"Effective immediately, I am officially withdrawing from this project."
It was the quietest Jane had ever seen the studio. Fifteen people crammed into a single meeting room, most of them huddled around the table. Folders and laptops and files that served no purpose strewn about. One of the many mounted lamps had been turned toward the door, giving Loki a spotlight for his most dramatic monologue to date.
As the echo of his words faded, Jane found herself just able to squeak her neck around the room. Many jaws had hit the floor. Eyes were popping like corn. Mr. Branson had finally been dragged out of his self-pitying stupor and provided the only sound in the form of a low, drawn-out, 'wha…'
Loki, as one might expect, was unmoved. He gave them time to let it all sink in and entertained himself by acting like a man who had just announced the sky is blue. When Jane tried to catch his eye, he wouldn't look at her. He had to know what she was doing, but nothing phased him now. There was no mask hiding his true feelings. He wore them as plain as his unwavering confidence.
Whispered pricked her ears as the initial shock wore off. Lots of 'What the hells' and 'What is he doings' were thrown around coming from mouths she didn't have time to pick out. If there was one good thing to be said for all this, it was that she'd never seen a look like that on the producer's face.
"Uh…" the producer shook his head, knocking the sand out of his ears and returning to something akin to composure. "I'm sorry, I must have had a stroke there because I thought I just heard you say you're quitting this movie."
"Yes, you did," Loki answered.
"You're quitting."
"Yes."
"You're walking off this movie in the middle of production."
"Oh, are you confused? You could also say I am stepping down from my current position. I have decided to part ways with the company for the sake of all involved parties. We are at a crossroads and I am initiating a parting of ways. I have more if you need it."
Okay, this was the best face the producer had ever made. The greatest hyperrealistic artist in the world couldn't hope to recreate it. In any other circumstances, Jane would be laughing.
Hell, she almost did laugh. That smile should've been way harder to drop.
"You have got to be kidding me!" The producer threw his phone to the ground, cracking the screen. "Do you have any idea how much money we've sunk into this just to pay your salary? And now you're walking away."
"I will be happy to reimburse you for what you've already spent," Loki said. "I am also happy to pay extra to make up for breaking my contract. My lawyer is already in touch with yours and I'm sure we can come to a mutually beneficial agreement."
"Would you stop!" The producer got in his face, making it extremely noticeable that Loki was half a head taller. "Okay, I don't know what kind of primadonna bitch fit you're having, but if you think I'm going to let you walk right out of here in the middle of filming-"
"Well, I suppose I'll have to clean out my trailer before I go."
"Screw your trailer! You are not doing this!"
"I think you'll find you can't stop me," Loki drawled. "The days of actors being bound to studios are long behind us. If I feel I am not the best fit for a role, or that my character doesn't fit the story, I am within my rights to step aside. Or would you like to speak to my lawyer directly?"
"Are you threatening me?" the producer demanded.
"I didn't realize asking a simple question was considered rude. Nevertheless, I will be happy to discuss the finer details with you at a later time, but there is nothing you can do to change my mind. I never should have accepted this role, to begin with. It is not my place to snuff out Dr. Foster's light. She already far outshines me."
Now, finally, he looked at her. Like she was the only person in this room and the only one in the world who mattered. It made Jane's breath catch in her throat. She'd never wanted to kiss him quite so much.
He held her gaze even as the producer ceased sputtering and found his voice again. "I can't believe this. I cannot believe this! You know, we didn't have to hire you. We had our pick of the litter. You think we can't replace you? You're wrong."
"I don't know, Loki is the most bankable star right now," Jane said, smirking as the producer fired her a glare as potent as a wet sock.
When she wasn't cowed, he rounded on Mr. Branson. "Are you going to say anything?"
Mr. Branson twitched. His mouth finally closed and he laced his fingers together on the table. It vaguely resembled someone at ease, but only if you squinted. Fear rose in Jane's stomach that he'd agree with the producer or make an excuse to leave. That he couldn't seem to stop fidgeting didn't help matters. He had adjusted his seat six times in the last twenty seconds.
"I…" he said. His eyes flicked to Jane, seemingly by chance. When he didn't look away, Jane nodded, praying he understood. "I think… Loki might be right."
The producer turned red. "Excuse me?"
Mr. Branson sat up straighter. "I said he's right. He shouldn't be in this movie."
"How can you say that?"
"Because this character shouldn't be in the movie." Mr. Branson stood. "I hate writing him. He serves no purpose. And I didn't sign up to make a cheap direct-to-DVD b-movie, which is exactly what this is going to turn into if you don't stop forcing all these ridiculous changes."
