Chapter 32: Exile and Fooling Around

It was a beautiful spring day. Or it was until it started raining. And what says rain also says Thor! So it was not a surprise when Friday said:

"Thor had just landed at the front door."

"Well, let him in," said Tony.

Thor greeted everyone and look at Loki.

"Brother," asked Loki.

"May I speak with Loki alone, please," requested Thor.

Then, Loki was frightened. He led Thor to his room after saying.

"Alex, you stay here with Storm and the Avengers, okay?"

"Okay, daddy."

Loki closed the door behind him and sat on his bed.

"Can they hear us," asked Thor.

"Yes, Friday can. Do you want me to disable her?"

Thor nodded. Loki did not like that. He did not let it show, but he was scared. What did Thor want?

"Friday, cut all microphone and camera in this room until we both get out, please," asked Loki.

Once Friday agreed, in took a moment before Thor spoke. Loki let him, he just did not know what to say.

"Loki, I come bearing news."

"I suspect as much. News concerning me, probably."

"Yes. As you know, you are to serve on Midgard and then on Jotunheim, and finally Asgard. I went to Jotunheim a while ago to tell them the news about your sentencing, but they do not agree."

Well, that did not sound good. What would the jotnar do to him?

"Instead, they had asked to pass their own sentence upon you. They do not want you as their slave. According to their tradition, because you killed their former king, you cannot be king neither. And they striped you from your title of prince. But they do not want to use a former prince as a slave."

Okay, was the situation good or bad? Loki had dreaded serving on Jotunheim more than the other realms.

"Out with it, Thor. What do they want?"

Probably his head. On a sliver plater preferably. And set it on fire. Or cast it in ice, who knew? Loki could already imagine the worst. In a foreign realm like Jotunheim, who knew what could be worse than being a slave.

"They want to banish you. You are forbidden to ever set foot on their realm again," said Thor.

Well, it was not so bad.

"Thor, I don't want to go to Jotunheim. I don't want to serve there, I don't want to rule there. I just don't want to be linked to that place."

"Don't you understand," asked Thor. "You are banished from Asgard until you complete your other services. And you won't serve on Jotunheim. Even if you get free from bondage one day, you will always be forbidden to go to the realm you are from."

"Thor, Laufey never wanted me in the first place. He cast me out on a frozen rock, left to die. The only good thing Odin had ever done for me was to rescue me. I was an outcast from the day I was born."

"And now, you are without a realm. You are an outcast in the nine realm with no place to call your own," said Thor.

"I have a place in the nine realm. I have a place here," said Loki. "What did the AllFather said? Had he changed my sentence?"

"You will serve here for even longer. For now, it is unknown when you will serve your sentence on Asgard," said Thor.

"Thor, I don't care if I never go back to Jotunheim. I tried to prove I was more Asgardian than Jotun. Now that they cast me out definitely, I just don't care. It is not a big loss for me."

"I'm still sorry. You will never be able to show your children where you are from," said Thor.

"I will tell them my story, but I don't want them to go to Jotunheim either. They are my children, they will not be received well there. But on Midgard, everyone is born equal and have equal chance in life," said Loki. "We grew up as princes, away from the commoners. They will grow up as normal children, play with whoever they want and won't have to follow the stupid rules royalties have."

"I saw you change, brother," said Thor. "I am happy to see you are well."

"Me too, Thor. Are you staying for a while? It's Alex's birthday next week."

"Already!"

oOo

Loki had gained a lot of money through his job. And with no expanse, he had money to spare. Now, Alex would be turning four the next week and Loki wanted to give him something special, something he never had, but that was common among midgardian children.

Well, Loki did not have to look too far. Alex had been talking about the little car they had at the daycare and he had said he saw his friend a few times ridding a bicycle with more than two wheels. Loki had understood it was a tricycle.

One evening, he was sitting with Steve and Tony in the living room.

"I would like to make a purchase with my money."

"Sure, what do you need," asked Tony.

