Author's Note - This chapter is rated MA.
Chapter 17 - Community
Maria got home well after eleven o'clock that night. Neighborhood watch patrols rarely took longer than a couple hours, but this time there'd been a lot of folks stepping out of their houses to ask about the anomalous light show earlier in the evening. Some of them were newer to town with the wave of move-ins through the summer months. Others just wanted to chat, maybe hear a tasty tidbit of gossip about Thor or the Avengers, if Maria could be enticed to share.
Like many small towns, Lake Silver's inhabitants knew each other's business. Mayor Hayes tried to encourage the people to take a caring interest in their neighbors and help out anyway they could since theirs was a community of outcasts. Lake Silver was not only an Inhuman safe zone, but also the one town in the region that accepted powered individuals with criminal records.
The downstairs lights were on as Maria let herself in the house. She pulled off her coat and gloves, storing them along with her flashlight in the closet before continuing through to find Loki in the living room. He sat on the couch watching a nature documentary, yet glanced over when she flipped off the kitchen light.
"I wasn't sure where you'd gone," he said, sounding a little irked.
Maria sauntered over to sit at his side and use him to help warm up.
"I switched patrol nights with Regan this week." She made a casual wave toward the dry erase board mounted between the bathroom door and the stairs, pointing out, "It's on the schedule."
He nodded.
"I didn't say goodbye because I know how bad that sets Lachlan off. Figured you and Thor already had your hands full."
His gaze drifted back to the television. Still he acted cool, detached. Something had him upset enough to stay up past their usual bedtime. Maria thought it best to get him talking and see if he let on about the trouble.
"Thor in bed?"
"Yeah. He let Lachlan sleep with him since he wouldn't settle in his own room."
"Too excited, huh? Well, hopefully he'll get plenty worn out at the party."
Another nod then back to non-responsive. She'd have to get more aggressive with her tactics or just leave him alone. Kinda hard to know which was the better option.
"Did you want to talk?" she asked, being direct yet calm.
He stirred out of the daze to grasp her hand, a definite sign that he wanted her to stay.
"Got another call from the studio's legal department after you left."
Maria grumbled. Now she understood his mood. The media conglomerate that owned the rights to the Avenger franchise required signed contracts from everyone whose likeness would be depicted in their cartoons and merchandise. Most of the Avengers gave their earnings to charity. Loki had his split between their mortgage payments, Lachlan's college fund and anonymous donations to Lake Silver.
It felt like a good arrangement until they caught some of the early episodes and realized how negatively the shows portrayed Loki. The writers used him as a villain, of course, and thus put additional strain on both his and the town's public image with their outrageous storylines— none of which Loki had any influence over.
With the town struggling through growing pains, the couple didn't feel he could pull out of the deal. Yet, he wanted to make his point to the entertainment executives as long and loudly as he could.
"What happens next?"
"Well, Thor hasn't finished his contract either. So, they're sending someone tomorrow to complete all the paperwork."
"Of course it had to be on our son's birthday."
Not intending to add fuel to the fire, but being honest, Maria admitted, "I found out Bethany lets Bodie and Lachlan watch the episodes during playdates."
Loki turned off the tv, tossing aside the remote with a low growl.
"After we asked her not to."
"Yeah, I know. She didn't think it was a big deal."
Loyalty. Promises. These concepts were more important to Loki than many would realize. He had a great capacity to take care of those who treated him with respect. Equally strong, though, was his urge to strike back at those who wronged him. Tempering that drive took a lot of effort, especially when the blows came in rapid succession.
He eased back into the cushions, rubbing at his features between sighs. At this rate he'd be stewing all night, and that didn't make for a happy-go-lucky dada for the little one's special day.
Maria assured him, "I told Bethany no playdates at her house for a while."
"Many of the families around here are watching those shows. How do I maintain any credibility?" He lowered his hands, dropping one onto her thigh for an appreciative caress. "We can't keep the storm at bay for much longer."
"Doesn't mean we don't try, right? Come on. Bedtime. Big day tomorrow."
He frowned at her playfulness. "I'll make it there eventually. Go ahead."
Poo, she thought. Can't let him brood like this. Time to pull out the big guns.
She made as if to stand, but used the momentum to execute a quick turn before dropping into his lap in a straddle. Grabbing the hem of her shirt, Maria pulled it up and off in the moment it took Loki to comprehend what was happening. His eyes skimmed across the revealed flesh with a keenness that he couldn't mask.
