to play guitar?"
"Once. Long time ago. I've forgotten it all."
Natasha smiles. "But you can sing. You should have heard him at Pepper's birthday party. It was hot."
"You weren't so bad yourself, Red."
"That was a fun party."
"I'm sorry missed it," Wanda says as she cooks her marshmallow.
"We didn't know you then," Natasha tells her.
"Things were good then?" She tries to keep her voice light as she builds her s'more.
"Yeah. Things were good. Good never lasts."
Logan takes his marshmallow out of the fire. "Nothing ever lasts."
"Love," Wanda says. "Love lasts."
"You sure?"
"Yes. I will always love my brother. No matter what." She bites into the treat. She forgot how messy it could be.
"Love lasts," Natasha says. "Those we love don't."
The three of them go silent. The fire crackles. There are some bugs they can't see but can certainly hear.
"People change," Logan says. "Can't stop 'em. Can't force 'em to stay." He looks at the flames. "You just gotta let 'em go."
The two women don't look at each other. They both know what he's talking about. Natasha pierces her marshmallow with a stick. "Speaking as someone who never wanted to stay, you are absolutely right."
"Loki and Steve give me hope," Wanda says. Then she adds, "You and Clint, too."
"Maybe you and Logan should hook up."
"No," they both say immediately.
"Or not."
"That's like sayin' I should hook up with Rogue."
"Or that I should hook up with Clint." Wanda shakes her head then sucks some chocolate off her fingers.
Natasha pulls her marshmallow back and blows on it. "My mistake." As she makes her s'more, she notes, "Sam's a good guy."
"Yes. And also like a brother," Wanda tells her.
"Hmm. Field is kind of limited with us being on the run. Loki said T'Challa was seeing someone, so he's out. Bucky is still hung up on Carol."
"I don't need your help, Natasha. But when I am ready for new relationship, I will let you know."
"Why doesn't anyone respect my matchmaking skills?"
Logan checks his marshmallow. "Probably because they suck."
xxx
Loki holds Helena tight. "I will never stop loving you. And I will be here for you as much as I'm able."
"I know."
"I am so very proud of you."
"Now you're being sappy." It's not a complaint.
"I'm allowed to be sappy," he tells her. "I wasn't sappy enough when you were growing up. Entirely my fault of course."
Helena smirks though he can't see. But he can hear it in her voice when she says, "Are you actually admitting fault? It's a miracle."
"Oh hush. I'm not that bad."
"Really, Da? You never admit to being wrong."
"That's not true."
As much as she is enjoying the hug, it's lasting a really long time. "You can let go of me now."
"I could." He doesn't let go of her for another five seconds, enough time for her to say Da in an exasperated tone. "All right. All right." He steps back and drops his arms. "You know I love you, yes?"
"Yes."
"And Vali's return is not going to change that. He just needs more of my time right now. But if you need me, I will find time for us, just us."
She nods. "Thanks, Da."
"I know this hasn't been easy for you."
"You said that already," she reminds him. "I'm fine. Truly." But she can tell by the way he's looking at her that he doesn't believe her. "I will be fine," she amends. "It means a lot that you're trying to reassure me."
He nods. "I should get back to him. I promised I'd be there before tea time."
"Da, don't let him wear you out. You need time alone, too. And time with Steve. Because if you two get a divorce, I'm totally choosing him to be my father," she teases.
Loki laughs. "And to think you thought him boring when you first met."
"I know better now. Go on," she tells him before he can reply. "Before Vali thinks you've abandoned him."
"Sad but true. I'll talk to you soon. Remember to practice safe sex."
"Da!" But he's already gone. She chuckles to herself. If she's being honest, she's still not completely happy that Vali is back, but she feels better now. At least she got a little time with her father. As for her mother… She wonders if it's a lost cause, if her mother will ever accept her as herself. Perhaps she should take her father's advice.
She takes a breath to prepare herself then goes to find her mother. "'Boda?"
Angrboda is conditioning some leather. "Oh, is your father done with you?"
"Yes. He came to tell me that Queen Frigga is awake."
"I'm surprised you haven't rushed there with him," she says as she returns her focus to the leather.
"I'll go once my duties here are done." Hel waits, allowing her mother time to comment if she wishes. When there is nothing, she continues, "You were right. I should have been here. I at least should have had a way for someone to communicate with me."
Angrboda looks up in surprise. "You're finally seeing sense."
"I'm acknowledging," she begins before reminding herself to placate her mother. She takes another breath before continuing, "that I have a duty here and that I've been spending too much time on Midgard."
"I hope that will stop now."
