Okay, so the time between Thor and The Avengers is longer. I'm building more back story here, and may put this into two parts. I want to show some more of Ariana's character. I also want to show how she is or isn't healing. I'll leave that up to your interpretation on whether or not she's healing.
I do have to say, this summer schedule is great for getting ideas down quickly, but hell on my sleep routine. Still, more chapters faster doesn't sound so bad. However, for the poll, it is now closed. I put in the first vote for Steve, since he was default, and as no one voted, he is the third part of the triangle.
Differences mentioned in this chapter: The lead-up to the events of The Avengers, Loki's part in the Chitauri invasion, and who executes it.
It has been two years since the events in New Mexico. Ariana now rents a house in some apartments, her quarters being across from Steve Rogers so she can help him adjust to modern life. She didn't mind. It was time she stopped hiding away from everything. Steve was frozen in ice, Ariana by loss. The two became fast friends because they both were missing the love of their life. Besides, she wanted to always test the barrier, and it was stronger than ever. She only heard thoughts at night if they were particularly loud.
She looked at the burn she sustained from the New Mexico mission in the mirror, always seeing it as an image of a unique snowflake that reminded her of what love brings in the end. Pain and loss. Steve had remarked on its unique shape a few times during the year and a half they had known each other, calling it beautiful and a reminder that she had loved deeply once. That concept was still sinking in.
During that time, Steve helped Ariana learn that she could manipulate her own magnetic field to allow for flight. Though she often has moments of sparking still, she has managed to control her lightning ability to produce well-defined and powerful balls that can explode on impact or on her signal. Her mind strays to the presence of Loki sporadically. She has learned to ignore it as best as she can. He's dead and you have to let him go, she reminds herself, thinking the connection is only her love for him and the love she lost.
She became a full-fledged agent only a couple of months ago, but she was trained under Clint Barton and Natasha Romanoff. Despite this, she felt more comfortable with a staff than a gun or bow. SHIELD made her one that not only collapsed at the push of a button but could be made into multiple batons or produces a blade or shoot, depending on which button she pushed. But she always kept a gun and knife on her at all times. She was codenamed Lady Spark. Many called her cold, and she felt it.
Many of the other recruits gossiped about her, saying she bought her way onto the battlefield or slept with Fury. No one believed she chose to take the hardest advanced course she could and passed. But Ariana had the scars and nightmares to prove it.
She was given a mission a week ago. Tail a man, steal the files taken from SHIELD before he can sell them, and get out. With the magic Loki gave her, she could blend easily or place an illusion around herself. Using it made her feel close to the man she loved, even in death.
She was confident she could pull off the nabbing. Natasha had taught her well. And she enjoyed the higher places like Barton and the view of the area it gave her. She looked down at the target, relying on her new skills. Her team was in place to distract or take them out if her safe plan failed. They never did, but it never hurt to have backup.
Ariana went down the side of the building, hidden by shadows as the sun rose. This guy had a routine down, forgetting about the basics when he was supposed to be hiding with stolen information. He was stupid enough to always keep the USB with the files on him in his right pocket, peaking out carelessly this day, making her job even easier.
She cloaked herself and began walking, saying into the coms, "Approaching from the east. Let the sunshine, boys."
She liked using the environment to aid her. With the bright sun directly behind her and the reflections of windows and cars, Ariana was nearly invisible. No one suspects a powerful businesswoman getting her morning coffee to be a recovery agent for SHIELD. Just like her target, she set up a routine for her persona to rouse the least amount of suspicion. She was fast becoming one of the best in the organization. She still worked with tech and helped out where she could there, but she found fighting for good was what she wanted, and using her abilities allowed her to do that.
After getting her coffee, she sat for a moment until the man went back to the counter to buy a second pastry. She got up and, getting just close enough, got the USB only for him to grab her wrist.
"So, a pretty girl is taking what is not theirs," said the man in a Russian accent. "That means more work for me."
She did a quick scan, looking scared. It helped that, no matter how tough she became, she was still young and pretty. Her big eyes were a secret weapon. It made the target pause for a moment. Just long enough for her to register that he had three friends in the cafe and at least two in the building across the street. She signaled to the team and work began.