"Oh my God," The producer raked his fingers through his hair. "You're all completely insane. We make a few minor revisions and you want to walk out. You're going to tank this entire production!"
"Maybe we should," Jane burst out. She was standing, and she didn't remember when that happened. Everyone was looking at her and for the first time since yesterday morning, she didn't care.
"You want to cancel this movie?" the producer asked, daring her to respond.
Jane was happy to oblige. "As long as you're in charge, absolutely."
The producer looked around, but everyone was either shying away or forming a wall with Jane and Loki. Even Bethany Shortman had nothing to say. She didn't join them, but sat quietly in her seat, her face blank save for a hint of a smile at Jane.
With no allies, a mess on his head that used to be coiffed hair, and more blood rushing to his brain than there was water in the ocean, the producer stalked up to Jane, who couldn't even pretend to be scared.
"Fine," he said, enunciating the f. "You want it canceled? You got it. We've wasted enough time on you anyway."
The producer marched out the door, slamming it behind him. Those who remained were left to stew in the reality of what had just happened. Jane closed her eyes, not wanting to see everyone else's reactions just yet. In her private world, she let out a breath. One she might've been holding for weeks.
That was it. Bridgemaker was done.
They sat on the curb, having been kicked out of the studio five minutes after the producer left. Now that they had no movie to work on, they were technically trespassing on private property. Or so security said as they were ordered to gather their things and head for the nearest exit.
Jane didn't mind. It was a calm, breezy day out with enough clouds to cover the sun and not a drop of rain in sight. The road was quiet with only a few cars to mar the ambiance. They'd been kicked out of their first spot because it was still too close to the studio. Now they came to rest in front of a shoe store. 'Marty's Shoes' the sign said. It had a dancing cartoon shoe for a logo and Jane actually thought it was kind of cute.
She turned to Loki. He had yet to say a word and seemed to follow her only because he had nowhere else to go. That was silly, of course. He might not have a trailer anymore, but there were plenty of hotels. He could get a room at hers even. The rates were pretty good and room service was delicious.
"Cat got your tongue?" Jane asked.
Loki shrugged. "I don't know what to say."
"That's a first," Jane laughed.
"I thought you would be mad at me."
"For quitting?" she snorted. "Honestly, that might be the nicest thing you've ever done for me."
"The movie was canceled."
"Like I said. The nicest thing you've ever done for me."
Confused was an interesting look on him. Interesting and weirdly endearing. Jane buried the image of it in her brain. She had a feeling she wouldn't see it again for a long time.
After a moment, Loki sighed. "You deserve better than this."
"You don't always get what you deserve," Jane said. "That's life. We're all living it."
"They should give up the rights to your story at least."
"I wouldn't worry about that. I have a good lawyer, too, you know."
They shared a grin and a slightly evil chuckle. "Every day you become more astonishing to me. Have I told you that?"
"No, but it sounds like cheap flattery."
"I never claimed to be a good writer."
"Ah-ha!" Jane pointed at him. "I knew it! You were lying to me that day."
Loki's eyes narrowed. "If you're referring to our argument over the script, you'll recall that I said I have written, not that I am good at it."
"Sure thing," Jane said, patting his arm.
He glanced at the spot she touched long after she'd pulled away. He reached out, then pulled back. As he did, his hand brushed her cheek. "It's not the end, Jane. No matter how dire it seems. There is always another way forward."
"I don't know about that," Jane said. "We really made a mess of things."
"From one perspective, perhaps. From mine, we've set the stage to clean up a bigger mess. Create a story truly worthy of you."
"How are we supposed to do that?"
"Hey, Jane!" A body hit the ground on her other side, squashing her into Loki's lap. "Haven't you ever heard the phrase, 'where there's a will, there's a way?'"
"Darcy!" Jane said, giving her a one-armed hug. "Where have you been?"
"Running me ragged, that's where," said Brock Rumlow, leaning on a lamp post. "This woman has more energy than a jet turbine. She's going to be the death of me."
"Like you don't love it," Darcy preened. She turned back to Jane. "So I heard you told that producer douche where to stick it. Good job. Wish I could've been there."
"It wasn't that impressive," Jane said. "Loki did most of the work."
"Hey, if you hadn't backed him up, you wouldn't have gotten anywhere."
"They might have added that sex scene just to spite you," Rumlow remarked.
"There's no way that would've happened," Jane said.
"You really think they wouldn't?" Loki asked.
Well, he had her there.
"Enough with the studio bullshit. We have important things to discuss," Darcy proclaimed. "Like what we're going to do about the movie."
"There's nothing to do," Jane said. "It's been canceled. We can't just make it ourselves."
"Sure we can! There's an entire industry of movies people make themselves."