"It will decrease. I have to get back. I just wanted you to know." Hel turns and walks out of the room. Her father was right. It was difficult but necessary.
xxx
Before Steve and Loki walk into the garden, they can hear the children singing. "What is that?" Steve asks.
"I don't know," Loki admits.
Steve starts laughing. "It's 'Row Row Row Your Boat'."
"What?"
"Sam must have taught it to them." He looks at Loki. "You don't know 'Row Row Row Your Boat'?"
"Can't say that I do."
"It's kinda fun." He takes his husband's hand and leads him out into the sunshine.
Sam is sitting in front of the kids. Whenever he points at a group of them, they start singing.
The song has four phrases. First is 'row row row your boat'. The second is 'gently down the stream'. The third is the word 'merrily' said four times. And the fourth is 'life is but a dream'.
The kids are divided into four groups. Each group sings the four phrases, starting when Sam points at them. There was a little confusion at first. Some kids kept singing the first phrase over and over again. But now they have it. The four groups are singing together, each singing a different phrase.
When it ends and the last group sings, "Life is but a dream," alone, Steve and Loki clap.
"That was fantastic," Steve tells them.
"Poppa!" Vali runs over to Loki. "You came back."
"I told you I would." He picks up his son. "Did I make it back before tea?"
"Yes."
"See? There was no need to fear." He boops his son's nose.
Steve adds, "But it's understandable if you did. Fear."
"Let's rejoin your friends," Loki suggests.
Sam waves at them. "Are you staying for tea?"
"If you don't mind the extra company."
"Not at all." He turns to the kids. "Does everyone know Prince Loki and Prince Steve?"
A boy points at Steve and says, "I saw you on the horse when you were getting married." He suddenly makes a connection and looks at Sam. "You were there, too."
He smiles. "I sure was. Had to see my friend get married."
That starts some chatter. The kids ask Steve about becoming Asgardian. He answers as best he can until the tea arrives with sandwiches, scones, and cakes. Then, after everyone is served, there is only the sound of slurping and eating along with a stray yummy sound every so often. There is still sadness in the air, but there is less fear. It's enough to make this a win in Sam's mind.
xxx
Huginn and Muninn stare at their new master, heads tilting in that odd way birds do.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Thor demands in frustration.
A loud caw comes from Muninn.
The new king grabs his own head as a message in a memory burns behind his closed eyes. Heimdall. King Freyr of Vanaheim offers his condolences and help rebuilding if it's needed. The Light Elves of Alfheim and the Dwarves of Svartalheim honor the late King Odin and will support King Thor. The Forest Giants of Jotenheim have proposed an alliance against the Frost Giants. And lastly, Queen Hel would like Pietro Maximoff sent to her. Heimdall wonders if that is a good use of his time. Also, Fandral strongly suggests he call a meeting of the Asgardian Council. And his subjects are beginning to wonder why King Thor has not been among them. The last included nausea-inducing swoops and dives as the birds soared through Asgard.
"Is this how you gave the All-Father your information?" he asks when his senses are his own again.
Huginn cocks his head as though reminding Thor that he is the All-Father now. Then he caws a yes.
"Will no one give me time to mourn?!"
Muninn ruffles his feathers. Though he says nothing, Thor feels the threat behind the black eye. 'You have had time to mourn. Now it is time to honor sacrifices of the dead and lead.'
"Fine," he huffs. "Huginn, find Fandral and tell him to assemble the Council. Muninn, tell Pietro to go to Heimdall. He's the skinny Midgardian with the white hair. The youngest of them," he adds. He did not need to. Muninn now has access to Thor's mind.
"Blasted birds," he mumbles once he thinks the two ravens are beyond earshot.
He walks back into the building, returning to his mother's side.
Frigga offers him a tired smile when he returns. "Is everything alright?"
"Did Father ever talk about how the ravens communicated with him?"
"No. Just that it was some sort of telepathy. Why?"
"It hurts." He rubs his temple, a pout on his lips.
"I'm sure it will get better. Did you learn what they wanted?"
"Aye. The people want me to lead."
"Are you surprised?" she asks.
He chooses not to answer her question, instead saying, "Uncle Freyr has offered to help."
"That's kind of him."
"I have to have a Council Meeting. I hate meetings," he grumbles.
Amused, she remembers, "You father hated meetings, too. But they are a necessary part of ruling."
"I miss him."
"So do I. But part of him will always be with us. I can practically hear him." She tries to make her voice deep. "Thor, stop wallowing and do your duty. You have a kingdom that needs ruling, and no son of mine shirks his duties." Seeing the smile on his face makes the energy she spent on the impression worth it.