"Should I be insulted that you think I'm so easily manipulated?"
Maria let the sting of that almost-jab flit away with little notice on her part.
"You could try being flattered."
"But you're rewarding my contentious behavior," he warned with a hint of a smirk. "You should make me earn your affections."
Maria pondered the irony of his words, the way he mixed and muddled parenting and relationship advice. Damn him for trying to confuse the situation just because he could. Clint and Laura Barton, one of their best resources for couple's therapy, had advised them against keeping a scorecard. It said a lot that Loki continued to fall back on a point-system ideology, like he never felt quite good enough on his own merits.
Of course, he could also be testing to see how she'd react. It was tempting to tell him to shut up and fuck her already, but that could easily backfire. Whether they liked it or not, some form of co-manipulation would always play a part in their relationship.
A shuffling sound drew their attention to the staircase where their son peeked out between the slats in the banister. This particular night he wore his favorite Hulk pajamas.
"You're supposed to be in bed, little one," Loki said with astute firmness.
Lachlan wrapped his arm around the post, dropping his gaze with a dejected, "Doo."
Maria started to shift, planning to go after the child, but Loki wouldn't allow her to move. In fact, his hands gripped more possessively at her thighs.
She inquired of their son, "Are you in pain, love?"
"No, Mama."
"Are you wet?" Always had to consider a potty accident.
He shook his head.
Loki pressed, "Are you sleeping in your room or with Thor?"
The kid fidgeted. His eyes shifted about, but he chose not to answer. Probably hoped to sleep with them again, but that was a rare occurrence and not to be encouraged.
A light thud and creak preceded Thor's arrival on the stairs. He wore only his undergarments and a bold frown, which was stunned off his features at the sight of Maria in her bra atop Loki.
"Sorry," the older brother said to them and held out a hand to his nephew. "Back to bed. We have to sleep for your birthday to come."
Thor descended a couple more stairs to hoist Lachlan into a carry.
"Besides," he added, winking in Maria and Loki's direction, "how will you ever get a baby brother or sister if you don't give your parents some alone time?"
"Baby?" the toddler asked.
"Yeah."
"Mine baby?"
"Well, sorta."
With that exchange, they disappeared upstairs, stranding the couple in the awkward moment.
Maria slumped against Loki, her forehead resting on his shoulder.
"God, does he even care about the trouble he stirs up with these random suggestions to Lachlan?"
She noted that Loki's breathing deepened in the following moments of quiet contemplation as if he needed the increased oxygen to figure through complex thoughts and emotions. When he didn't move or say anything, Maria straightened to take him in. Now he was the one avoiding eye contact.
"What?"
"The suggestion might not have been so random."
"Oh."
Maria didn't know what to say or feel. Since he was still dodging her looks, Loki was also uncertain on how to address the topic.
"Did you bring it up, or him?"
She hadn't intended to sound accusing, yet there was a firmness to the question that definitely hinted at agitation.
"I would like us to consider giving Lachlan a younger sibling."
Maria gaped, breaking into tentative chuckles because it was a far safer reaction than getting mad. They agreed to raise their one child together and had set appropriate plans in motion. Now he wanted to throw a wrench in the machine. Why?
Another baby would bring tons of change, so much more than adding a place setting at meals, installing a second car seat or having to buy bunk beds. It was a serious commitment on top of everything they already did to keep their unusual family running smoothly.
"You're serious? Nick promised me a command for next fall, which means more time away from home. You'll be pulled in a dozen directions, especially if Martin manages to convince you to run for mayor next term."
"We'd make it work, Maria."
No. He did not get to make that assertion. Perhaps the prince just assumed that Maria would find a way with her many charts and schedules. Screw that. She deserved to have more than equal say considering the circumstances.
"I don't think you understand. You got off easy with Lachlan. I was the one getting fat, suffering with pain and a cracked rib, remember?" She ticked off her grievances, "Swollen boobs, endless breastfeeding, shitty hormones— then it took a while to get my body back into shape."
He didn't say anything at that point, just stared.
She growled, but couldn't look away from those beautiful, steadfast eyes.
How could he be so certain of this? So comfortable with the additional responsibility of raising a second and possibly power-gifted child?
"Use your words," Loki said, somewhat making fun as she'd already said plenty. "Maybe start with an emotion, because you look rattled."
