Chapter 13 - Safe

Cloaked in warmth and free of pain, Maria felt at peace when she awoke. Early morning sunlight streamed through the window, bathing the end of the bed in a brilliant gold. Machines on her right made repetitive, abrupt blips. These were contrasted by the more captivating sounds of a baby's tenacious cries and a rich baritone singing a low, sweet lullaby to her left.

Oh my God, that's Loki, she realized, forcing herself to still and really listen.

His voice was strong, steady and pleasing to the ear as it carried the tune flawlessly despite the baby's upset. He sang of a sun streaming through storm clouds to find a special someone to give its light. It was a touching message that stunned her coming from someone as self-absorbed as Loki. Surely a parent or dear caretaker had sung this to him as a child, which gave Maria a boost of hopefulness.

Loki silenced the moment Maria turned her head in his direction. He sat in the bedside recliner, dressed in a pair of light green hospital scrubs. In his arms, he cradled the bundled infant.

"Uh-oh," he told the baby. "We've done it now. Woke your mother up."

Surprised the little one wasn't in the I.C.U. hooked up to a bunch of tubes and wires, Maria asked, "How's he doing?"

"He's cranky."

Though visibly tired and self-conscious, the trickster still offered her a content smile.

Maria used the bed controls to help her sit up. Loki rose from his chair, handing over the babe who continued to wail while his mother cuddled him and took in every detail of his reddened face and tiny, fisted hands.

"The bullet grazed his head. Gave him a bit of a shock." Loki noted her concern. "I healed him, of course."

Maria offered Loki a thankful smile before turning her attention back to the wiggly noisemaker. She pressed a kiss onto his cheek, which only encouraged him to scream louder.

"He's perfect."

"The doctor said he was strong enough that being early didn't matter that much. As you can tell, he has an excellent set of lungs."

Loki indicated the beanie on the baby's head decorated in stars and little brown cows jumping over crescent moons.

"He's even got some hair under there."

She couldn't resist taking a peek.

"Has anyone else seen him?"

"Natasha has. She ran right out and bought him a pile of clothes and things. She's been referring to herself as Auntie Nat."

Maria chuckled. She gently bopped the baby's itty-bitty nose with her fingertip, an action that startled him enough to cause a momentary pause in the crying.

"You're going to be so spoiled, little one."

Loki sat heavily on the edge of the bed. His frame slouched and features softened with fatigue as he shared, "Thor sneaked in before he had to leave for Asgard. He hoped that we'd chosen a name so he could inform Father."

"I have a possible idea for that," she said. "The man who owns the cabin is named Dirk McLachlan. I thought that since the cabin is where— you know."

"Where we conceived him," Loki said, visibly amused by her hesitation to state the obvious.

She nodded. "Maybe we could name him Dirk."

"Hmmm… Dirk..." Loki pondered aloud while leaning in to scrutinize the child's features. "I don't know. It's rather short. Also rhymes with jerk."

That cinched it. She'd never be able to forget that association.

"Never mind. I'm sure we'll think of something before too long."

"McLachlan," Loki voiced, his tongue clicking with a measured, almost musical beat. "What if we shorten it? Lachlan has a nice sound to it. Lachlan Lokison."

Maria liked the name, especially the way Loki said it.

"Alright. Lachlan Lokison-Hill it is then."

The doctor arrived to do a quick examination, which really wasn't necessary since Loki had used his magic to completely heal both mother and baby. Maria didn't even have scars from the gunshot or c-section.

The baby needed to eat though. So, the nurse came in next to help coach Maria through her first attempt at breastfeeding.

Loki took the opportunity to stretch out in the recliner and dozed off.

"He's been diligent," the nurse confided. "He didn't sleep or leave the baby's side the whole time you were out."

Maria studied the sleeping man, aware that she owed him a thank you for sticking around not only when she'd been shot, but back at headquarters when she'd outright told him to go.

The room grew much quieter once Lachlan stopped fussing and latched on. As he suckled, his face lost the angry red color, and Maria had to admit her boy was the cutest baby she'd ever seen. His irises were a pale blue, and since both her and Loki had blue shades of coloring, it was doubtful the baby's eyes would change all that much.

The poor thing, dwarfed a bit by his pajamas, had very little body fat. Though, Lachlan's grip on her pinky was strong enough to be concerning. Maria realized they would have to teach him to be gentle as he grew and encourage patience to reduce the chances of him seriously hurting someone.

Lachlan didn't feed long, giving up after twenty minutes or so to drift asleep. The nurse offered to take him if Maria wanted to rest.

"I'm alright," she insisted while tucking her bare breast into concealment. "I want to keep him as long as possible."