According to Tony, Loki would only use his money if he needed something.

"I want to buy a tricycle as a birthday gift for Alex."

« Friday, can you display some tricycles on sale nearby," requested Tony.

On the TV screen, some models appeared.

"I know Alex loves blue, but maybe a classic red tricycle would do," said Steve.

Loki nodded and Friday removed all non-red tricycle.

"Adjustable, with a comfortable seat," asked Tony.

"A tricycle is a really good idea, Loki," said Steve. "Alex would love it."

"And he can use it around the yard," said Tony. "Also, it's a classic, every kid has a tricycle once in his life. And, when they both grow up, Alex can pass it down to Storm. So let's go with a good one, solid, strong, that will last. Loki, do you see something you like?"

Loki observed the screen. Then, he read a bit about the description of each bike. And finally, he compared the price and the bike.

"That one. It even has a place to stand up at the back for another child and a basket in the front."

It was a classic red tricycle with a bit of white.

"How about a helmet," suggested Steve.

"Friday, helmets please," asked Tony. "Why does Spider-man has a helmet and not me. Oh, there it is! An Iron-man bicycle helmet."

Of course, there was no Loki helmet. It could have been green with some horn.

"Does he need a helmet? He won't go fast and cannot fall over," said Tony.

"Well, is it necessary," asked Loki.

"Yes."

"No."

"It's safer."

"Children don't fall from tricycles. I would say bicycles require helmets, but not tricycle."

"Okay, you're right," said Steve. "But Alex will need a helmet for his next bike."

So Loki purchased a tricycle. It was a new feeling to buy something with the money he had gained through his work. He could see the value of work and he felt good to be able to buy something for Alex. As a prince, he never needed money. As a slave, money was not his to have. But now, he had found a middle ground between royalty and slavery, and it felt good.

"Okay, what else do we need for Alex's birthday," asked Tony. "Cake? Gifts? Decorations? Balloons?"

"Please, Mister Stark, I will pay for those expanses," said Loki. "Alex is not an Avenger and I cannot let you pay for the cake and everything."

"How about we split the bill," proposed Tony. "I understand it's a question of pride for you to be able to provide for your own, but I also take pride it providing for everyone here."

oOo

At the end of March, Alex could not stop rambling about his upcoming birthday. Natasha had told Loki the daycare would also celebrate and that it is custom to bring a cake for the occasion. So, after Alex's bedtime, Loki had baked a cake for the next daycare day. Friday had provided him a simple recipe for a chocolate cake. During his training, Loki had been forced to learn a lot of typical asgardian recipes, but since Alex had tasted chocolate, he had talked only about the fact he would only get chocolate cake for all his birthday for the rest of time. And since chocolate did not exist on Asgard — what a shame, really — Loki had to learn some new recipes. But he would do anything for Alex and Storm. And then, the cake was done.

Before bedtime, Loki and Alex spend their time planning some pranks for April Fools. To Loki's non-surprised, Alex was passionate by pranks and could not wait to play tricks on others. They had come up with a few pranks that were both harmless and fun.

oOo

Then, the faithful day arrived. Why does it have to be April Fools with Loki at the compound? That's exactly what Tony wanted to know. Once again, salt and sugar had been exchanged, but Loki was not even out of his room yet. So Tony blamed the only other person up at that hour.

"Sam, did you switch sugar and salt," asked Tony.

"Why do you think it's me? Loki did it last time. Ask him if he did it," said Sam.

"Well, Loki has not been out of his room yet. And I took some sugar yesterday. So it's not Loki. Weird, I know. But only a bird brain would use that old trick when it's been done once already."

"Well, I least I tried," confessed Sam.

oOo

Alex was up earlier and wasted no time waking his father.

"Daddy, it's my birthday!"

"Yes, Alex. It is. Happy Birthday."

"Storm! Storm, it's my birthday."

In her crib, Storm was giggling happily.

"I think she wished you a happy birthday too," said Loki.

