Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this story. This is just for fun and I hope you enjoy reading it.
Child of Silence
By Angelwings Sorrow
Chapter 6 "Growing Pains"
Thor
By the time lunch rolled around Loki was carrying a sleeping Harry in his arms followed by Tony who was carrying a sleeping Jinx kitten. They had spent hours at the mall getting Harry all the things a growing child would need from a child size desk and chair to toys and even muggle pet supplies for the newly named kitten, Shadow. Harry was in awe of everything he saw. Harry accidentally started the bonding ritual when he named his jinx promising to always love and care for the kitten and once started it could not be stopped and the bonding pulled magic from both the young wizard and familiar. Once the bonding was over both Harry and Shadow fell asleep. The two men tucked the boy and his familiar in the child's bed. They had just closed the door when they heard a loud voice coming from the elevator. Loki waved a hand over his door to prevent Harry from hearing anything and waking up.
"Lady Jane I am not a liesmith! I do have a nephew!" Thor's voice got louder the closer he got.
"I don't want to hear it Thor. You leave without telling me and when you do return you don't even bother with a phone call. Jarvis is the one who sends messages at your request. You expect me to believe you suddenly have a kid to take care of, that belongs to your brother who, I might add, tried to take over the world?" Jane's voice was climbing in volume with each word.
"I told you Point Break, you need to learn how to use a cell phone. Hello Dr. Foster it's nice to see you again." Tony greeted when he and Loki entered the living room.
"Lady Jane it is nice that my brother has invited you over but will you refrain from shouting my son Haraldr is asleep."
"So this kid is real and they are letting you have custody?"
"Don't be so hard on Reindeer Games here he wasn't himself when all that happened. His Dad grounded him to Earth for now. Caps' boy toy had a memory break from his time at HYDRA and we went to rescue the kid. We found out after bringing Harry home that he was Loki's son. Harry's mother died when he was one and of course we all decided to take the kid in." Tony summarized events not going into the Magical history.
"So where is he? If Harry was rescued he should be under medical care." Jane asked not convinced that Loki is father material.
"My son has received excellent medical care since his rescue three weeks ago. He is currently napping right now. We were out getting things for his new room and kitten that an old friend of mine had gifted him. You may see him when he wakes up." Loki was unimpressed with his brother's choice in girlfriends. She was slightly better than Lady Sif but still she was too selfish in his opinion. Yes, Thor had his pride and was sometimes selfish himself but he had a good heart under his naïve arrogance.
"Here, I took pictures while we were shopping today. See isn't he a little heart breaker?" Tony pulled out his Stark phone pulling up the photos he took at the mall of Harry smiling and carrying the Jinx in his arms.
"He does look like him. That cat is a bit large to be a kitten." Jane said examining the photo.
"It's a special breed from Alfheim called a Jinx. I did not know you were going to see Jareth today. How does he fare Brother?" Thor explained smiling at the picture of his cute nephew.
"Jareth is well. He is bank manager now but with all the paperwork to be done today, I forgot to ask about his mother Lady Aria. I shall write him once the audit is complete he will be busy until then." Loki replied.
"Prince Loki security has arrived with Master Harry's purchases."
"Thank you Jarvis please direct them to Harry's new play room. Also direct the ones bringing up the cat stuff to the room across Harry's play room."
"Yes Prince Loki it shall be done. Also Master Harry has awakened." Jarvis informed the group and Loki left with out another word.
"He's such an attentive Papa. So Jane, are you staying for lunch?" Tony asked. He offered to be polite but he didn't like her attitude towards Loki and Harry. She was a brilliant scientist but see seemed to be a bit self-righteous with her morals.
"I can't I have to get back to work soon Darcy can't stay on task without me reminding her." She didn't see the disappointed look that over took Thor's face. Jane really didn't want to be anywhere near Loki, she didn't trust him. Once a bad guy always a bad guy, he made his choice to try and take over the world he shouldn't be rewarded with a family; he should be locked up.
"Too bad we were about to Tacos it is Tuesday after all. Oh and here's our Mini Loki. Hey buddy you have a good nap?" Tony picked up the boy who was sleepily rubbing his eyes. "Harry this is Uncle Thor's friend Dr. Jane Forster."
Harry fished in to his pocket and pulled out the disc Tony had given him that morning and began tapping away. "Hello, Dr. Foster, it's nice to meet you."