"Yeah, but that still requires a crew, a director, tons of money… wait." Jane furrowed her brow. "Darcy, how'd you know about the meeting?"
Darcy blinked. "I asked."
"Asked who?"
Instead of answering, Darcy gestured at something behind Jane. People had been walking by this whole time, mostly ignoring them. The few who did recognize the 'power couple' were scared away by a well-placed glare from Rumlow. Now a shadow fell over them and lingered until Jane had to look.
"Mr. Branson!" She stood to face him and the woman partially hidden behind him. "And Bethany? What are you guys doing here?"
"We've been looking for you," Bethany Shortman said. "Ever since they threw us out. That's the first time anything like that happened to me."
Jane hung her head, cheeks flaring. "Yeah, I'm sorry you got dragged into this. I wish things could've been different."
"Hey, you heard the lady." Mr. Branson gave Darcy a thumbs up. "We can still make this happen. Once we have the rights back, it'll be easy."
"I have plenty of friends who can help us out," Bethany Shortman said. "Cameramen and costume designers and everything."
"I can do the editing!" Darcy cried. "Kind of. Mostly on my phone. I can do the bigger stuff, though. I just need to find some YouTube how-tos."
"I'll handle security," Rumlow said.
"And I'm going to write this script the way it was meant to be written," Mr. Branson said, his hand on Jane's shoulder. "A story of a woman with a passion for science and discovery, a mentor who loves her, and definitely no boyfriend."
Jane grinned, happiness swelling in her chest that could only be sated by throwing her arms around him. Mr. Branson gasped, clearly not expecting such an open show of affection, but hugged her back all the same.
"Thank you," she said. "All of you. Thank you so much."
"Does this mean you'll do it?" Darcy asked.
She leaned in as if to hear better, less obvious than the rest of the group, though not by much.
Jane sighed. "I'd like to, more than anything, but how can we do this with no producer?"
Something buzzed like a bee in her ear. Jane ignored it until she counted all the people waiting for her answer and realized someone was missing. Loki was still on the curb, his long legs bent under his chin at an awkward angle. He hadn't said a word since Mr. Branson arrived. As awful as it was, she'd forgotten for a while that he was here. Now he couldn't be bothered to even lift his head as she knelt over him. At first glance, his scuffed shoes and dirt-coated pant legs were the subjects of his rapt attention. Then Jane saw the phone screen.
A chat log was up. The name on top was short but familiar. The message itself was covered by Loki's thumb. Jane bent over, deciding too late that she shouldn't invade Loki's privacy, no matter what secrets they'd revealed to each other in those strange, intimate moments.
Loki scrolled up. More messages asking about his day, what his weekend plans were, whether or not he was coming to the baby shower. Photos of a blonde man on a beach with a dark-haired woman, or an older couple enjoying dinner on a balcony. Some of them showed two young boys. The bigger one had his arms around the smaller one's shoulder. The text read, 'I found this today. You really haven't grown at all!'
She laughed, then covered her mouth. It was no use, though. He'd already heard it. His eyes moved to the side like a lizard's, no other part of his head moving. Jane sat back down, not knowing what else to do, meeting Loki's gaze with what she hoped was a friendly face. He closed the app. His wallpaper was an aurora borealis.
"I have an idea," he said.
"Yeah?" Jane said.
His phone stayed in his hand, even as his mind traveled elsewhere. He held it like he was scared to let go. As if he would fall from his grasp and he'd lose something he'd never get back. Or maybe he already had.
"I think… we should go to dinner."
The house was bigger than Loki remembered. How strange it was. Weren't things one remembered as larger than life always smaller in reality?
Granted, it had not been so long ago that he was here. Barely two Christmases ago. Back then, the east wing was still under construction. The workers had the week off and wouldn't return until several days after New Years'. Loki was long gone by then, off to shoot another TV miniseries Frigga would watch religiously and Odin would occasionally glance at over the paper.
Now it was complete and blocked the view of the backyard. Loki couldn't see his and Thor's old treehouse. It hadn't been torn down or Thor would have told him. With the birth of Thor's little bundle of joy, renovations would no doubt commence shortly to replace the rotting wood. A new balcony had also been added over Frigga's sitting room. A table and chairs were set up but didn't look like they'd been used recently.
The windows were bright, all lights on in preparation for a hearty meal. Shadows ranged from bulky and inanimate to lively and human. The smell of cooking meat wafted from the kitchen. Loki didn't know what was on the menu tonight, but if he had to guess, there'd be some frikadeller in there. Tonight was, after all, a very special occasion.
