A/N: Don't own anything from the Avengers world….shame I know….Please REVEIW...
Loki's Second Chance Chapter 2
Previously: Loki begins rocking Olivia while Thor places his heavy hand on his shoulder giving a gentle squeeze. "Your mother is a brave heroine indeed little one" Loki tells Olivia. Olivia nods her head in agreement then tilts it as she is trying to figure out a puzzle; Olivia doesn't like puzzles, "what does that mean Mr. Loki" Thor leans over Loki's shoulder to look down at Olivia with a gentle smile, "it means little one that your Mother fights hard for others and herself, this is good" Thor tells Olivia quietly as the answer rolls around in Olivia's head till she understands and gives both Loki and Thor a grand smile that only an innocent child can give. Olivia leans over the table towards Natasha getting her attention, "Auntie Nat Auntie Nat, Momma brave" Olivia cries out across the table before shoving two fingers in her mouth and leaning back into Loki's chest causing a round of 'awwws' around the table. The orchestra began to play as the crowd began to socialize with each other once again, a few brave souls were out on the dance floor and Beth slowly makes her way to the Avenger's table, unaware how much her and her daughters lives are about to be turned upside down.
When Beth finally reaches the Avengers table she is congratulated by Tony with a handshake and kiss on each cheek along with hugs from Pepper and Natasha.
"See I told you, you would do fine up there" Natasha whispers to Beth causing her cheeks to lightly flush and lets out a huff of exasperation and exhaustion.
Tony moves to take Beth's arm, placing it in the crook of his own with a slight bow to Pepper, "Now let me introduce you to the rest of the gang"
Bruce and Steve can't help but smirk while Clint rolls his eyes at Tony's dramatics.
"So you know our Ms. Romanoff here, this is the lovely Pepper Potts, Thor, Clint Barton, Steve Rogers, Bruce Banner and last and certainly least Loki" Tony gives a cheeky grin to Loki who just arches his perfect eye brow at him while still holding Olivia on his lap before leaning down to whisper something into Olivia's ear causing her to giggle.
As Beth is introduced to everyone, shaking hands briefly and smiling, her eyes would continue to look over to Olivia till Tony finally introduces Loki, even though Beth was well aware of who he is and what he is capable of.
"Hi momma" Olivia waves at her from Loki's lap as Beth notices Loki's arms are loosely wrapped around Olivia to keep her from sliding off his lap in her child like enthusiasm.
Beth smiles at her little girl as she moves over to Loki and kneels down to Olivia's level, "Were you a good girl for Mr. Loki?"
The Team watches on as Olivia looks up over her shoulder at Loki giving him a bright smile then back to her mother, "Yep" snapping her 'p' before slipping two fingers into her mouth which Beth quickly removes shaking her head no.
Beth smiles warmly at her daughter and drops a kiss on her forehead before looking up at Loki with a questioning lift of her eye brow.
"She was a perfect angel, you should very proud Lady Elizabeth" Loki informs Beth, he isn't called Silver Tongue for nothing.
Beth stands back up to her full height straightening her dress before turning to address the table to find herself bumping into Steve's wide chest, "My apologizes ma'am" causing them to both blush, Clint and Tony to snicker while the rest of the table looked on in amusement, except of course Loki.
Loki leans down and whispers to Olivia causing her to giggle again and nods her head as she hops off his lap and grabs Steve's pants leg giving it a tug to get his attention. Steve and Beth both look down at the little girl wondering what she's up to when Steve kneels down to her level with a soft smile, "What can I do for you little lady" causing Olivia to giggle and Beth to roll her eyes, apparently her little mischief maker is full of giggles tonight.
"Tell me a story" Olivia asks as she wraps her arms around Steve's neck so he would have no choice but to pick her up as he stands back up, his gentle hands and strong arms hold her protectively close to his chest.
"Um, I really don't know any stories to tell such a pretty little girl, but I bet Thor knows some, what do you think Thor" Steve asks for some assistance.
"Of course my good Captain" Thor says coming up behind Olivia and scooping her out of Steve's arms with a boisterous laugh and tickling fingers causing Olivia to release a high pitched giggle, "Yea!"
"PG please" Beth tells Thor causing him to pause and look at her in confusion.
"No gruesome stories of war brother" Loki explains.
"Ah...of course" Thor replies with understanding as he sits himself down along with the rest of the table again, Thor begins one of his more adventurous stories from his childhood on Asgard which also includes his brother Loki, it did not go unnoticed by the Team that Loki had joined Beth and were the only two who remained standing.