"I will not shirk my duty," Thor promises. He kisses his mother's cheek before heading back to the palace.
xxx
Pietro finds traveling through the Bifrost to be such a rush. It isn't often he gets to experience something faster than his own legs. A smile on his face, he waves back at Heimdall after he's left in front of Hel's place.
He walks up to the imposing door. It has a knocker. Of course it does. He takes the iron ring and knocks three times. It booms louder than he expects.
From traveling faster than light to waiting for a door to open. It feels like a cruel joke, like whiplash.
The door opens after what seems like ages.
Helena stands there looking tired, relieved. "You came."
"You asked me to." His eyes narrow. "Aren't you a queen? Why are you opening your own door? Where are your servants?"
"Busy doing other things." She holds out her hand. "I wanted to be the one to greet you."
He takes it. "That's very sweet."
"I have my moments. Come in."
Pietro steps closer and kisses her. "Hello, Helena."
"Hello, Pietro." She cups his cheek, his whiskers poking into her palm. She initiates the kiss this time. "Mmm. I needed that."
"Difficult day?" he asks.
"Very." She wraps her arms around his waist and presses against him. Feeling his arms around her makes her smile.
"Did you go see Mama Frigga?"
"No. I've been busy. And when I finally got time, I realized all I wanted was you."
If there is any awkwardness, Pietro tries to joke it away with, "Does this mean I get to meet your mother?"
"Ugh. You had to ruin the moment."
He pets her head. "Sorry." Then gently he reminds her, "You are lucky to still have her. I would love to argue with my mother."
"And now I feel like shit." Helena pulls away with a frown.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you feel bad."
"Liar."
Pietro shrugs. "Maybe." He gives her a smile. "I do not need to meet her. And your relationship with her is not my business."
"I just want to curl up with you and not think. Can we do that please?"
"Yes. We can do that."
She pulls him inside, closing the door behind them. "Are you hungry?"
"I'm always hungry."
Hel is fairly certain her mother won't be in the kitchens or on their way to them. She is wrong.
"Hel? Who is this?"
She pulls Pietro along, not stopping to answer, "Just a Midgardian. No one you'd be interested in." As soon as she feels the breeze, she knows her hand will be empty.
Pietro stops in front of the very tall woman. "I am Pietro Maximoff. You must be Hel's mother. It's a pleasure to meet you." He gives his most charming smile.
Angrboda studies him for a moment. He's handsome in a lean sort of way. She can see why her daughter would be attracted to him. "I am Angrboda, Chieftess of the Iron Woods of Jamvidur and Hel's mother."
"Impressive title for an impressive woman."
"Hel said you were a charmer."
He smiles wider. "She's told you about me." He glances at Helena.
"Only what she thought would upset me. She's like her father that way. Very dramatic," Angrboda says.
Pietro nods. "I know him well. He's a good man."
"If you think that, you don't know him at all."
Helena presses her lips together. Then she opens her mouth to defend her father, but Pietro beats her to it.
"Perhaps he was a different person when you knew him." He shrugs. "Everyone says he's changed since being with Steve."
"The Midgardian he married? I wouldn't know." She looks at her daughter. "But he has been a more attentive father lately. Perhaps too attentive." Her dark eyes return to the young man. "Though you might be more to blame for her absence than he is."
"That's possible," he replies. "I will let you get back to whatever important thing you were doing." He bows his head to her. "Have a good night." Then he returns to Helena's side and takes her hand.
"You're amazing," Helena whispers as she leads him away from her mother.
"I know. It's my sister that needs reminding."
She chuckles. "You'll have to handle her yourself. I've got my own siblings to deal with. And you only have one," she adds as she pokes him.
"This is true." His nose catches the odor of fresh-baked bread. They must be near the kitchen. "Something smells good."
"Mm-hmm. Eat up. You'll need a lot of energy to take care of me tonight."
xxx
As soon as Pietro has finished eating, Helena grabs his hand and leads him to her bedroom.
"You don't need to check on your subjects?"
"After you make me feel amazing," she tells him.
"And how am I supposed to do that?" he asks in a cheeky lilt.
"If you don't know by now…" Her tone has a warning edge.
He chuckles. "Then I've been a poor lover, and you should find someone who takes better care of you."
"It's a good thing you aren't a poor lover then." She pulls him into a kiss then continues pulling him to her room.
Pietro follows without another word. He's curious to see her room. But he doesn't get to see much of it when she first pulls him inside. All he sees is her just before she kisses him. He does feel the door at his back though. "You really missed me, huh?"
"Just a little." She presses her palm against his chest. "Did you miss me?"
"Of course. How was New Orleans? Did you have fun?"