He played with his tie. It was set in a perfect knot just like always and felt ridiculously tight like it never had before. His shirt was also tight around the chest. Had it shrunk in the wash? That's what he got for doing his own laundry. Next time he was sending it out.
"You nervous?" Jane asked.
She was absolutely stunning in a knee-length blue cocktail dress with matching high-heeled sandals. She had rebuffed the idea at first and it took several minutes of Darcy and Bethany Shortman's prodding to get her to wear them. Fortunately, in addition to the striking (enough) resemblance, Jane and Bethany also wore the same dress and shoe size. Loki tried to look at her, but couldn't for more than a few seconds at a time, lest his heart beat too fast and send blood to places it absolutely shouldn't be going.
"I am fine," he said, his acting flawless as ever. "It is merely a family dinner. What have I to fear?"
"Well, you are holding my hand pretty tight."
Loki looked down. Their fingers were tangled together.
Yes, he had helped her out of the car, hadn't he? Jane had tried to say no but he insisted. It was the gentlemanly thing to do.
And then, it seemed, he forgot to let go.
His acting needed work.
"Well… you are quite wobbly in those heels," he said. "I wouldn't want you to fall."
"I can walk in heels," Jane said. She stepped on a pebble and swayed. Loki easily held her upright.
"You were saying?"
She scowled and tried to shake him off, but Loki held firm and kept them walking. "Look, it'll be okay. They'll be happy to see you."
"Of course they will," Loki said, almost convincing himself.
The courtyard appeared to have been redecorated. Fresh flowers bloomed and a new arbor had been installed. This one appeared to be steel. Much better than the old cedar one they used to have. It might be nice to take a walk along the path before they went inside. After the long flight over, Jane would surely love the flowers. It might take them hours to see and smell all of them.
They were at the door, which must have happened sometime when he last blinked. The stone porch was solid under feet that were becoming increasingly jelly-like. Jane rang the doorbell before he could think of a reason not to. It echoed through the antechamber, which had been painted a lighter shade of gold. Loki watched through the window, waiting for Sigrid, their trusty housekeeper, to answer the door. She would be in her apron with her white, soundless flats, declaring, 'The old troublemaker is back!'
For once, he might not pretend it didn't make him smile.
A shadow appeared and then a glamorous woman in a forest green velvet gown was at the door. She threw it open. Threw herself at Loki. Hugged him so tight it nearly made him cry.
"My boy," Frigga said, kissing his cheek. "You've gotten so handsome."
"You always say that," Loki said shakily, taking in her curly blonde hair and gracefully wrinkling face, "and you have never been more beautiful."
She chuckled. "Now you know where you get it from… and who is this?"
Frigga eyed Jane with friendly curiosity. Not a hint of suspicion or disdain to be found. Which was exactly what Loki expected. Frigga was a legendarily shrewd businesswoman but she didn't have a mean bone in her body. She couldn't even kill a spider most days. If she did follow the gossip rags, it was only so she could pass the time when she'd finished her latest book. Loki couldn't say for sure that Frigga hadn't seen the headlines, but it wouldn't be the first thing on her mind.
"Mother, allow me to introduce Dr. Jane Foster," he stepped aside so Jane could step forward.
She did so after several moments frozen solid. Like she had been preparing herself for the arduous task of meeting Loki's mother.
"Nice to meet you," Jane said, her hands clasped demurely in front of her. For a moment, Loki thought she might curtsy. "Thank you for inviting me to dinner."
"Think nothing of it," Frigga said, patting her arm. "You are our guest of honor tonight. I've been an admirer of your work for some time now. Please, do come in."
They passed the threshold. Sigrid looked a bit put out that she'd been deprived of her standard greeting. Loki followed them into the living room. This path, at least, would never change. Ornamental vases and scones had been added. A new portrait of Odin and Frigga adorned the drawing room. It was replaced every few years to prove the couple didn't fear aging. Odin's hair had been greying since his mid-thirties. Every successive painting used less and less color.
Another servant, one Loki recognized but couldn't remember the name of, entered with a tray of drinks. Frigga sat gracefully on one of two couches, politely accepting a cup of tea.
"Thank you, Celia," she said. "Do you drink tea, Dr. Foster?"
"Sometimes," Jane said, standing awkwardly for a time before deciding the other couch was safe. "I'm more of a coffee person, though."
"Coffee it is."
The conversation was going well at the outset, but it was on shaky ground. If Loki was nervous (and he wasn't saying he was), Jane was an absolute wreck. She had hidden it well before, but now, as she played with and nearly wore a hole into Bethany Shortman's thousand dollar dress, it was all but painful to watch.
Instantly, Loki had at least ten ways to diffuse the situation and turn their attention to another topic. None of them were needed as heavy footsteps announced a thunderous presence.