She brought up her knee and took him down, placing the USB in a special pocket to protect it from electricity and detection. The others began to move and shots were fired into the crowd. The civilians were quickly evacuated while Ariana fought off the four guys she knew about, and one she hadn't seen behind her. Came a long way from that day in the alley, she thought, fighting back the tears. Looks like I can take care of myself now. I wonder how different things would be if… Ariana! Focus! Just kick their asses, don't think of the past!
She dropped the illusion to focus mainly on the attack. But seeing who she was seemed to make the enemy attack harder. She heard over the coms, "Get to the building and take out the two snipers. Lady Spark is holding her own but reinforcements will arrive soon. Lady Spark, quit playing with them and just take them out. No civilians in the area and we are ready to replace any and all electronics."
She built up her electricity and punched the ground. This sent out a wave of electricity that knocked the five men away from her. Despite them being able to replace everything, she kept the wave minimal and everything was fine as long it wasn't on the tables the men landed on or near. They were knocked out and the snipers were taken care of by her team. She walked off.
"Mission complete," she said, walking off. "I've got the file. I doubt it's the only thing on the USB, so I'll check it while we head back to HQ. Move out." A van stopped in front of her, opening. She smirked at Harris as he stepped back and the rest of her team jumped in with her. "I see you're still a car thief, Harris. Maybe not take something so kidnap-y."
"Hey, it's the only thing that would carry their fat asses and your pretty one," he said. "Not to mention the equipment."
She moved to the front seat and set up the computer. "Nice save."
"I know who the toughest and scariest person on the team is, even if that is hidden behind such innocence and angelic beauty."
"Well, I was right, it's not just the intel that this asshole stole."
"What else is there, boss?" Jackson asked, coming up to see.
"Just that HYDRA plans on building a weapon, as usual," she said smiling, starting to relax. "They have been a pain since the forties. Now, children in the backseat should stay sitting down, Jackson."
"You've been spending too much time with Captain America, Stark."
Harris asked, "Have either of you asked the other out? You two look good together."
"Steve's a good guy, but we both have lost someone that only comes once in a lifetime," she said as she removed the USB and replaced it in the pocket. "Though I must admit, with this group, I do feel like I'm a messed up parent. Always doing the hard stuff and saving your asses."
"Very funny," said Rodrigez. "Who took out the snipers while you fought, Stark."
"Rodrigez, we all know you're the sharpest shooter on the team," she said. "Without you guys, I'd be lost and you all know it. Now, quit being moody. Last time, we had to drag you out of the club with a string of ten women hanging on."
"Why does the number grow everything you bring up that mission?"
"Because it makes us sound badass and you a wimp."
That got a round of laughter that even Rodrigez joined in. Post-mission banter made everything better. They arrived at the airport and boarded the jet. SHIELD always let the teams use the best toys and she loved playing with them.
"I'm driving," she said.
"Start praying, boys," said Rodrigez. "Last time she flew that thing, I had to stay in the hospital for a week."
"I see that you keep making your stay longer every time you tell that story," said Ariana. "I may be the youngest member of this team, but I'm also the prettiest, the smartest, the richest, and the most badass."
"No argument there," said Harris. "But let me drive. America's Ass asked me to make sure you got home safely and you crashed the last plane. You were in the hospital for a month, Ari. He was worried."
"Steve's just the best," she said. "Considering I consider all of you my boys, he always asks how my kids are doing." Another round of laughter filled the jet as Ariana strapped in and got comfortable. "Fine, Harris. You can drive. Wake me when we get to New York."
Ariana made her way to her apartment building but found Steve waiting outside. She smiled and went up to him, hugging him.
"You didn't need to make yourself uncomfortable, Steve," she said. "I love you, but you could have waited in my apartment."
"I know, but I would have missed seeing the sun coloring your hair," he said, answering her smile.
She blushed. She may tell her boys the "once in a lifetime love" line, but she and Steve had started dating about two months ago. He kissed her, wanting to show her what it meant to him that she understood him. Yes, they would never have the same kind of love that Steve had with Peggy, or Ariana had with Loki, but they had something and it was good.
"So, you going to tell the kids to stop staring, or should I?" he asked when they broke apart.
She blushed and looked at the car. She chuckled and shook her head. She flipped them off and went inside. Steve stopped her on the stairs to kiss her again. She loved moments like this, when there was peace.
Once in the apartment, Steve pinned her against the door, kissing her deeply. He was gentle, bringing her to a fever pitch with just his hands. He moved them over her as if he were checking her for injuries. She did the same, more to torture him like he was torturing her than to find injuries. It didn't matter as both of them were throwing clothes aside left and right.