"My lady perhaps you would care for a dance, my brother will be awhile telling his tale I'm afraid" Loki tries to convince Beth as the Orchestra announces they will be taking a quick fifteen minute break and to enjoy the recorded music till their return.
Beth looks over at Olivia who seems content to hang on Thor's every word, her eyes wide with excitement and shifts over to Natasha who gives her a quick nod before going back to listening to Thor.
"Um, I guess it wouldn't hurt anything, Olivia seems quite taking with your brother" Beth comments as Loki offers his arm to escort her to the dance floor.
"Mmm, my brother does have a way with little ones" Loki comments off handedly as they take their dancing positions. Beth places her left hand lightly on Loki's shoulder, while Loki lightly places his right hand at the curve of Beth's back and then lightly grips Beth's other hand as the music begins to play. Loki gracefully moves Beth into a pattern of intricate dance steps, mixing in some traditional Asgardian steps and is completely taken by surprise that this woman is able to keep up with him with hardly any difficulty.
**Hello darkness, my old friend
I've come to talk with you again
Because a vision softly creeping
Left its seeds while I was sleeping
And the vision that was planted in my brain
Still remains
Within the sound of silence
In restless dreams I walked alone
Narrow streets of cobblestone
'Neath the halo of a street lamp
I turned my collar to the cold and damp
When my eyes were stabbed by the flash of a neon light
That split the night
And touched the sound of silence**
As the song plays on and the notes and words build, Beth finds herself being held closer to Loki as she becomes lost in the harmonies and begins singing quietly along with the lyrics.
**And in the naked light, I saw
Ten thousand people, maybe more
People talking without speaking
People hearing without listening
People writing songs that voices never share
And no one dared
Disturb the sound of silence
"Fools" said I, "You do not know
Silence like a cancer grows
Hear my words that I might teach you
Take my arms that I might reach you"
But my words, like silent raindrops fell
And echoed
In the wells of silence**
As they continue to dance Loki looks down at Beth's necklace, the lick of his fading magic reaching out to him, recognizes it creator and Loki smirks.
"The words are quite powerful for a Midgardian, would you not agree?" Loki comments to Beth.
"Yes, well we lowly creatures do have our moments" Beth states trying hard not to be insulted as she makes to leave Loki's arms but instead tightens his grip.
"The song is not finished my dear" Loki says giving his most mischievous grin, twirling Beth gracefully around the dance floor.
**And the people bowed and prayed
To the neon god they made
And the sign flashed out its warning
In the words that it was forming
And the sign said, "The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls
And tenement halls"
And whispered in the sound of silence**
When the song finally ends Loki and Beth pull apart, but remain standing close, there was something unspoken between them, something familiar, frightening yet comforting as Loki once again notices Beth reach up to run her finger tips across her necklace.
"Who is the father of the child" Loki asks bluntly out of the blue. Beth's eyes grew big from the sudden question then became cold with anger.
"I don't see that is any of your concern Mr. Loki" Beth responds angrily as they remain standing in the middle of the dance floor trying not to draw attention to themselves.
"And the necklace my dear, perhaps you can tell me where you found such a rare piece considering your hellish history" Loki asks wanting to know if she stole it or was given as a gift from one of her abusers that she would clearly cherish it so much.
Beth reared up and slapped Loki across the cheek and hisses at him, "It was given to me by my Mother before she died you arrogant prick, it is special to me and has seen me through unspeakable horrors" Beth wipes away a stray tear before storming off the dance floor leaving Loki standing amongst the crowd of on lookers.
"Just a misunderstanding, go back your idol gossip" Loki states to the now very interested crowd.
Beth quickly makes her way towards the Avengers table to hear Thor finish telling his story.
"Olivia, tell Mr. Thor thank you for the story and say goodbye to everyone, its way past your bedtime so we are going to head on home" Beth states more firmly then she meant to as she reaches out for one of the chairs to steady herself and begins to take deep breaths to try and control her anger and panic.
"But momma" Olivia whines obvious to everyone the little girl is getting tired.
"Beth you don't look to well I think you need to sit for a moment" Natasha states as she stands from her chair and motions Steve to stand and assist Beth to Natasha's now empty seat.
"No buts young lady" Beth pants out causing Olivia to sigh dramatically as Beth really tries not to roll her eyes at her daughter's behavior. As Olivia makes her rounds to all the Team members, Loki had made it back to the table just in time to receive a hug and kiss on the cheek from Olivia.
"I have to go now Mr. Loki" Olivia tells him sadly.
"Oh?" Loki says as he looks over to Beth who is about two breathes away from having a full blown panic attack, "I apologize Lady Elizabeth if I offended thee, it was not my intention"
Beth feeling uncomfortable with everyone watching and listening, just waves Loki's apology off and continues to take deep breathes.