"I'm a big boy now, right?"

"You are. Four years old is really big."

"And it's April fools! Let's do our pranks."

Even though it was Sunday, Loki had asked Steve if they could get out of their room earlier that day, giving it was special. So Steve decided to allow Loki out of his room at seven in the morning instead of eight.

So Loki took Storm in his arm and exited the room with Alex.

Steve had also been up early and had put up a banner reading "Happy Birthday Alex". There were also a lot of balloons and some had the number four on them.

"Daddy! Look! Balloons!"

"Yes. There are a lot of birthday decorations," said Loki, smiling.

"Daddy, what does the banner say?"

"Do you recognise your name at the end of the banner?"

"Yeah, it says Alex!"

"And before, it says 'Happy Birthday'."

"It's for me," asked Alex.

"Yes, it is," said Loki.

"Oh, my favorite nephew is here," exclaimed Thor. "Happy birthday."

And Thor hugged Alex.

"Hey, happy birthday, big boy," said Tony. "Would you want some waffles this morning?"

"Yes!"

Loki was glad the birthday was on a Sunday. He didn't have to go to work and Alex would have his birthday party once at the compound and the next day at the daycare. During the whole day, Alex got to enjoy his favorite activities. At the dinner, there was a beautiful chocolate cake and gifts.

The only thing that could cast a shadow on this day was the weather forecast. According to Tony, it was supposed to rain this afternoon.

Storm had given a soccer ball to her big brother, curtesy of Loki. Alex got a lot of Play-doh with more tools and some cutter with animal forms from Steve. Natasha had got him a set of pyjamas. Tony had got him a small robot with a remote control. Thor, with Loki's permission, gave Alex a small wooden shield. He would have given him a wooden sword, but Loki said "when he's older". The other Avengers also got him a few gifts, like books and drawing stuff. Alex was very happy with all his gifts.

"There is one more. It's outside," announced Loki with a wink.

Tony had delivered the tricycle and decided to not even tried to wrap it, so he left it in the play yard.

"Outside? Can we go now? Say yes, daddy."

Loki took Storm in his arm and they all head up outside. Steve had already given Loki permission to go outside to give Alex his gift.

Alex was over the moon when he saw he tricycle.

"Wow! Daddy, look, I got a tricycle! Can I try it?"

"Of course you can, Alex."

And Alex jumped on the bike and rolled around the playground a couple of times. Loki was observing him, happily. The rest of the Avengers and Thor were also watching Alex. It was freeing to be outside with his son. Sooner, the Avengers organised a game of soccer with Alex. Loki put Storm in her stroller in the shades and went to play with the other.

"Alex, you are the captain of your team," said Tony. "And Cap, do you want to lead the other team? Okay, great! Now, choose your teammate."

"I want daddy in my team," said Alex.

Of course. Loki was Alex's first choice. Captain America chose Sam, Bruce, Wanda, Vision and Scott, while Alex choose, beside his father, Thor, Tony, Natasha and Rhodey. And Storm had been named referee in her stroller. She was watching the game and Loki had no doubt she understood most of it.

To be frank, the adults were giving Alex a lot of chances and Team Alex beat Team Cap 11 to 0. Well, half of the Avengers had been beaten by a four years old. And Loki had been a part of the winning team. For him, it was just nice to play with his son outside, with the members of their weird family. Storm clapped for her stroller, she was happy and Alex went to kiss her. All afternoon, Alex went to play soccer or roll around with his tricycle. Sometime, some dark clouds would appear, but they would immediately disappear. Some lighter clouds were there too, to cast a soft shadow on the backyard, but it was, over all, a beautiful spring day.

As for the pranks, the Avengers could decipher Loki and Alex were behind what happened to them all day. They had planted little tricks and traps all around, like some notes in the mirror telling whoever was looking in said mirror "You smell." Some plastic spiders have been hidden in a lot of places and somehow, Loki had managed to get a fart bag, but Tony had taken it lightly, saying he most had had too much cake.