"Brother!" Thor made a beeline for him, lifting him a foot off the ground as he played hell upon Loki's spine. "I'm so glad to see you!"
"You never really show it," Loki groaned, worming his way out of Thor's tree-trunk arms.
"Sif will be so glad," Thor said. "She has been quite restless these past few days. The child grows strong. She is missing her figure."
"It will return," Loki said.
"So I have told her." Thor hugged Loki again, thankfully more like a normal person, and went to introduce himself to Jane. "You must be Loki's dear friend, Jane. A pleasure."
He took her hand and kissed it. Jane blushed, but only a little. It still made Loki wish he had a butcher knife.
"Nice to meet you, too," she said. "I've heard a lot about you."
Thor levied a grin at Loki. "Is that so?"
"He told me you're about to be a father. Congratulations."
He nodded but hadn't looked away from Loki. That smile had taken on a particularly annoying edge. That could only mean one of two things. He was drunk or he was about to say something to embarrass Loki.
"Not a day goes by where I don't wait with bated breath to hold my child for the first time," Thor said, clapping Loki's shoulder. "I only hope my dear brother gets to experience the same joy someday."
Option two, then. Wonderful.
He couldn't even say it was both at the same time. If it was, he would've smelled the booze.
"I'm sure the time will come," Jane replied.
Loki didn't think too hard about that one, but he put it away for later. Just a piece of casual small talk for a new acquaintance or…
The maid, Celia, reappeared, drawing their attention with a rap of her knuckles. "Dinner is served."
They made their way to the dining room, all decked out like a Victorian palace. Red painted walls with white pillars. A candelabra burning solely for the effect as electrical lights drowned it out. The table was set for six. Drinks had been poured and the first course was set out. Salad and stuffed mushrooms. They smelled delicious.
Two people were already seated. Sif, who could somehow stand despite the watermelon size of her stomach and offered Loki a friendly hug, and a man hidden behind a newspaper at the end of the table, ignorant of the food and his guests.
Loki sucked in a breath.
"Odin, dear, put that away," Frigga pulled down the paper. "We have guests!"
Odin Borson, the man himself. Captain of industry, master of the universe. The kind of man who was loved and hated in equal measure. For Loki, it could change every other day. What day was today? He didn't know yet. Looking into his father's sole eye, he went back to the first time he learned the truth of his existence. All the horrible things he'd said and all the horrible way Odin replied. They didn't see each other for months after. If his aunt hadn't died so suddenly, it might've been even longer.
Still holding the paper, Odin appraised the pair. Loki stood up straight but tried to make it look casual. He put a hand on the chair, nearly toppling it. After that, he kept his hands in his pockets. Odin's eyes flicked to Jane, who was helping herself to one of the mushrooms. Frigga encouraged her to have as many as she wanted.
"You're all skin and bones, dear," she said, her favorite unoriginal phrase. "Please, have as many as you like."
"Jane," Loki said, nudging her. "I'd like you to meet my father."
Jane looked up, mouth full of mushroom. As soon as she saw the old man semi-glaring at her she swallowed and stood back up.
"Sorry, I'm Jane. It's nice to meet you."
She held out a hand, which was useless because he was six feet away. When she realized it several seconds too late, she coughed and dropped her hand to her side. Odin's expression didn't change.
"You are the doctor, then," he said.
"Yes sir," Jane replied. "Of astrophysics."
"I know."
"Right."
Odin hummed. He placed the newspaper off to the side and steepled his fingers. "Your work is quite impressive, Doctor. I am honored to have you in my home."
She had shrunk back in anticipation of an insult. Startling, she let out a breath and put on a face that didn't hide her relief at all. "Thank you, sir. I'm honored to be here."
With a nod, Odin beckoned over a maid. "Another drink, please."
"Of course, sir."
As she went off, Odin grabbed three mushrooms.
Dinner continued into the second course. Their mini feast sported a roast, several different varieties of sauce and vegetables, and a heaping helping of fresh Frikadeller. Loki might have indulged a bit too heavily in the latter. By the time he was done, he barely had room for dessert. It was a nice call back to a simpler time before his birth was called into doubt and he had no reason to fear he had no place in this perfect family visage.
Going down that line of thought was never a good idea, so instead, Loki got Jane talking about her research. A few simple questions and she was off, rambling for twenty minutes straight about relative physics and time dilation. Fortunately, she was an excellent speaker. Not a dull word passed her lips, and even Odin was riveted.
After dinner, they had drinks in the parlor. Loki nursed a wine he hadn't wanted. It felt foolish to ask for water, so for now he'd just take sips. Thor and Sif sat beside him. Thor had his hands on Sif's stomach, rubbing circles over the growing infant.
