At four thirty on the dot, Emily's alarm on her phone went off. She groaned and blindly reached for it, wanting the infernal sound to stop beeping. When she did grab her phone, she quieted the alarm and slid the phone beneath her pillow, wanting nothing more than to go back to sleep.
Loki looked over and chuckled when Emily tucked the phone under her pillow. He got out of bed and made a quick trip to the bathroom, before he came back out and flopped on the bed. Pulling Emily close, he started kissing her face. "Wake up sleepy head."
Emily laughed and tried to push him away from her. "What if I don't want to?"
"Then everyone else will go on vacation and we will be stuck here." Loki chuckled.
"As much as I want alone time with you, we can still have that on the island." Emily looked up at Loki and smiled. "I'm ready for sandy beaches and ocean water."
"You'll need to wake up then." Loki teased. "It would also be better if you go wake Mary and Rogers... just in case."
Emily chuckled. "Fine. Could you start coffee?" She asked.
"I will go start it right now." Loki said, getting out of bed again.
Emily smiled as she watched him leave, then got out of bed herself and got dressed for traveling. Once dressed she grabbed their suitcase and left the bedroom. Emily put the suitcase on the couch then walked over to Mary's door and knocked.
Mary mumbled incoherently when Emily knocked. "Is it time to get up?" She called out.
"Yes!" Emily called. "Loki is making coffee!"
"Alright, we will be out in a minute." Mary told Emily.
"Okay!" Emily turned and walked into the kitchen. "They'll be out soon."
Loki turned and smiled at Emily. "The coffee will be ready in just a minute. I am going to go dress myself."
"Okay sweetheart." Emily leaned against the kitchen counter and covered her mouth to hide a large yawn. "I do not like waking up this early."
"You can sleep on the jet." Loki chuckled. He kissed Emily's cheek, then walked away to the bedroom. Before he returned, Mary walked out, still half asleep.
"You alright Mar?" Emily asked.
"Yeah, I'm just still waking up." Mary yawned. She walked over and took one of the mugs Loki had set out and filled it with coffee.
Emily smirked. "Late night?"
"Kind of." Mary blushed. "We cuddled to sleep, then things just started heating up from there."
"You're busier than me lately," Emily chuckled. She grabbed for a thermos and filled it with coffee, cream, and sugar.
"We didn't go all the way this time. It was just some playing around." Mary chuckled, then sipped her coffee.
Emily smiled as she screwed the lid to her thermos on. "Either way," she chuckled.
Steve smirked to himself as he came out of the bedroom fully dressed and holding a suitcase. "Would I be able to get a thermos?" He asked.
"Sure." Mary said, turning to smile at him. "Do you want one as well, Em?"
Emily held hers up. "Already done."
"Thank you, doll," Steve said as he moved to sit on a barstool.
Mary felt her cheeks flush softly. She opened the cupboard and took out a thermos for each of them. "Do you want milk or sugar?" She asked Steve.
"Is there any coffee left?" Loki asked, walking back into the kitchen, now fully dressed.
"Yes," Steve answered, then turned to Mary, "Just sugar."
Mary poured coffee into each thermos, then added sugar to Steve's. When she had it ready, she handed it to him. "How do you want yours?" She asked Loki.
"Iced coffee, please." Loki replied.
"Sweetened, with milk," Emily added. "I gave to him plain once and he hated it."
Mary nodded. "Got it. I can make iced coffee like that." She said, then grabbed another thermos to make Loki's coffee.
Emily smiled and sipped out of her thermos. "Won't be long till we'll be on a plane."
"No it won't be. When do we need to head up to the roof?" Loki asked, trying to not sound down at the thought of leaving.
"We have a little time," Emily answered as she looked at her phone, then smiled at one of her emails. "You'll be happy to know that Tony has found a professional to take care of the fish."
Loki nodded. "I have left detailed instructions for them." He told Emily. "I am going to go feed them before we go."
Emily smiled at Loki fondly. "Okay."
Loki walked out to the living room. "He is really attached to those fish." Mary commented.
"He is. I don't mind it though. He loves learning new things about them," Emily commented.