"It's nice to meet you too Harry. You can call me Jane." The Doctor gave Harry a smile but it was forced. She wanted to demand why the boy was unable to speak and that he should be taken to Child Protection Services where the boy could get care and a proper family. As great as the Avengers were this was no place to raise a child. These all were things she couldn't do because Loki and Thor were not from earth meaning that the child was also from their world. The laws of earth would not apply to them. "Well I need to get back to work. I'll talk to you later Thor."
The men and Harry watched Jane leave before turning to go to the kitchen for lunch. It was a very heavy silence that hung over the group. Thor most of all seemed to be less than his usual jolly self. Harry could tell that he really liked Lady Jane but the feelings were not really returned. It was sad to see his uncle so upset. He looked to his father who seemed to see what he was thinking. Loki met his son eyes with an understanding look before turning to see Tony nod his head towards Thor with the 'You should do something, he's your brother' look. With a heavy sigh Loki motioned for Harry to stay with Tony as he walked up to the depressed Thunder God.
"Brother, may I speak with you?"
"Sure Loki." Thor followed his brother back to the living room. "So what do you want to talk about?"
"Thor are you sure Lady Jane is the one for you? I don't mean to question your choice of courting partners but Lady Jane seems to have other priorities. It doesn't look like she wants the same things that you do in your relationship."
"Had you said this a year ago I would have take Mjolnir to your head." Thor glared before taking a seat on the couch.
"And now brother; do you still think it's still a possibility?"
"No I do not. We have been growing apart since I returned to New York the first time. She is not to blame, brother; I know I am at fault as well. I should learn to use earth means of communication and call more. She has a right to be mad."
"Thor she can be displeased with your lack of calling but she also has some blame on her hands. You are the Crowned Prince of Asgard and you have many duties that sometimes keep you away from earth for months at a time. She is not very understanding of those responsibilities. Also when you are able to visit and spend time with her, she puts you off for her work then gets mad that you don't think her work is important. She does not know Haraldr's story but she had made up her mind that I am an unfit parent. I really think you should think about if she really returns your feelings any longer." Loki took the seat next his elder brother trying to make him see that he and Jane were too different to be a good couple.
"I have noticed that lately, also her lack of greetings or when she left today she didn't give me any sign of affection. It hurts, but I know she did not mean to forget her good byes."
"Thor, she is still upset with you, I do not think she forgot. I know it hurts because you care for her. I want you to be happy brother, but with something real not the dream of what once was. I know if I had the chance to be with someone like I was with James I would grab them with both hands and not let go. Is what you feel for Lady Jane that strong that you are risking more heart ache for what might not be even her true feelings?"
"You are right, my feelings are stronger than the ones she has for me. I keep thinking if I give her time and if I am more attentive towards her, Lady Jane's feelings will grow once again. Am I being naïve in believing that she will love me again?" Thor asked looking to his younger brother for answers. Growing up he had always been the oldest, the hero and the warrior but Loki had always been smarter and more mature. Loki had even had a son and once a lover that made him happy proving he was more than responsible and mature. What was he compared to his brother but a warrior who lived for battle and little thought to others, with an ego and arrogance that got him banished instead of the crown. His mother had been right when she had protested his lack of readiness to lead their people.
"Thor, I do not believe hope is being naïve. I think naïve is ignoring the signs that you should leave the relationship before it hurts you beyond repair. You have friends and family to help you through the hurt that you feel now but if you cling to this hope it will destroy you and the relationships around you." Loki said honestly. Despite all their differences he really did love his big dumb oaf of a brother. He really didn't like Lady Jane right now for putting Thor through this heart ache but in the end it would make his brother stronger.
"Thank you for you honesty Loki. I think I shall go to my room and think on this some more please tell Haraldr and Friend Tony that I am not hungry right now and I will see them at dinner." Thor got up and walk to his room in a daze like fashion. Loki watched him go for a minute before joining Harry and Tony back in the kitchen.
"So how'd it go?"
"As well as can be expected. As much as Thor constantly vexes me with his bad manners, and sloppy up keep of our living space, I do not like to see him suffer like this." The raven haired god replied before noticing something going on at the corner of his eye. "Haraldr are you cooking?"
"Yeah turns out Mini Merlin knows how to cook. He's making tacos for lunch. He told me he learned how to cook when he was with Lily's sister, then when he was with List, the doctor used him as a free personal chef. Considering how fat the guy was it safe to assume Harry is a great cook." Tony made mental note to find and destroy the Dursleys. No child should be force to learn to cook at such a young age. His one regret was that he didn't get to kick List's ass all the way back to New York.