"Yeah. Would have been more fun if you had been there."
He moves a lock of purple hair behind her ear. "But it was girls' trip. Just you and Rogue."
"Not really. Remember I texted you about the guy we met?"
He nods. "The one with the strange names."
"Yeah." She smiles at the memories. "He was really into Rogue. And she really liked him, but she was never going to admit it."
"And you were playing matchmaker."
"Somebody had to." She kisses him again then moves to the bed.
The first thing he notices are the stuffed animals on it. There are two – a bear and a unicorn. The bed is covered with a black comforter with large purple and green flowers. The walls are a warm yellowish color, bare except for a corkboard with a few pictures. He's in a couple of them. He also recognizes Loki, Steve, Rogue, Wade, and Fenrir with his family. There's also a blonde he doesn't recognize. He steps closer and points to her. "Is that Gwen?"
"Yes." She hugs her knees. "Her mother sent me that picture after… We were having a slumber party and watching scary movies that night."
"Slumber party?"
"It's where you stay overnight at someone else's house."
"Oh." He leaves the pictures, sitting next to her on the bed. His arm wraps around her as she leans against him. "What a way to end your vacation."
"Make it better." She sounds tired.
He holds her for a while longer before slowly moving. He takes off her shoes and socks first, giving each of her feet a good rub after. He sits and takes off his own shoes before continuing.
"Your shirt first?" Helena requests with innocent eyes.
He lifts his shirt over his head and folds it before placing it on the ground. "Any other requests?"
"Not yet."
Pietro kisses her. He knows to take this part slow. Each of her pieces of clothing gets taken off her. He kisses her skin before moving on to the next piece of clothing. When her breasts are exposed, he spends a lot of time caressing them, tasting them, hardening her nipples with attention.
Her breath deepens as a warm sensation flows down to her vagina. Her fingers are in his hair. "You know just how to touch me."
He slowly kisses down her belly. He especially likes the thin trail of dark hair that goes from her bellybutton to her pubic area. He follows it dutifully, pulling down on her last bit of clothing.
Lifting her hips, she looks up at the ceiling before closing her eyes. Her body is alive and wanting. Her skin is sensitive to his every touch, particularly the whiskers of his beard that lightly scratch her skin. And then there's nothing. She opens her eyes. "Pietro?"
"Just getting a condom," he reassures her.
She looks at him, the front of his running pants tented. She watches as he pulls them down. She touches herself as he rolls on the condom, the three fingers of her right hand becoming slick with her desire. "Don't make me wait any longer."
Pietro climbs on top of her. "No more waiting," he promises.
Her knees come up, adjusting the angle of her hips to better receive him. She bites her lip as he lowers himself. Then she feels it, him, his girth pushing into her.
"Are you okay?"
She nods. "Keep going." She feels tears well up in her eyes. "I really missed you." Part of her hates showing this much vulnerability right now, but she can't seem to stop it.
"I missed you, too." He kisses her shoulder.
Helena wonders if he can read her mind. The thought frightens her. She pushes away the urge to push him away. Instead she clings to him more and hopes that doesn't scare him away.
Pietro tries to keep his thrusts slow. This gets more difficult as time passes. He feels a hand in his hair and fingernails digging into his back. He feels her breath in warm puffs against his ear. He feels her hips begin to move beneath him.
"Faster," she breathes.
He doubles his speed. "Like this?"
"Yes." Helena continues to shift her hips until the angle sends a shiver through her. "Fuck." Her heels dig into the bed. "Faster."
He doubles his speed again. Now he's starting to feel it, the friction within her wetness. He grabs onto her thigh, putting all his wait onto the forearm that is pressed against the bed.
"Wait. Wait." She pushes him over. Once he's on his back, she straddles him.
"I thought I was taking care of you?"
"You are." She gets him inside her again. Her hips move, trying to find that spot again. A sharp intake of breath lets him know she's found it. "Now, Pietro. Fast. Fast."
He places his hands on her hips. Then he moves, thrusting up with blurring speed.
It feels like a powerful vibrator within her. Her head falls back as pleasure flashes through her every nerve. Her toes curl just before she loses complete control. "Fuuuuuu-" The word ends in a tight moan. Her knees squeeze him as her body spasms in the best way.
Pietro fills the condom before stopping, breath heavy and heart thumping in his chest.
She collapses on top of him. "Not a poor lover at all."
A/N: The world has gotten a bit crazy lately. Hope you all are safe. I only have one real note, and that is that 'Row Row Row Your Boat' originated sometime in the late 1800s.
Oh, a few of you thought Vali could use some help. Hopefully that time with Sam will help him and the other children start to heal.
Until next time…