"I wonder what it is about fish specifically. He hasn't shown this type of interest in any other animals." Mary pointed out.
"I'm not sure," Emily answered. "I've never asked."
"It's just a curiosity." Mary said, then sipped her coffee.
"Where do I leave the instructions?" Loki asked as he walked back into the kitchen, holding a decent sized book.
Emily smiled. "You can leave it beside the tank, where it's easy to find. We'll be leaving soon."
"Do fish need a full book?" Mary asked curiously.
"It has their names, how to tell them apart, which food to put where in the tank and how often. Also, when to turn their lights on and off, and some other things." Loki answered, then walked out to put the book by the tank.
"I can only imagine how detailed he would be for a child," Emily murmured.
"Just make sure he likes the child as much as he likes the fish." Mary teased. "He would be a good dad though with how attentive he is."
Emily sighed. "If only I could actually talk to him about that subject."
"Why can't you?" Mary asked curiously.
She made sure Loki was out of ear shot before she leaned back against the counter again. "He shuts me out. Says there's something wrong with him and he shouldn't father children."
Steve frowned. "Should I talk with him sometime soon?"
"I don't know if it would help."
"Something medically wrong? If it is, I might be able to help." Mary told Emily.
Emily shrugged as she felt her phone go off, causing her to take it out of her pocket and look at it. "He will not tell me."
"It sounds like he might be worried that it could affect things between the two of you." Mary replied. "I will try to talk with him, as we can do so in an official capacity with full confidentiality."
"You can try. That was Tony. We'd better get going," Replied.
Loki walked back in. "We can head up now, and I do not wish to discuss it with anyone." He mumbled.
"Damn his hearing." Mary mumbled.
Emily's face reddened instantly and cast her eyes downward. This is not how I wanted this to begin. She walked into the living room and picked up her suitcase. "Let's go everyone!" She called, hoping her voice sounded normal.
Loki followed Emily into the living room to get the suitcase. "I'm not mad darling. I guess I was just irritable about it because of my worries for the fish." He said truthfully as he took the suitcase for her. He paid no mind to Steve when he came in to get his and Mary's suitcase.
Emily nodded and gave Loki a soft smile. "It's alright Loki. I was just embarrassed." She turned and led everyone to the front door, holding her thermos of coffee. "Now, who's ready for the beach?"
Mary brought Loki's coffee thermos over and handed it to him. "Thank you." He told her, before turning to Emily. "I didn't mean to embarrass you darling." He said truthfully.
"I know you didn't," Emily told him. "I'll be alright." Once everyone was ready, Emily led everyone out into the hall so she could lock the door, then all of them walked to the elevator.
Loki walked along quietly and pressed the button to the elevator. "I feel like I'm messing up a lot lately." He said softly as the doors opened.
"You're not messing up," Steve said as he placed a hand on Loki's shoulder when they were all in the elevator. "Don't beat yourself up."
"I keep upsetting Emily, so I am messing up. I don't mean to, so I'm not sure how to stop." Loki sighed sadly.
"The best thing to do is to talk to her and see what is actually bothering you both," Steve said softly as the numbers climbed upward on the elevator.
"I will when we have a chance to talk privately." Loki replied.
Steve patted Loki's shoulder. "It will all work out."
The elevator dinged, signaling they had reached the roof. Emily bundled up in her coat and walked out into the small hallway. "It's just through that door."
"Do you want a warming spell darling?" Loki asked Emily. He wrapped his free arm around her shoulders.
Emily smiled and leaned against him. "That would be lovely, thank you."
Loki held Emily closer and cast the spell for her. "It will be as warm as you want it to be."
She smiled up at him as she heard the jet whir to life outside. "We better go, or we'll be left behind."
Loki returned her smile and led them out into the icy air and right into the jet. Once inside, he looked around, then figured out how to stow their suitcase. "This seems vaguely familiar, but I don't know why."
"You might have been on one of these before," Steve commented as he secured his suitcase just as Tony came aboard.
"When would I have been on one before?" Loki asked, feeling confused. He tried to think back, but his head began to throb.
