So, we are still in the middle of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, however, Ariana changes the course of events and some things don't happen. So enjoy this change of events. You can call this a stand alone chapter if you want, but yeah, it does have a place in the timeline.

Differences mentioned in this chapter: All of it.

"Two months," Ariana said.

"What was that, Ari?" Bucky asked.

"You had them bench us for two months."

"You know as well as I do that almost everything that happens can be traced back to HYDRA."

"Maybe, but I want to be out there helping."

"How about I go? If I get controlled again, you'll know it's too dangerous and wait another month."

"And if it's fine?"

"Then, I'll talk to your dad about going on some small missions."

"Okay."

They walked into the meeting room and Steve said, "Bucky. Just the man I wanted to see. I need your help with something and we need to leave now."

"Sure, Steve," Bucky said. "Remember the deal."

"Be safe, big brother," Ariana said, hugging him.

"Always."

She watched them leave. She stayed there for a moment, worried. Tony came up to her.

"I hate being left behind," she said. "I know if they say our trigger words, we'll be puppets again, but I need to get back out there. I have to help."

"We're just worried about you," Tony said.

"I'm fine! Yes, I have nightmares, but so does Bucky! Why am I treated like a porcelain doll?"

"We just want you safe."

"Well, it's annoying."

"Let's set up a party. We never did get it. Besides, it's your birthday tomorrow."

"My twenty-second birthday. With everything that's happened, I hadn't even thought about it." Then she hit the wall. "Damn it! I can't even get drunk! This sucks!"

Tony laughed. "I'll think of something. You and Nat go shopping and enjoy yourself."

She smiled and ran off. Loki had overheard and smiled. He knew who to talk to.

Steve and Bucky returned the next morning, a little banged up but otherwise alright. They heard about the party and went to get ready. Ariana sat in her room, nervous. It was the first party she had since HYDRA, and she didn't know how she would react with so many people around. She went to the mirror one last time, straightening her light green dress.

Natasha walked in and said, "You look nice. Any reason for you to wear green?"

"I always wear green," Ariana answered. "How are you just now realizing it?"

"No, this is the first you wore green since the mission to New Mexico. Is it because Loki's back?"

"What? No!"

"Sparky, I won't tell anyone."

"Unless it helps you get out of trouble."

"Maybe, but tell me anyway."

"I was always told it made my eyes sparkle."

"And who was the one that told you that?"

Ariana blushed. "Loki."

Natasha gave a small smile. "I'm sure he'll love it."

"Hey," said Bucky, knocking and coming in. "You look nice."

"Thanks, Buck," Ariana said with a smile.

"Don't start getting the guys thinking about you. Maybe…"

"I'm wearing the dress, Buck. Big brother or not, I'm now twenty-two and able to make my own decisions and I'm a super soldier. Anyone acts inappropriately, I can kick their ass myself."

"I know you can. Just looking out for you."

"I know. Come on, let's get to the party."

"Sam, it's not so easy," said Steve. "I saw Peggy and remembered all the love I have for her. Ariana understood."

"But she was good for you and you, her," said Sam. "When you guys were together, the number of pranks went down."

"She still loves Loki. There's that too."

"Well, here's your chance to start over. You know, because of HYDRA and all."

"We're just friends. You're not the only one that has to deal with her pranks."

"The only one safe is Loki. He knows whenever she plants one, but watches all the mayhem."

"He's the God of Mischief. Of course, he enjoys it." Steve watched Ariana and Bucky enter. "There's the troublemaker and her newfound brother now. I'd steer clear of her tonight. It looks like she's gone fishing without realizing it."

"What makes you say that?"

"Because she's wearing green."

"She's worn… wait…"

Steve smiled. "Yeah. And the problem is she's going to attract more than just a green-clad god tonight."

"Does that include you, Cap?"

"No, but if you don't stop staring, she'll look this way. She reads minds, remember?"

"Can't help looking at the beautiful birthday girl."

Loki stood off to the side. He would never be used to Tony's parties. There were always too many people. But when Ariana entered with Bucky, he couldn't take his eyes off of her. It was as if everyone else in the room disappeared and he walked up to her.

"You look stunning," Loki said.

"Thank you, Lo," she said, blushing.

"Would you care to dance?"

"I'd love to."

"Listen here…" Bucky began.

"She's in safe hands, Barnes. It's a simple dance."

"If you embarrass or hurt her at this party, Iron Man won't be the only one you will be dealing with."