He lifted her and carried her to the bed. Steve had been worried. He wasn't quite ready to go on missions yet, so it made him fear for her safety. Besides, she always needed him when she got home. Making love to her made him feel like he was thawing more and more, and made her feel she would be whole someday. Something they both needed.
Unlike his hands, when Steve entered her, it was always hard and rough, just as his movements were. She tore up many sheets with Steve loving her like this. They both kissed wherever they could reach. Neither wanted to risk saying the wrong name like the first time. The other would have understood, but why risk it?
When she tightened around him, he suddenly said, "Ari, I love you."
She stared up at him in both shock and ecstasy. He hadn't called her Peggy. Tears formed. She clung to him. Was she ready? Was it the right time? Then, he hit her sweet spot, sending electricity through her causing her head to go back and her toes to curl.
"Steve! Please!" she begged. "I can't hold on much longer!"
They fell together, hard. They lay in each other's arms, thinking and just being. She looked up at him and he down at her. They kissed each other. Their love was complicated to explain, but it was their's and it worked.
"So," he said.
"Yeah," she replied.
"We moved forward."
"It seems so."
"We don't love them less, you know. I can see you thinking that."
"I know. Since knowing you, loving you, I've grown up. I've learned so much just by experiencing things with you, and that means the world to me. I needed you in my life, Steve. We helped each other heal."
"I'm going to hit the bag. I know it feels like…"
"I'm going to work on my aim." She sighed. "Steve, we are still learning to move on. This is a step forward, but we still have a long way to go before we can fully let go."
"I love you, Ari. I'll see you in the morning."
"Same to you, Captain. Love you, too."
She went to the indoor shooting range down the road she had built. She practiced with her gun and her ball-lightning. She destroyed several targets with the lightning and was working with her gun, the lesser of the two skills. She had gone through three clips before she felt a tap on her shoulder. She had felt him coming and set the gun down, taking her ear protection out.
"Director Fury," she said, all business. "What do you have for me?"
"I just spoke to Rogers," he said. "We need you to join with him and head to the carrier."
"Understood. The mission?"
"You'll find out from Rogers."
"Director, just tell me something about it."
Fury sighed. "Barton was compromised."
Ariana felt the floor drop from her. He saw Clint like a big brother and to hear he was compromised hit her hard. She nodded, signally she was on board to help him if nothing else. She went to her apartment and began packing. She and Steve met in the hall after locking up. She noticed he looked upset.
"Steve, what's wrong?" she asked. "I know it's your first mission since coming back from the ice, but you have me. We're saving a friend of mine."
"I know but…" he said.
"Rogers, just tell me," she said, her business tone returning.
"He was attacked by Loki," he said once they entered the car.
She looked at him in shock, saying, "But… he… It can't be." She grabbed his hand, tears forming. "He died, Steve."
He removed his hand and pulled her into him. "I know. But what if it was a mistake. You have to remember this isn't the man you once loved."
She looked up at him. "I love you, Steve. I do. This can't be my Loki. He died two years ago."
They kissed just as the car came to a stop outside of a plane.
They exited the plane and Ariana ran up to Natasha, hugging her.
"We'll get him back, Sparky," Natasha said as they walked to Coulson, who was talking to Steve.
"He's family, Nat," Ariana said. "Of course, we're getting him back." She took Steve's hand, needing the support. "Even if they are using his image, it's not my Loki."
Natasha greeted Steve, noting how tightly Ariana held onto him. She smiled and lead them to their quarters. Once Ariana was settled, Natasha came in and set on the bed next to her.
"So, you and Captain America?" Natasha asked.
"You and the boys need to form a gossip group," Ariana said with a smile. "He understands what I feel for Loki. Just like with you and Clint, I told him all about Loki. We had a sad connection, but we are healing our own way."
"Worried about freezing?"
"Anytime the past gets too close, I always do. Since moving to the apartments for research, I've helped Steve adjust and it kind of developed and I began healing. So has he. I love him, Nat. We both have a love that is hard to move away from, so we are naturally drawn to each other. It kind of developed. I don't want to fall backward because of this."
"Well, Ari, just be you. Steve loves you. I saw it out there. And you love him. Don't forget he took Clint from us and many agents."
"My Loki isn't there. I know."
"Come one, Sparky. Let's go join everyone. I think your skill will be needed."