"Easy Loki, it's nothing to fret over," Emily assured. "Just come sit beside me, okay?"
Loki walked over and sat next to Emily. "I forgot how badly it hurts." He said as he rubbed his temples.
"It's alright," Emily soothed as she rubbed his back. "We'll be flying soon."
"I know. I just need the pain to go away." Loki muttered.
"Think of something else," she said softly. "Think of the wedding, of me dressed in white."
Loki did his best to focus on thoughts of the future wedding, and the pain finally eased after a few minutes. "Thank you darling. That hasn't happened in a long time."
"You're welcome, Loki," Emily said softly.
"We really need to figure that out," Steve commented.
"I have some ideas, but for Loki's sake, I don't think this is the time to discuss it." Mary said truthfully.
Steve nodded. "I agree."
"Is this everyone?" Emily asked. "Or are more coming?"
"Banner is on his way up. Barton is the only one not coming with us." Tony answered. Only a minute later, Bruce joined them, the bay door closed, and they were in the air.
"Nat's coming too?" Steve asked.
"Yes, but she will arrive a few hours after we do." Tony answered.
Steve nodded as Banner quietly boarded the jet and secured his suitcase. "I don't know why I agreed to come with you lot," he chuckled.
"It will be a great time with no stress." Steve answered.
Banner smirked and sat down so he could buckle himself in. "If you say so."
"You know you're allowed to relax and have a good time, right?" Steve chuckled.
Bruce nodded. "I know. It's just hard I guess."
"Consider this a good chance to practice." Steve shrugged.
Emily smiled at Banner. "You'll enjoy it. There's nothing like the sound of the ocean."
"Being angry is how I control my anger." Bruce chuckled.
"You'll be fine Bruce," Emily assured. "Especially once Nat joins us." She turned her head as the hatch to the jet closed and the engine whirred to life.
"Where's Barton?" Bruce asked curiously.
"Tony said he was staying," Emily answered.
"He didn't want to be stuck with you lot either?" Bruce joked.
Steve laughed. "Probably not."
"What is there to do for those of us not having sex?" Bruce asked, only half teasing.
"You can relax, go hiking or swimming, snorkeling..." Emily suggested.
"Is there any kind of lab?" Bruce asked Emily.
"Not that I know of," Emily answered. She looked towards the front of the jet to see they were up in the air. This thing is awesome. I never feel it take off.
"I have tech, don't worry." Tony assured Bruce.
"See, Stark has your back," Steve assured.
Bruce nodded in agreement. "Is he alright?" He asked, nodding towards Loki, who was sitting in silence.
Emily nodded. "Yes, he'll be fine."
"Are you sure?" Bruce asked, genuinely concerned.
"Yes, I'm sure. He had a headache but it's ebbing now," Emily answered as she rubbed Loki's back.
"Was it the headache like he was having before?" Bruce asked.
Emily nodded. "The same."
"We will work on that when we get back." Bruce said, then dropped the subject, knowing that was best for the time being.
"Thank you, Bruce," Emily said softly in response and leaned back so Loki could lay in her lap while she took a long drink of her coffee.
Loki gladly laid down and rested his head on Emily's lap. It wasn't long before he was fast asleep. "That one must have hit him hard." Mary commented.
"I think so too." Emily looked down and ran her hand through his hair. "I hope he enjoys himself on this trip."
"He will. He likes games and there's plenty we can teach him." Mary pointed out.
"I hope so. I'd love to take him snorkeling. Let him get close to fish and maybe even dolphins."
"What if he tries to do something crazy, like catch every fish in the ocean to bring home?" Mary chuckled.
"I tell him they're already home. So, there's no need to take them," Emily answered.
"It would be kind of amusing though." Mary admitted.
"I'm sure a lot of people would find it amusing to chase after fish," she chuckled.
"He's going to create a scene on the beach." Mary giggled. "Has he ever seen a crab?"
Emily shrugged. "He's watched nature shows, but as far as in person I doubt it."
"That could also be amusing." Mary pointed out.
"Yeah, until he gets pinched," Bruce pointed out.
"That's actually the point. He will be on the beach trying to fight a crab." Mary chuckled.