"Perhaps you and your little one would like to come for a visit" Loki asks, feeling like he is pulling at strings to keep these two ladies close till he can uncover more information.
Beth looks over to Natasha with a smirk as her breathing is slowly evening out, "Perhaps…. Natasha we on for Tuesday still?" Beth asks knowing this will distract the Team as she reaches for Olivia and stands placing her on her hip and only swaying a little before catching herself before grabbing for her bag, ready to dart out if need be.
"Sure" Natasha states matter of factly seeing clearly what Beth just did and that she is not steady on her feet.
"Good, call me if something changes or you get called away for something important. Good night everyone and thank you for coming this evening and your support of our cause it means a lot to every single child we save, it was very nice to meet most of you" Beth says as she smirks at Loki before heading to the exit to hail a cab and head home, her sleepy daughter held tightly in her arms.
Everyone turns to Loki, "What did you do brother?" Thor asks rather harshly.
Loki shrugs his shoulders, "Just asked a few question, but she is quick to strike back" Loki comments rubbing his cheek still feeling a sting that he shouldn't from a slap of a mere mortal woman, Loki smirks.
"Brother?" Thor huffs.
The Team watches the back and forth banter between the two bothers till Tony can't take it any longer.
"What the hell reindeer games, we can't take you anywhere" Tony huffs out.
"Calm yourself Man of Iron, there is more here than what you think you see, I suggest we continue this discussion back at your Tower, agreed" Thor offers to keep the peace.
"Fine" Tony sighs and stands offering Pepper his hand as the rest also stand to leave and head back to the Tower.
"Come brother, it will not be a bad as you think" Thor tries to assure Loki.
"Do tell brother, do tell…have you Mother's gift of foresight now?" Loki snipes back causing everyone within ear shot to raise an eye brow at the comment and wonder what is going on and how does it involve the two ladies.
Once back at the Tower and everyone including Pepper had a chance to change into something more comfortable, did they all finally gather around the kitchen table with their hands wrapped around their drink of choice; coffee, tea or something stronger.
"Okay Reindeer Games start talking and make it good" Tony calls out to get this little party started as he takes a sip of the amber drink in his glass, he was tired and really wants to curl up with Pepper this evening.
"Of course, I'll try and put it into small enough words so even you can understand Stark" Loki states, "I am unsure without further facts but it is quite possible that Lady Elizabeth is my off spring, air go little Olivia my grandchild"
The amount of liquid that was either choked on or spit out was quite comical to both Loki and Thor.
"What?" Tony coughs as Pepper rubs his back.
"You…you…." Steve stutters out blushing hard at the thought of what Loki is implying.
"Huh" Was Bruce's only response as he takes a sip of his green tea.
"Umm….eww" Clint says as he scrunches his face up in discuss.
Natasha remained blank faced as always as Pepper just grins at Loki giving him a quick wink before turning back to Tony.
"So let me get this straight, Thor's appearance was not the first time you all have been to earth" Bruce asks.
"Apparently not" Clint answers before Loki or Thor can.
"So how many other demigods have you left running around on this plant?" Tony demands.
"I've had about enough of your vulgar tongue Stark, do not speak ill of by barns" (Norse for child/children) Loki states defensively.
Tony went to stand as did Loki when Pepper places her hand on Tony's shoulder to push him back down as Thor did the same to Loki.
"Enough. Both of you! " Natasha calls out wanting answers, not this egotistical bickering.
"Loki, what makes you think Beth is your child?" Natasha asks.
"The necklace" Loki answers softly, "it…it was given as a gift…of protection if you will till I could return…and still bears a small amount of my magic in the Asgardian runes that decorate the piece"
"I agree with my brother, the necklace is of Loki's crest and Asgardian runes are present" Thor adds.
"But that doesn't make Beth your daughter, with the back ground she's had it could have been as a gift or something she found at a resale shop…I'm sorry Loki that alone is not enough proof" Bruce states not wanting to upset the God as they all watched Loki deflate, hope slipping through his fingers.
"Do not fret brother, there must be another way to confirm your suspensions without upsetting Lady Elizabeth and the little one till we know for certain" Thor tries to comfort his brother.
Loki stares down at the table, "Perhaps it is better leaving them in the dark brother, you know the All Father will take them from me….he always does"
"Brother" Thor whispers as he watches Loki rise from the table and walk into the common room to stand in front of the ceiling to floor window.
"Thor?" Bruce asks.
"That's why he was so good with Olivia, he has had children before." Natasha states.