They sat next to each other as they listened. When Bruce sent them to Germany, she grabbed her staff and walked with Steve until Fury stopped her.
"Nick, I have to go," she said.
"I'm not arguing that," he said. "You're one of the best recovery agents we have and we need that staff and the tesseract. I'm not even worried about you taking on your ex. It's the relationship with Rogers that worries me."
"My boyfriend and I promise to keep it professional in the field. This is too important."
"If it becomes a problem, I'll step in."
"Understood."
Steve again sat next to her, but they were trying to stay in business mode. With Steve, she got out, using her ability to fly out. She was above the crowd as Loki went to aim for an old man. Just as she feared, she froze. The feeling she got was not a lie. It was Loki… alive. But something felt off.
She shook her head, trying to dislodge the tears. She got between Steve and Loki. Time stood still. Everyone held their breath.
"Ariana," he said as if he had a moment of recognition.
"Loki," she said, her business voice cracking.
"I have to do this, pet."
Her eyes narrowed. "So do I."
With that, she threw some ball-lightning at him and began to fight. Even like this, he was the better fighter. Steve joined her, blocking a blow from the staff that could have compromised her.
"Oh, you have a new toy, Ariana. Amusing," Loki taunted.
"You do too," she said, wiping blood from her lip. "Put the staff down, Loki. It doesn't have to come to this."
He went to attack but Steve stepped between them. Loki seemed to be targeting Ariana and it bothered the captain. Iron Man arrived and Loki gave up. Ariana knew her father recognized Loki. It was in the glance he spared her, but she walked up next to Steve and took his hand.
While on the plane, Ariana sat across from Loki and Tony sat next to her to talk.
"Talk," Tony said.
"I'm learning things, dad," she said. "Let me concentrate."
"Think you can enter the mind of a god after all this time apart, pet?" Loki asked.
"Easily," she goaded back.
"Well?" Tony asked.
"Well, it's definitely my ex," she said, sitting back and rubbing her pounding head. "But something isn't adding up. I'll work on it later." She got up and went to Steve. "My head hurts too much to do much more without food."
Steve looked down at her and kissed her. He looked at Loki, who clenched his fists. Steve was enjoying it more than he should. Ariana looked at Loki too, and while there was some satisfaction knowing he was jealous, she couldn't really enjoy it.
There was thunder outside. She moved back, closer to Loki than Steve liked but the look on their faces said they knew something.
"What, scared of thunder," Natasha asked.
"I'm not overly fond of what comes after," Loki said.
Ariana clenched her fists as she watched the hatch open. There, Thor landed. She glared at him as he came towards them and grabbed Loki. Ariana flew after them immediately when Thor left. She threw a bit of lightning at Thor, causing him to drop Loki. She raced after them, landing next to the brothers.
"You have some fucking nerve, Thor," she growled.
"At least you still defend me," said Loki.
She hit Loki in the face with a low watt lightning ball. "He broke his promise. You can stay out of it."
"Little Storm," said Thor. "You and I talked about it last year. We were building a friendship."
She threw a higher-powered ball at Thor, who caught it. "No, Thor. You were building a friendship. I was hating you for what I thought was Loki's death!"
"I have apologized for that, Ariana."
"I still don't like you."
"Convince him to come home before it gets worse."
"If he had been allowed to stay with me, this wouldn't have happened!"
"Perhaps." He turned to Loki. "Now, you listen here, brother…"
Thor was hit. Ariana smirked as Loki said, "I'm listening."
She turned to him and threw more balls at him. "He's right, though! You can't do this, Loki!"
"Understand you're mad," he said, dodging them. "Can you just stop trying to hit me?"
"I'm pissed at you!" she yelled.
Steve appeared and put a hand on her shoulder, saying, "Sweetheart, breath. He has a lot to answer for. Let's get him back to the jet."
She nodded but zapped Loki one last time. Still as mischievous as ever, Ariana. I've missed this.
While Loki was escorted to the cell, Ariana went to her room and threw up in the toilet. She hadn't realized how affected she had really been. Steve followed her and held her hair back. When she had finished, she rinsed out her mouth and looked at Steve.
He pulled her in for a hug and she cried. He had never seen her hurt so much and it made him dislike Loki more than ever. She looked up at him and kissed him.
"I need you, Steve," she whispered. "If I'm going to get through this one, I need you to stand by me."