"I'm scared, I guess." It unsettled her to admit that.
"Why?"
"Lachlan was an accident."
"A happy accident."
"Yes, but this would be…"
"Different."
"Deliberate," she corrected.
He caressed her thighs, being mindful as he assured her, "We don't have to decide this today. I have doubts and concerns too. Without Thor's interference, I wouldn't have brought it up."
That confession worried her as much as the prospect of another kid. Loki should feel comfortable discussing any topic with her, no matter how delicate, personal or unexpected. Her obsessive organization and tendency to overthink situations put as much strain on them as his attention-seeking nature and destructive impulses.
He was correct. They did not have to make a quick decision about having a baby. Thank God. In true administrative fashion, they'd keep this matter in committee until key issues could be addressed— mainly why in the hell Loki wanted to return to sleepless nights and spit up on his best shirts. Fuck, Lachlan wasn't even fully potty trained yet.
"Maybe you could remind your brother to butt out."
"Believe me, I do it all the time."
They ascended to the bedroom, shedding clothes as they climbed onto the bed and made ineffective tosses toward the hamper between demanding gropes and kisses. They were long overdue for some sexual release.
"Want oral?" Maria offered.
"It won't take much," he admitted, already stiffening within her firm grasp.
Maria shifted down, denying him the opportunity to fondle her bits. She kissed the head of his member before taking the tip into her mouth, holding it in place with her lips while her tongue slithered over the warm flesh. A low moan rumbled in Loki's throat. Pleased with this reaction, Maria popped him into her mouth, greedily working the hardening shaft to its fullest.
Loki tensed with the motions, his knees bending and heels digging into the comforter as he began measured thrusts into her throat.
Glancing up his muscled body, Maria noticed his eyes were closed, neck and jaws taut, and features scrunching with the onslaught of sensation. Seeing him in that state, and knowing she'd caused it, was an incredible turn on for her. Maria picked up the pace, pushing him to endure and accept the intensifying pleasure. The feat was all the more difficult while trying to keep the noise down.
"I'm coming."
His words were partly lost in suppressed pants and a moan. It's a wonder Maria heard him before the strong flood of his release hit the back of her mouth. Already oozing down her throat, she swallowed then sucked up the semen leaking from the head. Her mind conjured a vivid scene of Loki telling the disheartened Lachlan that he couldn't have any siblings because Mama ate them, which made her break into a brief coughing fit.
"Are you alright?"
She laughed, which in turn caused him to chuckle too.
"What's so funny?"
"More morbid, actually."
"Tell me."
Loki reached out to collect her.
The moment didn't feel right for sharing that particular, stray thought. Maria kissed and scratched at his chest in the hopes of distracting him.
"You're not going to tell me, are you?"
"Some time. Later. When I'm not horny and waiting for you to return the favor."
"Hmm. I do like trading favors," he admitted and rolled them over so he could reposition to attend properly to her breasts— his favorite part of her body.
He sucked at the supple mounds. His tongue flitted and licked over the nipples, coaxing them to hard nubs before taking them into his hands to be kneaded back into submission.
Meanwhile, Maria grew wetter between her thighs, yearning for his touches there as well, and when she couldn't wait a moment longer, his hand skimmed down her front, to clamp over her sex. The strength of his fingers pressing in on her sensitive area shocked her nerves. She bucked, choking back a startled cry as Loki delivered a well-timed bite to her nipple.
Her mind reeled, unable to gain focus as every nip, suckle, brush of flesh and breath of air on her prickling skin consumed her senses. One hand tangled within her hair, tugging with gentle possessiveness. He pinned her with his torso weight. His knees met the mattress, spreading her legs wider, keeping her open and vulnerable to the other hand's skillful explorations. His digits teased and probed, finding every sweet spot and thoroughly exploiting it until Maria writhed in building ecstasy.
The trickster lured her to the edge of control then his fingers slipped away, a momentary abandonment that compounded the intrusive jolt of his penis entering her womb. Again she bucked, but did not topple off that cliff. Loki proved relentless, determined to send her plummeting. Maria chose when to surrender to his prowess, finally riding his tenacious assault into the frenzied embrace of orgasm.
BAM. BAM. BAM. The bursts rocked her frame, knocking loose whimpers of pure satisfaction. He gave a last thrust, spilling his seed before resting on her. Maria welcomed his body heat, relishing the closeness and feeling lucky for their chemistry in the sack.