"I knew I should have cursed him more." The irritated father mumbled before joining his son in the kitchen to help with the cooking.
"Oh this all feels terribly domestic." Tony grinned from his seat at the table.
"It will feel even more so when you are doing the dishes after lunch."
"Oh come on Rock of Ages you have magic can't you magic them clean?" the genius pouted.
"I could but I don't want to teach Haraldr to be lazy by using magic for every little chore."
"What if I un-band your Fig Newtons? I can get you a whole truck load by dinner time."
"Are you trying to bribe me Anthony and in front of my own child?" Loki asked acting mockingly affronted. Harry finished with the taco shells and was smiling as he began to stuff them.
"No! I am not bribing you; I am negotiating. So, how about it? You use magic to clean up and I'll get you all the yummy Fig bars you want."
"Very well I will concede this time but next time you are doing the dishes and cleaning the kitchen. Go sit Haraldr I will bring out the food." With a snap of his fingers the plates were on the table set for three.
"So Thor is not in the mood to eat?" Tony asked taking his first bite of the taco. "Mmm, this good Mini Merlin."
"He said we will see us at dinner time. He has a lot to think about right now and has to consider his own happiness. These are delicious Haraldr but I only want you using the kitchen when an adult is with you, alright?"
"Yes Daddy. Is Uncle going to be okay? I don't like that he is sad."
"I know my Little Prince, but this is apart of growing up. Your Uncle Thor has never had a real relationship before. He is learning that not every love is a love for the ages. It will hurt but we are here to support him and to help him accept the sadness and move on. Do you understand?"
"I think so. Does that mean you are still sad about my first Daddy being gone?"
"Yes, my son, I am sad but having you here with me is healing my heart." Loki placed a kiss on Harry's forehead.
"See Little Merlin, whatever happens, you are a big part of the Avengers and we're never going to let you go." Tony ruffled the boy's hair reassuring him of his place in there family. The three finished their lunch talking of the day's shopping and what they should later. Tony suggested a Disney Marathon stating that no childhood was complete with out knowing every Disney movie and songs designed to drive parents crazy. Harry agreed and couldn't wait while his father looked at both of them skeptically. After their meal was finished as promise Loki waved a hand and the kitchen began to clean itself. Food was magically put away and dishes began to rinse themselves before floating in to the dishwasher.
"I held up my end Stark you better honor your word." Loki spoke quirking an eyebrow at the genius.
"I am always a man of my word. Hey J., please place an order for a truck load of Fig Newtons and pay extra to get it here by dinner time. You know what order more pop-tarts too. Sparkles, is probably going to need some comfort food for after he talks to Jane." Tony added as he picked up his discarded jacket from the vacant chair.
"Yes, sir, I will alert you to the deliveries."
"Well thank you for a fun day and a delicious lunch but I need to change and get back to the lab. We still on for dinner?"
"Excuse me, when did I invite you to dinner?" The Raven haired man gaped.
"Of course you did. You are going to need help when Point Breaks actually breaks. Plus Harry said he was going to make Hamburgers to go with Movie Night and I can't miss that. See you at dinner time! Toodles!" Harry watched Tony smile and wave before running out the door because of the magic swirling around his father.
"You should not encourage him Haraldr." Loki sighed before magically changing into a green tee-shirt and worn denim jeans leaving his feet bare and relaxed.
"He's nice Daddy. Plus I think he likes you."
"I think you need spectacles son. He is always that annoying."
"I do need glasses but I don't need them to see that he really likes you." Harry shrugged as he tapped out his observations.
"Haraldr that man is insane but enough of him for now. What do you mean, you need glasses? Can you see me clearly?"
"No, not really, I only see things if I am really close. I mostly focus on voices to direct my magic." Harry kept his focus on his rainbow disc not wanting to see the anger and hate on his father's face.
"Jarvis can you please call Doctor Banner here?" Loki instinctive picked his son up and held him close.
"Yes Prince Loki."
"Haraldr we will find away to get you glasses but never hide that you need something. We are here to take care of you and love you my Little Prince. Nothing you could do or about you could ever make me push you away." Harry wrapped his thin arms around his father's neck letting the tears fall. He had been afraid if his father had found him flawed then he would be thrown away.