"You will be a strong one," he said, giddy like a bubbly child. "Just like your father."
"Or his mother," Sif said. "I did beat you at football last time we played."
"Ah, but I might have let you win."
"But you didn't."
They stared at each other, and as always, Thor looked away first. Loki smirked and patted his shoulder, easing his bruised pride.
"So it goes, dear brother," he said. "You should be grateful. To have such a lovely, intelligent woman decide by some miracle to tolerate you."
"You are right as always. I fear with one more in our home, I may be permanently cowed."
"Well, I would expect no less from my godchild," Loki said.
Thor's face changed, whatever he was going to say dying in his throat as Loki's meaning sunk in. With a grin so hopelessly joyful that not even Loki could resist, Thor hugged him. This time, Loki returned it.
As the evening wore on, Odin retreated to his office, bidding the family goodnight and Jane a fond farewell.
"Lovely to meet you," he said with a slight incline of his head. "Please come back whenever you like."
"Of course," Jane said, sounding less than sure of herself.
When he disappeared around the corner, Loki waited a few minutes for him to reach his office and get settled. Shooting a look at Jane, she shrugged. He nodded back, mouthing words of comfort. Don't worry, he wanted to say. I will make this work. He won't say no to me.
Except he very well might, but why spoil the mood?
"I need to stretch my legs," Loki said, standing in the middle of a conversation about Frigga's new garden. "Please excuse me for a moment."
He climbed the stairs to the second floor. Odin's office was just up ahead. The door was open. He never closed it when he was expecting someone. The maid passed him, having delivered the tea. Inside, Odin was in his armchair with a thick hardcover book. The desk was drowning in papers. Retirement and handing the company over to Thor hadn't slowed him down a bit. He still acted in an advisory position and supervised the occasional board meeting when Frigga wasn't looking.
Once a businessman, always a businessman. Loki just hoped that would hold true tonight.
He knocked on the door.
"Come in," Odin said. Loki stepped inside. When he didn't smell more tea, Odin looked up. He stared silently at Loki, then marked his place and set the book aside. "You wish to speak to me then?"
"I do," Loki said. He sat down, not waiting for an invitation. There were a lot of ways he could segue into this discussion. Perhaps it was best to get right to the point. "Thank you for being so kind to Jane. It's been an… interesting week for both of us."
"So it has," Odin said, crossing one leg over the other. "I heard you quit that movie."
Loki nodded. "It was the right decision."
"Now what will you do?"
He closed his eyes. Now or never. "That's what I wanted to speak to you about."
Now, finally, Odin's face changed. It was only a single eyebrow arch, but for him in 'business' mode, that might as well be a scream.
Loki took out his phone. "I have been thinking about my life, my career, everything I've done up to this point. It feels as though something has been missing. Something I can't go without anymore. There is nothing I have done that I am not proud of. I hope you understand that isn't what I'm saying."
Odin grunted. That meant yes.
"Though this last project failed rather spectacularly, I can never say that I regret being involved. Because I finally understand what you've spent years trying to teach me." Loki handed him the phone, their business proposal up on the screen. "You think I've spent my life hiding behind a mask? Well, I'm ready to remove it."
Odin read through the pages at lightning speed. He'd spent years smothered in paperwork and quarterly reports. Compared to that, this was light Sunday reading. Loki and Jane, with more than a bit of help from Mr. Branson, had prepared these documents entirely for this moment. Hours of tireless work would be torn through in a matter of minutes, and then most likely torn apart. Until then, Loki sat back in an easy chair that was quickly becoming his favorite new addition to the house and waited for the explosion.
"Are you mad?" Odin said, putting down the phone.
"All good businessmen are."
"This is no ordinary business," Odin said. "Failure is not an option, and it is also unavoidable."
"Not completely." Loki straightened his back, refusing to even blink. "I understand the risks, just as you did when you started your company. Far too many let the fear of failure hinder them from achieving their goals. I am not one of them. I never was."
Odin hummed. "No, you aren't."
He hadn't called Loki an idiot and ordered him to leave yet. That was a good sign. The old man was listening, or at least he was still undecided.
"I studied astrophysics and I became an actor and I have spent years wondering if any of the choices I've made have been the right one. Now I have the answer."
"Are you sure it's not just for her?"
Loki closed his eyes. He thought of Jane downstairs with his mother, her eyes glowing in the firelight and her smile enough to stop his heart. When did he ever start thinking in such syrupy romantic terms? She's been a terrible influence on him.
"I am taking two of the things I love most in this world," he said, "and I am creating something that is mine. That's all the reason I need."