Soon he moved off, escaping to the bathroom to clean up. Maria retreated onto her side, her inner muscles still clenching as she recovered.
In future debates, they would have to consider how fun it would be to try for that baby. Of course, post-coital bliss coupled with the lateness of the hour would skew their opinions. She wouldn't be doing herself a service by speaking up now.
By the time she'd used the bathroom herself and returned to the bedroom, Loki was tucked in among the covers. She curled up to his back, pressing kisses along his shoulder. His soft breathing hinted that he was no longer awake. So, she gave in to the weariness tugging at her eyelids and joined the rest of the household in sleep.
"Mama…? Mama, uh-oh."
Maria woke to warm puffs of breath hitting her cheek. She turned her head to find Lachlan had crawled up to settle between her and Loki. He'd pulled back the top of her covers, revealing that she lacked sleepwear.
"Uh-oh," he said again like Maria was in some degree of trouble.
Also nude, Loki stirred, rolling their direction. "Leave your mother alone. This is a clothing-optional bed."
Maria sniggered. The kid was not going to understand what that meant.
Lachlan did spy her amused reaction though.
"Mine park? Doo."
"Park is later," Loki reminded him. "Unless, of course—" he looked to Maria, "— we want to attempt a family run this morning."
"Yesh," Lachlan decided.
"Might be a good idea," Maria agreed.
She looked for her smartphone, realizing the device never made it from her jeans pocket to the nightstand.
"I wonder how cold it is out there."
Loki got up, pulling on a pair of boxer briefs before snagging the child.
"Thor," he called across to the guest room, "we're leaving for a run in ten minutes. Get moving!"
"Run? Whatever for?!" the Avenger hollered back.
Maria vacated the blankets, stepping around the bed to shut the door and gather their discarded clothes. She found her phone, noting how low the battery was, and plugged it in to charge while she dressed in her warmer jogging suit and running shoes.
She found Loki and Lachlan in the child's room, scrutinizing clothing options. He'd already decided to wear his Spider-Man sweatshirt. The big choice was between red, blue or black pants to go with it. Maria took over the role of fashion consultant, sending Loki to find attire for himself and the disgruntled Thor.
Close to twenty minutes later, they all assembled in the living room to don gloves and knitted hats. They slipped out the door just as a silver Lexus sedan pulled up in front of the house. Two suited men in their mid to late twenties climbed out.
"Good morning!" called the shorter man who'd been driving. "We're here to go over some contracts and get signatures from you gentlemen."
The other man grabbed some cases from the rear seat of the vehicle.
Loki's features darkened as the young men approached, extending their hands in greeting. He picked up Lachlan, turned and entered the house without comment.
Thor did shake, covering for his brother's dismissive reaction by engaging the men in a bit of chit-chat while Maria pursued her boys inside.
"That wasn't subtle or diplomatic," she said to Loki as a gentle rebuke.
"Do they know what time it is? In no realm is this acceptable."
He growled deep in his throat, working to stuff his and Lachlan's outerwear back into the closet.
Visitors or no, Maria decided to attempt the rest of the morning's routine.
"What do you want for breakfast?" she asked the birthday boy while managing to start coffee.
"Cookie," was his instant response.
"I don't think so, bud. We're having cookies and cupcakes at the party. How about pancakes?"
His face soured. "Noooo."
That surprised her. The kid devoured pancakes when placed in front of him.
Thor and the men wandered in. Maria directed them to the dining table where they could best set up their gear, which included laptops and a portable printer.
Loki avoided their path, herding the boy as he suggested, "How about waffles? We'll pretend Spider-Man shot them out of his web shooters."
Lachlan's eyes brightened. "Yesh, 'affles!"
He pulled his apron off the hook in the pantry, indicating that he wanted to help.
Maria set out the waffle maker and a mixing bowl then let Loki and Lachlan have the prep area. She chose to play hostess, delivering cups of coffee to the trio at the table.
Once the equipment was ready, and rights waived for separate meetings, the lawyers laid out the various details of both contracts.
Waffles and Lachlan joined the crowded table. There wasn't room for Loki or Maria, so they ate while standing— not that Loki was really eating. Like last year's contract, Thor would make twenty percent more money than his brother. Loki obviously felt some resentment, especially since he was the one being characterized in a bad light.