Nodding, the nurse informed her next, "His crib should be here soon. They've been assembling it on the far side of the wing to keep the noise down."

Not long after the nurse stepped away, Natasha slipped in, smiling giddily as she approached the bed with a handful of candy bars. She put her offerings on the side table and stole a glance at both sleeping princes before leaning in to put an arm around Maria.

"We're calling him Lachlan," the new mother had to share.

"That's freaking adorable," Natasha whispered as if mesmerized at the sight of him. "Can I tell the guys? They're pissy that I'm not letting them in to see you."

How fitting that her supportive best friend denied entry to those who'd been so critical of the situation.

"You can tell them. And thanks for all the stuff," she said, gesturing to the beanie with the hand of which the baby still had partial possession, then tacked on, "Auntie Nat," to show that she approved of the title.

Nick arrived when the crib did. Three crewmen carried the heavy piece in, managing to cause enough ruckus to wake both sleepers. Surprisingly, Lachlan didn't start to cry. Perhaps it was for his benefit alone that his father had remained serene at the disturbance.

Natasha took her leave when the workers did, declaring that someone had to keep an eye on the boys. Her departure and a glimpse at the director prompted Loki to attempt to leave as well, but Nick stopped him as he rose from the recliner.

"I'm not here to alarm anyone," Nick began, lifting his hands in a pacifying gesture. "I've been in contact with the World Council. They weren't too pleased with our deal."

Loki stepped to the bedside, clutching the rail. His head lowered and lips pressed tight as he watched Lachlan. He looked so vulnerable dressed only in the thin scrubs.

Maria waited to hear the rest. She doubted Nick would go back on his promise.

Nick said to Loki, "I implied to the council that you would share your knowledge of the passages with S.H.I.E.L.D. That, and a few other negotiable compromises, calmed them down."

"Loki can stay," Maria stated for confirmation.

"Yeah. He can stay."

Loki relaxed, his eyes closing for a moment as he took in a breath.

Nick continued, "I know there's been some bad blood, and we all understand if you two would prefer your privacy…" He trailed off, giving them the chance to interject. When they didn't, he added, "The gang would just like a peek at him."

Maria met Loki's uneasy gaze. "I won't agree if you're uncomfortable. They can wait."

"It's fine," he asserted, though a hint of emotion pinked his cheeks. "Who am I to stand in the way of his debut?"

Loki took the baby for a short time while Maria made a bathroom run to freshen up. She at least wanted to change out of the hospital gown, wash her face and have her hair and teeth brushed before receiving visitors.

Nick and Natasha gathered the crowd in the hallway outside the room, but only allowed a couple people in at a time. Mantis and Drax entered first, perhaps to help set the mood as they had no ill-will for Maria or Loki and because their crew was preparing to get underway. Mantis cooed over Lachlan while Drax suggested that they make it a tradition to tell the child the story of his conception as part of the yearly observance of his birth.

"What a wonderful idea," Loki stated with feigned enthusiasm, turning away to help conceal the smile and chuckle he was trying to suppress.

Peter Quill and Gamora were the next people through the door. "Hey there, sport," Peter greeted the babe with wide, eager eyes. To the parents, he said, "We heard he had a rough start, and since soldiers wounded in combat are awarded a purple heart— "

"We got him this," Gamora said, pulling a fuzzy brown clump from behind her back.

It was a small teddy bear with a plush purple heart between its front paws. Maria had to admit that was insightful and especially kind of them. She accepted the gift with a thank you, tucking the bear into the baby's blanket.

Groot ducked in next with Rocket perched on his broad shoulder. The tree-being had to stoop as he was taller than the room's ceiling. Loki resolved the issue by offering Groot the chair. Once seated, Groot extended his hand toward the baby, one thin vine snaking out across the covers to brush Lachlan's cheek and settle between his fingers.

During this precious moment, Rocket leaped onto the bed, crossing his arms and leaning back against the rail. He examined Lachlan while tapping at his chin with one clawed, furry digit.

"He don't look quite done," the raccoon decided. "Maybe you should, ya know, put him back in to cook for a bit."

Groot made a displeased grunt at his companion. Loki glowered, and Maria was too aghast to say anything. Then the scene worsened when with a SNAP Lachlan broke the end off Groot's vine.

"Oh Groot! I'm sorry," Maria said, snatching the tip from the baby and offered it back to the owner. "He's stronger than he looks."

The tree shrugged, letting her drop the piece into his hand. His smile returned.

"I am groot," he said, his tone very understanding.

Next came the Avengers. Tony and Bruce hesitated in the doorway, waiting for Maria's invitation before shuffling forward. Tony came within a few feet of them then stopped in his tracks. He placed a vase of yellow and pink roses on the side table as he leaned forward enough to catch a glimpse.

