Ari, Loki, and Pepper are now heading Asgard. It just makes it easier on me if Ariana is not part of the initial attacks with Ultron.

Differences mentioned in this chapter: All of it

"I have the ring, Ari," said Tony the next day. "I'll send messages to him all the time, same as you will."

"You can't get hurt, dad," she said. "You got lucky with the scepter. I get why you didn't let me know, and why Thor snuck off that time, but this is why you shouldn't be playing with it. I'll ask Heimdall to keep me posted so Loki and I can come help if anything happens."

"Buttercup, don't worry about us."

"I told you to stop calling me that!"

"Why? Don't most parents call their children such names?" Loki asked.

Tony smiled and said, "Yeah, but this is because…"

"Better get going!" Ariana said, blushing as she was pulling Loki out from under the awning to the lawn. "Hurry up, mom! I want you to get used to everything so you can brag to everyone about what you know and finally one up dad!"

Pepper laughed and kissed Tony, saying, "Don't be late, Tony. I know the whole dying-a-mortal-death-and-rising-an-Asgardian is scary, but she's your daughter. She'll be fine."

"We hope," Tony replied. "Though, I never gave them my blessing to get married."

"She's an adult, she doesn't need our approval. She's happy, that's all that matters."

"I know. Doesn't make it easier. I haven't had enough time with her. Did I do enough? Was I there when she needed me, or did I become like my old man?"

Loki pushed Ariana back towards her dad. She smiled at him, shaking her head. She gave Tony a hug. He hugged her tightly in return.

"Dad, you were there when it counted," she said. "I understood when things were busy or you were frustrated. Were there times I wanted you to pay attention and didn't get it, yes, but when I was hurt or cried or didn't act like myself, you were there. It's those moments that matter and those are the ones that let me know you love me despite how we became a family. You are an awesome dad, and I love you so much."

Tony's eyes watered, but he refused to let them fall. Loki could tell by the sound of her voice, Ariana was doing the same. Blood did make them a family, love did. It made him think about his own family situation.

After a while, Ariana and Pepper joined Loki. Both women held him tightly as the Bifrost opened for them and took them to Asgard. Ariana had gotten used to the feel of the Bifrost, so when they landed, she watched Pepper.

"That was fast," she said in a faint voice. "I feel like the ground is still moving. Is it still moving?"

Ariana moved away from Loki and went to Pepper, saying, "Mom, mom, calm down. No, the ground isn't moving. It's okay."

"Welcome home, Prince Loki and Lady Ariana," Heimdall greeted. "Welcome to Asgard, Lady Pepper."

"Good to see you, Heimdall!" Ariana said with a smile. "I've missed how deadpan your greetings are. Still in that understated armor. I'm sure my father could…"

"I like my armor, Lady Ariana. I do not need a Midgardian adding nonsense to it. It's sensible."

"Whatever you say, Zuul."

"Getting me prepared for your father, I take it."

"Yes, but also because Ghostbusters is iconic. But please, keep us updated on the Avengers. Thor is with them, as is my father and Loki and I would like to know if they are safe."

They walked out of the building, Ariana taking Loki's hand. Pepper's mouth fell open at the sight. Ariana and Loki shared a smile, remembering she had done the same when she arrived.

"It's not all that impressive," said Ariana. "It's just a giant golden palace. It's really what's inside that's impressive."

Three horses were waiting. Ariana knew that Odin and Frigga knew what was going on and had prepared for it. Loki and Ariana climbed with expertise. Pepper had more trouble as she had never ridden a horse before. Ariana brought her horse up next to Pepper and pulled her up behind her.

Loki turned to a guard and said, "Lady Pepper will be riding with Lady Ariana. Take the other horse back to the stable."

"Please," Ariana added. "Apparently, Loki has forgotten his manners."

The guard fought back a smile and nodded. He climbed up into the saddle. With that, Loki, Ariana, and Pepper made their way to the palace. People throughout Asgard greeted Ariana and welcomed Pepper. They bowed to Loki, but few spoke to him. It made Ariana sad that, after everything, the people of Asgard still didn't see the person Loki was.

When they arrived outside of the palace, they dismounted, Loki helping both Ariana and Pepper down. They walked slowly, more for Pepper since she had become stiff from the ride. They entered the throne room with Odin and Frigga standing on the raised dais. Loki and Ariana automatically knelt, Pepper following their example with jerky movements.

"Rise, children," said Frigga, coming down to them. "No need to be so formal."

They all hugged, Frigga kissing Loki and Ariana's cheeks. There were smiles all around. Ariana then went to Pepper and stood next to her.

"Frigga, Odin," she said, "may I introduce my mother, Pepper Potts?"

"You're majesties," Pepper said.

Frigga smiled and said, "It is an honor. Your daughter has told me much about you and her father. Though, she has said you have yet to marry."

"Tony isn't a normal man and needs a big statement."

"Well, I formerly invite you to have your wedding here on Asgard, should he get the courage to ask."

"Thank you, but I'm keeping that invitation to myself. I don't want to encourage Tony too much."

"I understand completely."

Both women laughed. Loki stood next to Ariana and said, "Well, Ariana had to learn from somewhere, I guess."

She smacked his chest and said, "You are just as bad. You gave me all my ideas."

"I don't remember telling you to get so drunk that you were jumping across the rafters in the banquet hall with horses."

"No, you suggested that I drink Asgardian ale."

"Watered-down ale. You still aren't used to it."

"Well, keep my father away from it and we may save the palace."

"No!" said Pepper. "He gets nowhere near it! He has his suit and nearly destroyed the house last time!"

"Then, take it and hide it," Ariana said.

"He always finds it."

"Okay, then." Ariana looked up at Loki with her puppy dog eyes. "I'm sure there is a mischievous god somewhere that can do something about that."

Loki swallowed hard as he said in a strangled voice, "I'm sure I can think of something."

Ariana smiled, "That's what I thought, my prince."

They kissed softly but for a long time. Long enough for both of their mothers to clear their throats. The lovebirds looked at them with a small smile.

"Once Thor and the Avengers have arrived," said Odin, "we will begin the ceremony." Ariana looked at the king and nodded. "And Lady Ariana, if I find any so-called pranks waiting for me again…"

"Well, I try to make things more lively," she replied.

"We have Loki for spreading mischief, we do not need another."

"What's wrong with a little mischief, Allfather?"

"If it were little, I would not mind, but you and Loki seem to find it necessary to inconvenience others!"

"Excuse me?" Ariana's voice echoed slightly in the throne room, her anger growing.

Pepper stepped up and said, "Okay, no need to get heated. Ari, go get some air with Loki."

"But…" she started.

"Now, young lady."

"Fine!"

Pepper turned to Odin when they left and said, "You care for them deeply but you are too hard on them."

"They have duties a mortal cannot understand," Odin said.

"That's not what I mean, Allfather. They hide behind those pranks. The question is why do they do them? You are a king, and I get that you have a kingdom to look after, if not more, but Loki is your son and Ariana will soon be your daughter-in-law. Reprimand but show that you care. Tony had trouble with it too, but he learned that between the lectures, show them you love them. Otherwise, the pranks get worse. You know it. Now, if you excuse me, I'm going to find my daughter and then my room. The ride here exhausted me."

With that, Pepper left the throne room.