"I'm not signing that contract," Loki announced part way through the process of verifying the recipients of their charitable donations.
"Mr. Odinson," the taller man began, his tone somewhat condescending, "we're aware of your concerns over the content of the animated programming. You don't have a legal right to protest. You signed that agreement and accepted your payments."
"Yes, well, I'm not signing this one."
Thor pushed back from the table. He stood tall and imposing— even in just his t-shirt and sweatpants.
"I do not like your attitude toward my brother. He is Prince Loki of Asgard, Son of Odin, Champion of Earth and Deputy Mayor of Lake Silver. If he chooses not to sign, then I too am not signing. My allegiance is to him, not your greedy masters."
"Uh-ohhh," Lachlan chimed in, narrowing his eyes in a threatening manner at the strangers while syrup dripped from his chin.
The men paled, glancing from person to person before exchanging a telling look of panic.
"Um, uh— perhaps we could make a call?" the shorter, more-composed man suggested before the pair vamoosed to their car for safety and privacy.
When Loki looked her way, perhaps seeking approval or reassurance, Maria eased in close, gifting him a long, adoring smooch.
"You two give 'em hell. I need to shower and get to the office. Lots of calls to make."
He nodded, holding on a few moments longer as if drawing from her strength.
"Don't give in until it's a deal you can live with," Maria further advised, then she blew Thor an appreciative kiss and headed upstairs.
Hours and more than a dozen frustrating conversations later, Maria was surprised by a sudden intrusion into her office. Lachlan flung the door open, scurrying around the desk to get to her.
"Mama!"
Maria swiveled the chair, making space for him to climb up.
"Hey love! What are you doing here?"
"Mine doo."
Loki and Nick Fury followed after him, stopping in the doorway.
"We were out on that run," Loki explained. "Look who found us."
Nick and Maria met gazes. He appeared too relaxed for this to be an emergency visit.
"You actually drove out. Did something happen?"
"Yeah, I got a troubling call from Mayor Hayes last night about Inhuman students being denied services by the school district."
Maria tried to not get annoyed that Martin jumped the gun.
"That's not really a S.H.I.E.L.D. issue, sir. I've been on the phone all morning with the people whose job it is to protect these kids. Some officials think the district is bluffing. They know it's a bad thing, but no one's getting truly angry about it."
He nodded, giving her words some thought.
"You guys take a moment," Fury suggested, "then join the party gathering in the conference room. We're waiting on a few people then we'll strategize."
Their assistant, Tacin, stepped over as Nick departed.
The young man asked, "Ms. Hill, shall I reschedule your appointments today?"
"Yeah, I guess," she said with a sigh of exasperation. "Just how many people has the mayor sneaked into Town Hall for this get-together?"
Tacin shrugged. "If he'd paraded them past my desk, I might have noticed, but— "
"I know. You've been lining up calls for me. Thanks for the hustle."
Loki remained quiet through the exchange. He shut the door behind Tacin before dropping into the chair opposite.
In her lap, Lachlan had picked up a pen and was scribbling across her notes and desk calendar.
"Stressful morning," Loki commented, scrutinizing her expression.
She agreed, rubbing at a neck ache, but didn't elaborate further.
"How did it go with the lawyers?" Hopefully, he had better news on that front.
"They couldn't offer a reasonable deal on the spot. Plus, Thor pointed out that one of the last episodes had our father in it and they never bothered to get his agreement to appear in the show. So— we figuratively caught them with their pants down."
Maria smiled, feeling proud. "Very nice. Probably not going to be the last time we hear from them, though."
"Mama, doo," the kid said, pointing to one particularly swirled doodle.
"Beautiful," his mother complimented with a squeeze and kiss planted on top of his dark locks. "What's that? It looks a bit like a flower."
"Baby," he announced. "Mine baby."
Uh-oh. He hasn't learned a new word in weeks and suddenly latches on to 'baby'.
Loki rose from the chair, saying, "Come my darlings. We have a meeting to attend."
Darlings? Plural— as in both of us? Maria pondered. Huh. That's new.
Lachlan jumped down with the pen still clutched in his strong fingers. Maria grabbed some lined notepads from her drawer for the child, handing them off to Loki before collecting her laptop.
"Any idea who's here?"
"Fury had two female S.H.I.E.L.D. agents with him, but I didn't recognize them. He says they're Inhumans."