There was a knock on the door frame alerting the two ravens to the presence of there visitor. "Jarvis said you needed me?"
"Thank you for coming Banner. It seems we missed something in Haraldr's physical. He needs glasses but I do not know how to go about it. It is not something that is requested on Asgard." The father greeted Banner not letting go of his son in his arms.
"We were so concentrated on his major injuries that we totally forgot to check the basics of his development. I'll call Coulson and see if SHIELD has a trusted optometrist on the payroll and we'll get his glasses sorted out. I'll also contact Stephen and we'll coordinate to get Harry a traditional Physical. I want to make sure we don't forget anything else that might hinder his growth or development." Banner ran a hand through his hair mentally berating himself for such a blunder.
"That sounds good. See Haraldr all will be well." Loki muttered coaxing Harry out from hiding in the curve of his neck.
"Yeah Harry everything is going to be okay. We are here to help you to get better and be at your best." Bruce reassured softly.
"Okay Doctor Banner. May I bring Shadow with me?" Harry tapped out; the digital voice briefly caught the Doctor off guard.
"Wow you got a new voice. Let me guess Tony's latest invention?"
"Yes, Anthony was quite proud at his success this morning. He gets a smug look on his face every time Haraldr uses it."
"Yeah that sounds like Tony. So what or who is Shadow?"
"Shadow is the Jinx kitten my friend Jareth had gifted him this morning. He is still sleeping in our room the bonding took a lot of magic for the Familiar." The god explained.
"Shadow is my new friend."
"Well I don't see any problem with him coming to the lab as long as he behaves." Bruce smiled at the tiny demi-god. With those soulful green eyes it was hard to deny the child anything. He was about to ask more about the Jinx when they heard a loud clash of thunder.
"That's not a good sign."
"Is that who I think it is?"
"Yes, my brother has returned and he is upset with heart ache. I thought that he was in his room thinking things over. I did not think he would go and seek out Lady Jane right away. Thor acts on his emotions and often rushes in when he should slow down and think things through. Whatever was said between them has hurt my brother deeply." Loki looked out the window to see the clouds darken as they gathered around the tower.
"Should I get the others in case he needs to be restrained?"
"I'm not sure. This is his first heart ache. I don't know what will happen." For the first time since their childhood Loki didn't know what to do. The matter was suddenly taken out of his hands as his arms were now empty and a faint pop was echoing in the room. "Haraldr!"
XxXxXxXxXx
Thor stood on the roof of the tower trying to calm his emotions as the clouds gathered over head. He had thought about what Loki had said and it had made sense. He had been clinging to the hope that Lady Jane would love him once again. He though about how they had faded to that of a mere friendship instead of the unyielding love they once had flaming between them. While his brother and nephew took their midday meal with Friend Tony he decided to go see his Lady Jane and see if he was wrong. He wanted to prove to himself and his brother that she stilled loved him.
When he got to her work he did not announce his presence right away but watched her instead. He saw how focused she was on the project she working on and the smile that graced her lips on her success. The god of thunder had not seen that smile aimed at him for a very long time. Although he was not as well verse in magic as his brother he could do minor spells. He had a simple illusion charm to mask his presence but after a few minutes he had wished he had just gone to Jane and ended their courtship because what he heard sliced through his heart.
Flash Back
"Hey Jane I thought you were going to lunch with Your Thunder God?" Darcy asked as she entered the lab with her fast food lunch."
"I was but I am still mad at him." Jane sighed.
"What did he say? Was the whole nephew thing a lie?" Darcy asked taking the chair next to her boss and big bite of her Hoagie.
"No the kid is real but the whole thing is messed up. The boy was small and he was scared of everything. I think that he would be better off with Child Protective Services not being raised by his psycho brother."
"Jane it can't be that bad. I mean the kid is living with the Avengers how much safer can you get?"
"A lot safer! I get that they are heroes and they saved the world, but the kid needs a home and a family. Not to mention he was held by an evil Organization for years or that's what Thor has said he really hasn't told me why the kid Harry, that's his name, was held there. Anyways Harry needs a lot more than what the Avengers can give. Plus what are they going to do when they have to go save the world? Where does that leave the kid? It's frustrating that I can't call the CPS on them because they are aliens and our laws don't apply to them."
"Jane I think you are over reacting. How does Harry feel about them is he scared of them?"