"Bucky, I'll be fine," said Ariana.

She went to the dance floor with Loki. It was a slow dance and they stood close together.

"I know I have a lot to make up for, love, but I…"

"Not tonight, Loki. No past, no pain. Just this moment. Okay?"

"If that's what you want."

"It is."

"So, why do you want to enjoy this moment?" Loki couldn't help but ask.

"Because I'm surrounded by family and I have the love of my life holding me. The things in the past, they happened and it led us to right here."

"If I don't say them now…"

"I forgive you of them all. I did the instant I saw you in New Mexico, when I thought I lost you forever, and after you revealed everything to me in that cell. So, really, nothing to talk about."

"Then why did you stay with the Captain?"

"Because it still hurt. Steve was a safe option. I forgave you, but I couldn't just forget it. It wasn't until he said he found Peggy that I knew what he and I were doing. Then it was me trying to make sure I was who I'm supposed to be. I'm still looking, especially after what HYDRA did."

"So, why can't you find who you are with me?"

"Because, I'm not the girl you found in that ally, Loki. I'm not weak or helpless."

"I never thought you were."

"I have control over my abilities now."

"I always knew you would. Ariana, I know how strong, amazing, and powerful you are. Compared to you, I'm weak and I'm a god."

"Loki, you aren't making this easy."

"I'm the God of Mischief, love. I'm not supposed to make it easy."

She smiled. "We did always have fun, though."

"Seeing you take charge of your team, I never knew what it was like to love someone like you before. The commanding presence you have is humbling. I knew then you weren't just my queen."

"What am I, then?"

"You are a true goddess. Not by decree or birthright. But because you overcome all adversity, better yourself, and inspire others to do great things. You are a goddess because you are you."

She blinked back tears. That wasn't what she expected to hear. Before she could stop herself, she kissed Loki. He pulled her in close. So long apart, being so close yet feeling like there was an ocean between them, they didn't want to come up for air.

Bucky came up and broke them apart, saying, "Before one of you devours the other, please stop or I may throw up."

Ariana looked embarrassed but Loki said, "I'm sorry, was reconnecting too much for you to handle?"

"She's my sister."

"Only because of the false connection they put in your head."

"Loki…" Ariana tried to say.

"No, I think he has more than brotherly affection for you and I'll be damned if it gets in the way of us!"

Everyone stopped dancing as Ariana asked, "Of us? Really? Who said we were even back together? I asked for one night of just being, and you insisted on talking. I never agreed to start dating you again."

"Then what was that kiss?"

"Oh my god! You are insufferable when you don't get your way, do you know that? It's my birthday, and all you can think about is you!"

"Ariana…"

"I'm claiming him as my brother, Loki! I like that he cares enough to watch out without being controlling! But you just have to have things your way! I gave in tonight because I didn't want an argument! You want me back? Then show me you aren't a selfish dickweed!"

Ariana walked off. Bucky went after her as Thor came up and asked, "What was that about?"

"I pushed too hard," Loki admitted. "We kissed and Barnes came up."

"Well, green is your favorite color."

"Thanks, brother. That was really helpful."

"She needs you to slow down, that's all."

"I've been slow. Since joining your friends, I've kept my distance."

"No, you made sure you are always near her, except when on missions. You aren't giving her room."

"Room to what? Move on to the next guy to try and steal her from me?"

"Perhaps that's the problem. You think she's easily taken from you. That pushes her away. She's not the woman you first met. Show her you've grown and will put her first."

"So, I'm supposed to avoid her?"

"No. You let her get herself straightened out. From what I've seen in the past, she will come back to you. You're soulmates, brother. Trust that. Even if she strays, she will always come back to you."

"You truly believe that?"

"I do. When she talks of love, she sees you and we all know it, even her. She never denies it."

"She said the Captain was a safe option when I came back this time. I don't believe it to be true."

"She wouldn't be hurt if he left. Yes, it was a safe option for her. But you would hurt her every time. Stark told me about when you left and when we informed her of your death. She was nearly destroyed both times. If she didn't love you with everything in her, that would not have happened. It isn't her you do not trust, it is you."

"You think I don't trust myself not to leave her again."

"Just as she doesn't trust herself not to push you away."

Thor left Loki to think about their conversation. Perhaps his idiot bother was right this one time. Seeing him all the time wasn't giving her time to come to grips with everything. He couldn't force Ariana to be ready to come back to him. He had to give her time.