They reached the bigger of the two conference rooms where Daisy Johnson, otherwise known as Quake, and Elena Rodriguez, code name Yo-Yo, congregated with Nick Fury, Mayor Hayes and a handful of familiar faces.
Maria spotted Bruce and Steve talking to Thor. None of them had the chance to shed their coats yet having arrived moments before.
Lachlan dashed for them, snatching hold of Bruce's leg to gain his attention.
"There's my buddy," Dr. Banner said with a grin.
He picked Lachlan up, exchanging hugs before turning for Captain Rogers whom Maria had captured in an embrace of her own.
Maria stated, her eyes warming with the forewarning of tears, "It's so good to see you guys. Feels like it's been forever, you know?"
Bruce nodded, his gaze mostly on Lachlan.
"Yeah, only Skype calls since his last seizure. Guess he still knows who I am."
More hugs. Lots of handshakes. Then the dramatic arrival of a very-pregnant Pepper Potts-Stark, who'd managed to find the most sheik business/maternity outfit ever for her energetic entrance.
"So sorry for the delay," she said, tossing her designer coat across a chair and heading straight for Maria, Loki and Mayor Hayes. The President of Stark Industries told them, "I was so upset when I heard. Those poor kids— and Lachlan!"
She turned to Bruce and the little one clinging to him.
"Don't you worry, honey. We're gonna make sure you get speech therapy. Okay?"
Though Lachlan didn't understand all that she was saying, he still flashed Pepper a sweet grin, clapping his hands in a show of enthusiasm.
"Oh, you're just the cutest thing ever," Pepper declared.
The boy nodded. "Yesh," he agreed, and all the adults laughed.
"Shall we begin?" the mayor suggested, waving them into seats.
Of course, there were questions, many of which Maria had partial answers for since challenging various members of the school board all morning. The situation had very much a feeling of the left hand not knowing what the right was doing, which didn't instill confidence that the board would crack down as quickly as they wanted, or even at all if not embarrassed or sued into it.
"Truth is," Agent Johnson interjected, "this isn't the first or only district attempting changes. Inhuman kids statistically have more behavior and disciplinary problems at school. Teachers, administrators, they're getting frustrated— scared even, because they don't feel they have the training or resources to handle kids with abilities."
"Is that why S.H.I.E.L.D. is getting involved?" Loki asked her.
"Yeah." Her head tilted, and she gave a small shrug. "Inhuman agents are in high demand. By keeping in touch with Lake Silver and the other communities, we can screen potential recruits and help guide them toward promising careers within their interests."
"We do have citizens out of work at the moment," Mayor Hayes admitted. "Some of them were bullied into leaving their jobs— or homes, for that matter. Lake Silver's population exploded over the summer."
"How many families?" Steve asked from the seat on Martin's left.
"We're at one hundred and six families as of last week."
"There were thirty-one families when we moved in two years ago," Maria shared as a point of reference. "We've had to expand around the south edge of the lake. Lake Silver is running out of space, honestly."
"Well, if we plan to establish a private school, we need to be looking for viable land in the area sooner rather than later," Pepper tossed out, causing everyone to perk up.
"A private school," Mayor Hayes repeated, looking addled. "Can we do that? I mean, how would we do that? A school needs proper accreditation, qualified staff, so much more. Plus, Alta Point and Brooksdale are in the exact same boat, and their populations are even larger."
Between discussions of legal actions against the district, S.H.I.E.L.D. recruitment and the school premise, their meeting eventually broke into smaller groups with members circulating to provide updates and such. It was an intriguing exercise which Loki and Maria fully engaged in until it became clear that Lachlan was restless. Hopping laps and scribbling over every piece of paper placed in front of him only worked for so long. The kid needed a breather, lunch, a potty break and likely a nap.
"I'll take him," Loki offered. "It's my day to be home with him anyway. Thor's coming along. I promised him food and a chance to stretch his legs."
Maria agreed, but not without a pang of disappointment. They made a good team managing the various aspects of the group's ideas and applying them to the needs of the citizens. It was sad to see his eagerness shelved when cooperation with S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Avengers normally proved so difficult for him.
She asked Loki to follow up with the caterers and other businesses coming for the party at four o'clock then helped gather their things. At the door to the conference room, she sent her boys off with kisses, half-wishing she could just halt the proceedings and go with them.