"Aye"
"Jarvis make a note to have everyone brush up on their Norse mythology" Tony calls out as everyone sits quietly, contemplating on having their children torn from them and not turn bitter towards your family or the universe in general.
"Well, the simplest way would be a DNA test if you thing Beth would go for it, what do you think Nat you know her best?" Pepper asks.
Natasha purses her lips, "If there is a possibility of family... but it will have to be done delicately, she is still overcoming her own personal hell and her distrust of men in general"
"Understandable" Steve whispers as everyone nods their head in agreement.
"Lady Elizabeth mentioned seeing you in two days' time, yes?" Thor asks causing Natasha to smirk.
"Dinner and a movie, then self-defiance practice once Olivia is put to bed"
"Of course" Clint states rolling his eyes at his best friend as Bruce and Steve just stare at Natasha.
"What? She asked" Natasha says defending herself.
"And how is it you know our little demi-god Agent Romanoff?" Tony asked sarcastically with a shit eating grin on his face.
"That's classified Stark" Natasha replies easily with a smirk on her own lips knowing that secrets drives Tony crazy.
"Perhaps we can have her come here instead, show her the state of the art gym for your training session, there will be plenty of us around to watch Olivia and then maybe Loki can explain everything to her slowly. Bruce could even run the DNA test here in the Med Lab without having to go to the hospital so it stays private" Pepper suggests to the group causing Thor to grin with hope for his brother.
"Don't get to excited Point Break since your lovely brother did not leave the best of impressions, are we sure she will even come?" Tony reminds everyone.
"I will be on my best behavior" Loki calls out still standing in the common room causing everyone to startle, forgetting he was still with in ear shot.
Thor chuckles. "Of course brother"
"Then we have a plan" Steve states.
Tony drains his glass and tosses it down onto the table, "Good. I call this meeting adjourned, Nat give little bit a call about coming over to see the place and Rock of Ages, you better get your hands on some activities for the munchkin to keep her occupied as the Tower is a no kid zone"
"I will provide adequate provisions Man of Iron" Loki states as he slowly meanders back over to the table.
"Aye, I will assist you brother in your endeavors if you would permit" Thor tells Loki, slapping him on the shoulder hard enough to pitch him forward a bit.
Loki huffs rolling his eyes at his brothers' excitement, "If you insist"
The two days of waiting were painfully slow for Loki, but he knew that Agent Romanoff was able to convince Elizabeth and Olivia to come to the Tower for their dinner and movie time with Natasha and apparently little Olivia is very excited to see everyone again and see inside the big Tower, which made Tony chuckle when heard about it.
The day arrived and Loki was prepared, if these two ladies are indeed his off spring then will protect them with all he has. Natasha was bringing them up to the common room floor early for them to have lunch and here Loki waited patiently and for once glad to have his brother at his side.
"Calm brother, all will be revealed in due time" Thor states quietly as he places his hand on Loki's shoulder giving it a tight squeeze.
The elevator dings and the doors open to a bright eyed giggling child.
"Mr. Loki, Mr. Thor" Olivia hollers out as she dashes off the elevator and runs up to them hugging around one of each of their legs.
"My goodness child, you act like it has been eons since you've seen us" Loki says smiling down to the little girl as she looks up at them with a bright smile, untouched by darkness and both men swear on Odin to keep it that way.
Olivia turns to look over her shoulder to see Momma and Auntie Nat walking towards them, "Momma, look who I found" Olivia shouts around her giggles.
"Olivia, inside voice there is no need to shout the house down" Beth states as she greats Thor and Loki.
"Hello again"
"Lady Elizabeth" Thor greats her followed by Loki.
"Will you be joining us for lunch then?" Beth asks.
"If you will permit us" Loki asks.
Beth shrugs her shoulder; "It is your home, we are but mere mortals at your humble service" Beth states causing Loki to grin, her tongue is quite sharp indeed.
"Momma, you're talking funny" Olivia giggles.
"Ah, sorry sweet heart"
"So, lunch?" Beth asks.
"Of course, Lady Potts was kind enough to place an order so it should be here momentarily" Thor lets Beth know.
"Shall we sit?" Loki asks.
Beth smiles kindly, trying not to make this anymore awkward that it already is when the elevator dings and out piles the Team carrying bags of take out.
"We have arrived" Tony calls out causing Olivia to giggle.
Beth exhales and thinks to herself, 'Good lord what have I gotten myself into now'
A/N: Keep going? How will Beth take the news? Should Loki tell her at lunch or have a face off in the gym? Don't forget to REVIEW…
2nd A/N: The song is 'The Sound of Silence' the Pentatonix acapella version.