"This is the best birthday ever, daddy. And the cake is even better than our dirt cake in the cell. We can actually eat this chocolate cake."

Of course, both Alex and Storm got cake in their face, but it was cute. Loki made sure to take lots of pictures of the day with his camera, but some Avengers proposed to take pictures of Loki with Alex.

In the evening, Loki went to thank the Avengers for their gifts and for the whole day.

"Loki, we love Alex. He is a really nice kid and we love playing with him," said Natasha.

"And it was nice to beat dear old Cap, even if just at a soccer game," stated Tony.

"We let you win," said Steve with a smile.

"I am quite glad I stayed for a few more days, brother," said Thor.

"And I am happy you stayed," said Loki embracing his brother.

The next day, in was a daycare day and Natasha took the cake Loki had made to the daycare. At the end of the day, Alex came back with a big smile on his face and a birthday hat.

oOo

Later that week, after supper, Alex came up with an unusual request.

"Daddy, can we go outside with the tricycle?"

"Of course we can," answered Loki.

"No, not in the backyard. Like, at a park. At the daycare, my friend said that he goes to another park some night with his big brother and their mother. Can we go to another park?"

Oh! Loki had to ask permission to go outside the building outside of work hours, but it was possible and Steve always said yes. But Alex was asking to get away from the compound. Of course, it had been a question of time before Alex wanted to explore more of the outside world and Loki could not blame him. But Loki could not leave the compound.

"Alex, you know I cannot leave. I have to stay here."

"Because you are a slave?"

"Because I am a prisoner, yes."

"But Steve let you go outside. What's the difference? I go to the daycare every day."

"You and I are different. You are not a prisoner so you can go outside. I did some bad things and therefore, I am a prisoner."

"But, for how long? When can you go out?"

"It will be long, Alex."

"Long, like you can never go out with me?"

"But maybe we could ask someone else to go with you," suggested Loki.

Wanda had heard the conversation and approached.

"Loki, I'm sure Steve would agree," said Wanda.

Loki took a moment to think. On one side, Alex did deserve to go to the park from time to time. He was not a slave nor a prisoner like his father and was free to enjoy life. Therefore, he should go to the park. On the other side, Loki was a prisoner and it broke his heart to have to say no to Alex, but Loki was not allowed out of the compound because he was under house arrest. He had earned it and had to live with it. And who would trust him to go and actually come back? But even though Loki knew they thought he would escape, he was not thinking about running away, he would not do it.

Well, it was part of his punishment not to participate in normal life, but Alex should. He had a tricycle and knew about the outside world. Loki did not have his freedom.

But he was torn between doing what his son wanted and what his master wanted. A good slave should always put his master first and serve him well, because a good slave has no needs beside making his master happy. Oh, how Loki had repeated those sentences again and again during training. But a good father should put his children first and make them happy. So, should he stay inside and refuse the park to Alex, but be a good slave? Or ask for Alex to go to the park and maybe even go with him?

Wanda did say Steve would agree. And Steve was a good master, he encouraged Loki to be a good father. So maybe Loki could ask for a special permission, at least try to obtain the permission for Alex, and maybe even for himself.

"You know what, Alex, I'll go ask Steve if we can go to the park. I'm not promising anything, but maybe we could go," said Loki. "Wanda, could you watch over those two?"

Wanda nodded, agreeing to watch over the two children. Alex was hopeful as Loki left. The former god used the bond to find Steve.

"Wanda, why does daddy had to stay here?"

"Alex, you know. Your father had done bad things and he is punished for it."

Wanda, who had started as an enemy of the Avengers, knew it was possible to turn. Because of Loki's presence, she was aware of the punishment she could have had she did not change sides. Would she have a sentence as severe as Loki's? She preferred not to know. Director Fury had told the Avengers about the Raft awhile back, so Wanda realised that there was one prison on Earth in which even her power could not help her.