Silence and stillness reigned. The clock ticked away ten seconds, then twenty. A crack on the wall that hadn't been fixed took up Loki's attention. Luckily, it was right next to Odin's face and he could be easily mistaken for looking him in the eye. Odin's fingers were laced like they'd been carved out of marble. Only the occasional expansion of his chest suggested life. Loki couldn't say his own heart ever beat so strongly.
Slowly, Odin shook his head. His frown was as intense as if the concept of smiling was completely alien to him. The gold-plated patch over his eye reflected Loki's poker face back at him. At least that hadn't softened.
As he went over all their backup plans in case he got thrown out, Odin pushed out his chair and opened his desk drawer. "I've known you to be many things, Loki, but one thing you are not is impulsive. You always see things through, no matter how reckless or stupid they might be. And this is very reckless and very stupid." Out came his checkbook. He scribbled on the first page, ripped it out, and handed it to Loki. "My investment. And not a cent more."
Loki read the number, counting the zeros as his heart soared. With trembling fingers, he folded the check into less than perfect quarters. He pushed it all the way down to the bottom of his pocket after making sure there were no holes.
"Thank you, Father," he said, not trusting himself to say more.
Odin didn't smile. Didn't acknowledge his gratitude with more than a nod. He never did when Loki was a boy, and he was starting to understand this was just how Odin showed his feelings. The love in his heart expressed in subtle ways that many wouldn't notice if they weren't looking closely. The old man really was his father.
"Do not let me down, son," he said.
Loki stood to go. "I won't."
Odin nodded again, turning his chair around to face the window as Loki left the room. Before the door closed behind him, Loki heard a few final words.
"You won't."
The garden was huge, bursting with flowers Jane couldn't name in full bloom. The smell was enrapturing without being overbearing. The bushes and grass were splashed with every color of the rainbow. Lights strung up on the trellis created a golden glow that warmed her skin as the night grew steadily cooler. Jane sat on a stone bench and tugged her red fleece coat over her shoulders. It was the only thing that had come from her own closet and it clashed horribly with Bethany's dress, but it was cozy and familiar and it protected her from the world like nothing else.
Frigga had gone back inside after giving her the grand tour of the courtyard. Cold weather didn't agree with her and she liked to do some sewing before bed every night. Thor and Sif were on an evening stroll around the property. If Jane squinted, she could see them through the trees, holding hands and enjoying the crisp night air together. Such small things Jane had never given much thought to. Now it was all she could think about.
Jane stretched her taut muscles, letting out a long, cleansing breath. Her body felt light like she could fly. Who knew wasting millions of a leading production company's money could be so good for the soul. As Jane snickered at the memory, she almost missed the approaching footsteps down the cobblestone path.
"There you are," Loki said. "I've been looking for you."
"It's a big house," Jane said, scooting over so he could sit. "I was afraid of getting lost."
"It's not that big."
"It is a little bit."
Loki hummed. "Well, my house isn't quite as ostentatious. I prefer quality over quantity."
"I can't wait to see it." Jane realized what she said as Loki's body tensed. The pulse of shock was there and gone. The need to apologize or try to play it off faded as she realized she really had meant it. "So what did your dad say?"
He frowned, and his crestfallen face had Jane ready to sigh and tell him it would be all right even as her own heart cracked open. Then he grinned. "We have his support."
Jane stared at him. "Really?"
"Really."
Her mouth opened, suspended in space until her jaw began to ache. With a strangled sound that was almost a laugh, Jane swatted at him. "You jerk. Why would you trick me like that?"
"Why wouldn't I?" he countered, dodging the blow.
When Jane tried again, he slipped off the bench out of her reach. Her swipe went wide and she pitched forward. Loki caught her instantly. He helped her stand and kept his hands on her arms long after she had found her footing. Jane could've told him that and that she didn't need his help anymore, but once again, she didn't want to.
"Thank you," she said.
"For what?" he asked.
"Everything." She cupped his cheek. "Everything you've done. All the ways you've helped me make my dreams come true. And for just being you."
"That's not a very well-written line," he remarked.
Jane rolled her eyes. He really was incorrigible. She should thank him for that, too. "So, we're in the middle of this garden."
"We are," he said.
"It's a beautiful night, the moon is full, and there's no one else around."
"Just about," Loki pursed his lips.
"So if we kissed now, would that be the most cliche turn this story could take?"
"Oh, absolutely. Terribly overdone and contrived. It wouldn't even make it to screen."
Good enough for Jane.
He tasted like fine wine and candy and happiness. The electrifying thrill of a first kiss left Jane unable to form words more intelligent than that. Pressed against Loki's hard body, she absorbed the smell and the feel of him, wanting to keep it all for herself and never let go. His arms were so strong, his lips and tongue demanding, matching her ferocity with all he had in him.