Emily rolled her eyes but laughed. "That actually sounds kind of funny."
"I'll watch Loki get his ass kicked by a crab." Tony chuckled.
"Really Tony?" Steve sighed.
"Oh, come on." Tony teasingly challenged.
"I'm sure you know he's not as dull as you think he is," Steve replied.
Tony shook his head. "I don't think he is dull at all. Quite the opposite, actually. But he also has a childlike curiosity." He explained.
Steve nodded and put his arm around Mary. "Yes, he does. It's endearing."
"He has solved several extremely complex math equations faster than I was able to." Tony added.
"That's not what everything is about Tony," Emily said. "That's not all who he is."
"I didn't say it was. I was simply saying that I acknowledge and respect his intelligence." Tony explained.
Emily nodded and looked down at Loki. "Good to know."
"His childlike curiosity is just amusing." Tony shrugged.
"How much longer until we're at the island?" Emily asked.
"It shouldn't be much longer." Tony answered.
"This thing really cuts down on flight time," Steve commented. "It's barely been an hour."
"It's my own technology." Tony bragged.
Bruce rolled his eyes. "Our technology."
"Our technology." Tony corrected.
Steve chuckled. "I swear you two could be married."
"Never. I'm not into the whole rage monster deal." Tony chuckled.
Bruce rolled his eyes. "That's not what you said when we first met."
"I was drunk, and we agreed to never speak of that again." Tony teased sarcastically.
"You might have," Bruce laughed, making everyone else laugh along with him.
"Why are you people so loud?" Loki muttered, waking up.
"Sorry Loki, something Bruce said was funny," Emily soothed as she rubbed his back.
"It's not you, it's them. Stark's voice is impossibly annoying." Loki mumbled, then sat up. "Why is it funny that they are secret lovers?"
Bruce's eyes widened. "Umm... because we aren't."
"Oh, sorry. I didn't realize you hadn't told everyone yet." Loki said sincerely.
Emily looked between Bruce and Tony. "Do you two need to let us know something?"
"You can't be serious." Tony challenged.
"How am I supposed to know what you do in your free time?" Emily shrugged as she gave him a smug smile.
"You personally know that I am all about the ladies." Tony smirked.
Emily raised an eyebrow. "You could have changed your mind by now. How would I know?"
"This is growing far less amusing." Tony said dryly.
Steve smirked. "I'm finding it quite amusing after everything that I've learned."
"What exactly have you learned?" Tony asked curiously.
"That's private information," Steve answered.
"Alright, text it to me." Tony told Steve.
"I'm not sharing private information with you Tony," Steve countered.
"This information clearly involves me." Tony challenged.
Steve sighed and rested his head against the side of the jet. "Tony, just leave it alone."
"It won't be easy to just let it go." Tony muttered.
"Get over it," Steve muttered in reply.
Emily furrowed her brow. Did Mary tell Steve about me and Tony?"
"Not likely." Tony mumbled under his breath.
"This is fun." Loki commented.
"They'll bicker it out and get it over with eventually," Bruce commented then turned and looked out of the small window in the side of the jet.
"Just like a married couple." Loki chuckled.
Bruce shrugged. "They've known each other for a long time."
"I know, I was just being sarcastic." Loki grinned.
"Oh, I know. It's also true. They argue like this a lot off and on," Bruce replied.
"Come on, cheer up. This is our first vacation together." Mary encouraged Steve.
Steve turned towards Mary and smiled. "Yes, it is."
"That's better." Mary said sweetly.
Steve chuckled and kissed Mary's cheek. "Thank you," he murmured.
Mary laid her head against Steve's arm. "I hope we get there soon. I don't think I'm fond of flying."
"Are you alright?" Steve asked softly.
"Yes, this is just my first time flying." Mary admitted.
"It shouldn't be much longer," Steve assured.
"I just like travelling by ground better." Mary shrugged.
"There's nothing wrong with that. There's a lot of people that don't like to fly in planes," Steve told her as he began to feel them descend. "Feels like we're landing."
"Good. I want to be back on solid ground." Mary chuckled.