"I couldn't tell, but he did cling to Tony Stark, he didn't go near that monster Loki. Why can't Thor see that his brother should be locked away to keep everyone safe from him? Oh and get this Stark was lying for Loki! He said that Loki was not himself when he tried to take over the world. What a bunch of shit." Jane stood up and stomped away trying to calm down but was failing.
"Have you talked to Thor about what you are feeling? Maybe he can tell you more about what is happening at the tower." Darcy could see her boss was upset but she was getting a little extreme. Yeah Loki was not on her list of favorite people but he was trying to make up for the pain he had caused. She had seen him on the news helping the Avengers and using his magic to help repair New York. He was trying to make amends. Also if he had a son then his efforts were probably doubled so his kid wouldn't hate him.
"Thor is blind! He always worshiped his brother. Loki can do no wrong in his eyes.
He doesn't even notice me any more or the work I'm doing to open the doors to other worlds! He's always off to Asgard, or off to save the world. Never a thought or praise for what I am doing just him and his hero work. I am so done with it."
Those words nearly killed Thor on the spot, but he held it together and left the room to calm his thoughts. His brother had been right; he and Jane were no longer on the same path nor were they even on the same planet. It was best to end things before the pain killed him.
End Flash Back
He had ended his spell and returned to her lab and was greeted with hostility from Jane. Thor politely asked to talk to her in private but she refused and said whatever he said could be said in front Darcy. Taking a deep breath Thor explained that they should end their courtship as his duties to Asgard and his family were increasing and he would be leaving earth more often. He told her he knew that his infrequent visits upset her and he didn't want to anger her or take her from her work that it was best if they part ways before they hurt one another. What was Jane's response? She slapped him and told him that his cowardly ass was no longer welcomed at her lab or home and to never come back.
There was nothing more to say it was over. He left the lab and flew Mjolnir back to Avenger Tower. His heart was breaking and it hurt so much. He tried but couldn't hold it in any longer. The gathered clouds began to rain and the lightning streaked the sky. His tears began to fall and he yelled out in anguish falling to his knees. Why did it have to hurt do much? He took a bolt of lightning to his unprotected chest trying to replace the emotional pain with a physical pain but it didn't help. He tried again with an even stronger bolt; maybe it would stop his heart and end his pain. He closed his eyes and waited for the lightning to strike but it never hit. Instead it had been absorbed by a shimmering white shield. Thor opened his eyes to see his tiny nephew standing at least six feet away from him in the pouring rain. Harry had no jacket or shoes and his clothes were soaked through with rain.
"Haraldr? Why are you out here? You are not well enough to be in this rain!" Harry ignored his uncle's words and walked to the kneeling man. When he was close enough he could see the tears that mixed with the rain on the pained face. "You should not be out here nephew."
Harry smiled sadly at Thor before for throwing his arms around the man's neck and hugging him with all the love he had for his uncle. Slowly big strong arms wrapped around the boy's waist and gently held him. The thunder began to quiet down and the rain began to slow as Thor finally let go and sobbed into the small shoulder of his caring nephew.
Neither the man nor child took notice of their audience watching them from the shelter of the roof hanger that house most of Tony's suits. Loki had panicked when Harry had teleported from his arms and without thinking told Jarvis to alert Tony so they could find him. Once Stark had arrived on scene the god calmed down and he pleaded for him to find Harry. It was then the Jarvis informed them that Harry was on the roof with Thor in the rain. The three Avengers all but ran up to the roof. Once they got to the roof Loki wanted to run out and protect his son but Tony held him back. The genius could see that Thor needed this pure and unconditional love that only Harry could give.
"See Harry has got Sparkles under control. I don't think Jane broke your brother but his heart will be bruise for awhile." Tony muttered holding Loki in place with a strong arm around his waist.
"He's right for once." Bruce added ignoring the 'Hey!' from Tony. "Harry has the type of magic people can only dream of and that is pure unadulterated love."
"Yes he does. I just wish he wasn't in the damn rain he could get sick."
"Don't worry My Dark Prince; Thor will bring him in soon. Look the sun is coming out and our mini Merlin just gave us a sign that everything is going to be alright." Tony pointed to the sky and there above hugging duo and over the tower was a beautiful Rainbow.
A/N: Yahoo! I got this out before leaving for the Holidays. Sorry for Jane I never really like her charater and that's why I had Thor dumper instead of the other way around. I will try to get the next chapter out before the weekend is over. Plot Bunnies need Food so keep Reviewing. Thanks for Reading.