"Uh, yep. That's a baby," he said.

The way his features contorted, Maria thought Stark might be afraid of the bundle of cuteness. His words got faster as he changed direction, inching for the door.

"Well congrats; he's a good-looking kid— and small. Really very very small."

By then, Tony had reached the door and fled.

Bruce avoided eye contact with Loki, but smiled at Maria. He didn't seem to know what to do with his hands. He started to cross his arms then caught himself and forced them to his sides, the hands curling into his pockets.

"Congratulations," he said to Maria, though his stiff frame did turn slightly toward Loki. His gaze drifted between Maria and the baby. "I'm glad you both are alright."

Under his nervousness, Maria thought she could sense a genuine longing as he observed the baby. She smiled, hoping it would reassure him.

"Want to hold him?"

"Oh, no no." Bruce took a step back, keeping his hands in his pockets. "I wouldn't trust myself," he admitted. "And no one else got to. That wouldn't be fair."

He stayed only a moment longer before also bowing out of the room.

"Guess we shouldn't put those two on the babysitting list," Maria joked.

Loki didn't agree. "I say we keep them for the entertainment value alone."

They shared a chuckle, but the amusement faded as Clint popped his head in. He had Steve with him.

"Tired of us all yet?" the archer asked, his expression tense despite the attempt at humor.

"We're managing," Maria said. "Get in here before he decides to stop being pleasant."

"Loki or the baby?"

Maria glared at Hawkeye, yet missed Loki's reaction as he'd turned to move around by the crib.

Clint came right up to the bed while Steve chose to lean on the cabinets just inside the doorway. He kept his head down and arms crossed, making it difficult to ascertain if he was tired, in a bad mood or both.

"Hey kiddo," Clint said, smiling at Lachlan. "I'm Uncle Clint, the cool uncle. Don't let anyone tell you different."

Maria sighed, a small giggle spilling out with her exasperation.

"Your mom and me have been friends a long time," Clint continued, winking at Maria, "and though we don't always see eye-to-eye on things, she's a pretty great lady. So, treat her good, okay?"

It was an apology, Maria realized, in standard Hawkward-fashion. Tears threatened in her eyes as her heart swelled.

Clint noted the change, his lips screwing up with indecision before he addressed Loki.

"So, you're going to be sticking around."

Loki took a breath, which made Maria worry what was about to come out of his mouth.

After a brief pause, he responded in a neutral tone, "That is the plan."

Clint nodded. His gaze dropped back to Maria and Lachlan as he silenced. Surely there was more he wanted to say, but he chose not to share.

"Clint, can we have the room?" Steve finally asked.

"Yeah, I gotta go buy a baby gift anyway."

Maria asked, "Is someone planning a shower?"

"Ah, crap." Clint frowned, his head dropping in shame. "That was supposed to be a surprise. Nat's going to kill me."

"Well, we can't have that," Maria insisted. "We promise to act surprised."

Clint gave Maria's hand a light, appreciative squeeze.

"Hey, you think they make crossbows or Kevlar in infant size?" he joked before heading out.

Steve shut the door. Only then did he actually look at them.

Perhaps seeing something in Cap's stern expression that coaxed him to get a word in first, Loki asked, "Are you here to escort me from the premises?"

"No." Steve moved a few steps closer. "You can stay. That was the deal."

"But?" the God of Mischief asked, prompting the super soldier to get to the point.

Steve continued to the bedside, casting an inquisitive look at the baby that eased some of the tension in his jaw and forehead.

"It's really up to you how this all plays out, Loki," he said. "In time, if you make yourself useful and don't cause anyone any headaches, we'll get on fine."

Maria ping-ponged her attention between the two men, realizing the significant differences between the trickster and boy scout. One was a pampered prince fallen from favor. The other an underdog turned international hero. She wondered if these two could ever get on the same page.

"Why the forgiving attitude?" Loki inquired, his tone unsure with Steve on edge.

"I'm not happy," Cap admitted, "but you stepped in a few times when Maria really needed help. Plus, you stood with us yesterday when it would have been smarter and safer to run. That earns you some consideration."

Lachlan chose that moment to start fussing, drawing everyone's attention back to him. Maria thought he might want more milk and perhaps a diaper change.

A large fiery ring appeared between the foot of the bed and the door. A dark-haired fellow with a trim goatee dressed in a red high-necked cloak and blue monkish garments stepped out of it.

In a flash, Loki replaced his scrubs with the standard armor and curved helmet. He held a long dagger in his hand, which he pointed at the intruder.