He lifted her off her feet. Jane clung to him, never once letting their lips separate. All the stars in the sky surrounded them, twinkling overhead, billions of miles away. They shined brighter than any camera lens, the best audience Jane could've asked for. In her head, the climatic music swelled, fading into a credits sequence. If this was where their story ended, it would be a perfect moment to go out on.
Luckily for them, it was just the opening scene.
EIGHTEEN MONTHS LATER
"Live from New York, it's Christine!"
Music played and the audience, both live and pre-recorded, clapped as Christine Everheart, flawless as ever in designer clothes and makeup, took the stage.
"Thank you so much. We have an amazing show for you all tonight. Our first guests are two truly incredible individuals. One's a scientific innovator, the other is an actor who, as it turns out, is pretty multi-talented." She paused for the audience's reaction. "They're here tonight to promote their long-awaited film, Bridgemaker: the Jane Foster Story. Please welcome, Dr. Jane Foster and Loki Odinson!"
Jane and Loki walked on stage from the left. They waved to the audience and didn't stop until they reached Christine. They shook hands, Jane showed off a freshly brushed smile and the next time she gestured to the crowd, her eyes were firmly set on the camera.
"Loki, Jane, thank you both for joining us tonight," Christine said.
"Thank you for having us," said Loki, as a few girls in the audience lost control of themselves and shrieked. "We're excited to be here."
"Very," Jane agreed.
"More than last time?" Christine quipped.
"Oh definitely," Jane said, earning some healthy laughter. "Last time… well, things were already going off the rails. I'm just glad we were able to fix it."
"And in such a bold way, too," Christine said. "Buying out the rights to the film, forming your own production company. Loki, you went from lead actor to producer. How does it feel to be working behind the scenes for a change?"
"It feels wonderful," Loki said, his heart laid bare before the world. "When Jane and I envisioned our company, we knew we wanted to celebrate all the great women and thinkers of the world. That's why Equinox Productions will not stop with Bridgemaker. We already have several new projects in the works, and I am proud to be a part of each and every one of them."
"What about you, Jane," Christine asked, "how do you feel?"
Jane looked at Loki. She wouldn't take his hand, much as the urge struck her. They were technically supposed to be professionals. Private activities notwithstanding. "Like Loki said, it's been wonderful. It wasn't easy, and it wasn't always fun, but we have an amazing cast and crew who put their all into this movie. It's everything I ever could've hoped for and I'm so proud to be a part of it."
Another round of applause. It went on longer than any before, and Christine had to be getting tired of waiting. "Yes. Yes indeed. Early critical reviews have been extremely positive. We had Kevin Branson and Bethany Shortman on the show just last week, and I think it's safe to say you've got the next big summer hit on your hands."
"I don't know, there's a lot of blockbusters coming out this year," Jane said. "We might just lose to some superhero movie."
"You know why they succeed?" Loki said with that same old dangerous smirk of his.
"Partial nudity?"
"Partial nudity."
Now the audience was in stitches. Jane still couldn't hear them over Darcy howling off stage. With Rumlow there to support her, she somehow didn't hit the floor. The bodyguard held her tenderly, just as he had the velvet box in his back pocket when he showed it to Loki and Jane yesterday. Tonight they were having dinner at Darcy's favorite restaurant. It would be the happiest night of both their lives.
"Loki, this show is supposed to be family-friendly," Christine giggled.
Loki brought a hand to his mouth. "Oh, dear. That cuts down my topics of conversation by half."
"Don't pay any attention to him," Jane said, and now she did take his hand.
"You seem to have him well under control," Christine said with a glint in her eye. "You know, there are a lot of rumors floating around about you two."
"Are there?" Loki said.
"Word on the street is you guys have been spotted on some romantic dinner dates and even kissing."
The crowd oohed and aahed. Jane didn't even look at them. "We do have dinner sometimes."
"One needs to eat," Loki said.
"Well, we had one of our correspondents attend an advanced screening of the movie. He loved it. His favorite of the year by far, and he said there's a scene in a park where you can see a rather familiar pair on a picnic date. Any chance we can expect some cameo appearances?"
Jane squeezed Loki's hand. Their eyes were on Christine and the audience, but their minds were in another place. A happy place. Perhaps the place they'd go when the day was done. After they got something to eat, of course.
"Well. Christine, I can tell you this," Jane said, "this is one story with a very happy ending."
THE END
A/N: Thank you all for reading and enjoying this story! Look out for new chapters of Lokiday and Clock of My Heart coming soon and I hope you all have a wonderful day!