"Always, sweetheart," Steve said. "If our places were reversed, and it was Peggy, I'd want you to steady me too."
"I love you, Steve Rogers."
"I love you too, Ariana."
Ariana stood back from everyone. She wasn't paying attention to the conversation. She did know that her father was half upset over the mission and half upset over Steve being Ariana's new boyfriend without him knowing. What she was doing was trying to connect with Loki.
"I'm going to go talk to him," Ariana said. "Steve, can you stand out in the hall? I don't want to go without backup in case anything happens."
"Sure, sweetheart," he said, following her.
Steve gave her a kiss before she walked out to the cell. She stood next to the glass. Loki looked at her and it was like the world fell away, leaving only the two of them.
I know you hear me, Loki, she said. Why did you do this?
I didn't have a choice, he said. Have much to tell you, little one.
She took a step back. Heimdall said you died. I have hated Thor for two years. I've started healing and moving on. I have a boyfriend, Loki. He understands me.
Not like I do, he said, hitting the glass, though she didn't so much as flinch. You think you can replace me? You are my queen, and I will not give you up so easily.
Tell me what happened, she said, her voice authoritative. Why kill so many people? Compromising agents, people I work with? And Clint? He's family, Loki. He taught me so much.
I'm being controlled, Ariana, he revealed. I was tortured. I touched that staff and Thanos took over. After I fell, he found me and…
Loki, I'll help free you, she said. Tell me his plan, and we can work on getting him out. But you and I are not together. I'm with Steve. Killing innocent people… I…
I know you've moved on, but I will not stop loving you, Ariana, he said as he began pacing. The goal is to use the green beast you have, to bring an army, and take over. I do not know his whole plan, but this is what I do know. But, no matter what, do not touch the scepter, Ariana. Do not let him get you. The things he made me do… I am sorry.
She turned away after five minutes, getting an appreciative and apologetic smile from Loki, before she went back to Steve, who asked, "Get anything?"
She nodded and they went back to the others. Steve knew she was formulating a plan and left her to it.
"He told me everything," she said once they met up with everyone. "The plan was to use the Hulk, bring an alien army, and take over the world. He said someone named Thanos was controlling him."
"And you can trust this?" Natasha asked.
"Loki can't lie to me," said Ariana. "Telepathy, remember?"
"'Tis true," said Thor.
"No one asked you, Captain Thunderpants," she said in anger. "We are not friends."
"Understood, Little Storm."
"And stop calling me that!"
Natasha interjected "Sparky, calm down. We'll get Clint back."
"She's upset because I promised Loki would be safe and she had to go through his death," said Thor.
Ariana clenched her fists and replied, "It was your fault! Of course, I'm still pissed!"
"Enough, Agent Stark," said Fury. "What else did you get?"
"Only that his mind is controlled by a being called Thanos and that I shouldn't touch the scepter. He said that Thanos would take over my mind if I did. Before leaving, he and I worked together to get him out from under Thanos's control, so he's himself again."
"Then you and Banner should stay away from it," said Steve. "Thor, you can look into the validity of him being free. He stays in the cell until we know if we can trust him."
Arianna nodded and left to tell Bruce Banner in the lab. However, Bruce wasn't there. She did see the scepter on its stand. It seemed to call to her, drawing her in. At the same time, Thor went down to the cell to speak with Loki.
Steve had stayed for a moment with the others, feeling like something bad was about to happen. He found her in the lab, scepter in hand.
"Ariana?" he asked.
Ariana turned and looked at him. For a moment, she looked at the scepter before blasting Steve with it. Then, there was an explosion.
"Sorry, Captain," she said in a sinister tone. "But since Loki decided he wasn't up for this position, I guess I get to take over. It was fun."
She went to the plane some of the controlled men were flying and sat in the back. She had a plan to put in place. They lost Clint, but she no longer thought of that. There was only the war.
Thor had set Loki free and they watched as the jet left. Loki felt guilty. If he had been stronger, she would not have been exposed to Thanos and his evil. Steve joined them a moment later.
"We'll get our girl back," said Steve.
"She's chosen you," said Loki. "I want her happy. But she is not in control, so none of this is her fault."
"I know. We'll make sure everyone understands."
"They won't. Because she could not resist the call and must now set in motion a war, the world will see her like they see me. A villain."
Tony landed next to them and said, "My daughter is no villain. We need to formulate a plan. Let's head back in.