"Come no closer."

Steve faced the possible danger, his hands not quite clenched into full fists.

"Who are you?" he demanded to know.

"Dr. Stephen Strange," the man answered, his features confident. "I am the keeper of the time stone."

He indicated the large, golden eye hanging on a chain around his neck.

"Also, as Sorcerer Supreme, it is my duty to protect Earth from threats— though mostly of the mystical variety. Yesterday my sanctum was attacked. As was S.H.I.E.L.D., so I hear."

Steve gave a single, curt nod.

"It is my understanding that a being named Thanos was behind both attacks."

"We dragged his ass into a black hole," Loki stated, acting smug.

"Nice work, but you only bought us some time. Thanos will return."

He paused, allowing the information to sink in.

"He wanted my time stone. Is the mind stone in the Avenger's possession?"

"In a safe house," Steve said with a somewhat annoyed determination. "We're not giving it up without a fight."

"Good."

Dr. Strange turned his cool gaze on Loki next.

"Where is your brother?"

"I don't rightly know." Loki lowered the dagger, though his features continued to reflect his distrust. "I am not Thor's keeper."

The caped man stepped closer to return the stare.

"Asgard protects the space stone, does it not?"

The trickster only glared in response, which Strange took as a confirmation.

"Call Thor, Odin, whomever it takes to get that stone here."

"They won't agree to that," Loki insisted. "The stones are too dangerous to have them together."

"If we don't pool their power against Thanos," Strange insisted, "he'll take them one by one and bring the universe to its knees. He's obtained a gauntlet with which he can wield all the stones."

Maria and her protectors froze at this news. Even the baby quieted, the dense silence reflecting their collective shock.

"This was just a botched attempt to get our stones first," Strange told them. "I've looked into possible futures. Next time, Thanos will be ready for us, unless we act. We need to figure out where the other infinity stones are hidden and use the space stone to get to them first."

"That won't be an easy task," Loki insisted, "and Asgard will oppose anyone who tries."

"You're not listening," he chided, only briefly losing a hint of his self control. "I too believe that no single being should possess all the stones. I'm proposing a partnership of sorts. A group of stone keepers that exist apart, yet come together when necessary to fight threats such as Thanos."

"That's a proposition that should be discussed," Steve said, his look still a bit uncertain. "But, why are you here? Right now?"

"It was an opportune moment," Strange admitted, "to kill multiple birds with one stone."

With use of the word kill, Loki raised his dagger again.

"Careful," he warned.

Still Dr. Strange did not appear concerned.

"I protect our planet from menaces," he reminded Steve. "The God of Mischief definitely qualifies as such."

"I know," the captain said, "but he's with us now."

"He's an Avenger?"

"No."

Steve's eyes flitted between Loki, Maria and Lachlan before returning to the sorcerer.

"He's an ally, and we've promised him our protection."

Though she'd stayed quiet through these interactions, Maria's emotional state had taken quite a beating. Steve's posture, expression and the strength in his words reassured her that he was not going to let this unusually-named magician harm Loki.

"You stand by that?" Strange asked, seeming intrigued if not surprised.

"Yes."

Then those calculating eyes fell on Lachlan, causing Maria to tuck him closer to her. Dr. Strange's demeanor eased at this reaction. A sort of wonder flooded into his eyes.

"The child's father?" he asked.

"He's my son," Loki stated, a warning implied with his tone.

Steve asked, "Are you considering Lachlan a threat?"

"I believe I saw him while looking into possible futures."

"Was he evil?" Maria asked, her chest and stomach tightening at the terrible thought.

"His destiny is not fixed. I saw many outcomes for him."

Maria wasn't sure what to make of that declaration.

"Don't hurt him," she begged. "He's just a baby."

"That's true for now, but I promise you, I will be watching this family very closely." His point made, Strange nodded to Steve. "We'll talk soon, Captain Rogers."

Then he conjured another gateway and departed.

Loki relaxed when the portal closed. He took in a deep breath before shifting from his armor to the scrubs and tucking the dagger into some inter-dimensional pocket or something.

"It's alright." Steve gave Maria a quick, half-hug. "There's a whole lot of people who aren't going to let anything bad happen to the baby."

Maria thanked Steve while Loki only brooded.

"Sam and Rhodey volunteered for clean-up duty," he reported. "They'll see you tomorrow. Wanda and Vision will be back from the safe house in a couple days. They all asked that I pass along their congratulations."

When the three of them were alone again, Loki sauntered to the other side of the bed, selecting one of the candy bars Natasha had left them to nibble on. He appeared so contemplative as he retook the recliner that Maria assumed she should leave him alone to figure stuff out.