Patchwork Road
By Rey
Chapter summary: Steve learns a shocking lesson about family.
38. Detachable
It should have been a proud moment, Steve thinks, that the Avengers act as one when they hear Loki shriek in such pain: trying to pry him free from the giant, trying to attack the giant, even trying to bargain with the giant. All, in the hope that the giant will release the struggling, tormented form of their no-longer-enemy.
The only person who doesn't do any of the aforementioned deeds is Bucky. And even Bucky flinches, although Steve is sure that he has heard worse – has done worse – while under HYDRA's control.
Not even Natasha is absent from reacting, as she tries to shock the blue-skinned, red-eyed, white-marked giant with her wrist-mounted little shockers. And Steve knows that she prides herself on having an on-and-off switch to her emotions and personalities.
It seems, he reflects as he tries once more to pry the giant's arms free of Loki's much smaller form, that family can do many things, including undetaching the detachable hearts of cold-blooded assassins.
If only the said family were not the price for such knowledge….