Hey everyone, got another one done. I've read all of your reviews and I love the feedback I've been getting. I was a bit nervous about how the past few chapters came out but apparently they were a hit so thank you. As always I look forward to your reviews so here it is enjoy.
Dad's surgery went well. He recovered fairly quickly and moved into the newly named Avengers Tower full time. He no longer had the house in Malibu and Pepper could run the company from anywhere she wanted so that was a done deal. The days leading up to New years were spent out showing Wren the local sites and him getting bored and teleporting us around the world for lunch or dinner. I was surprised I still hadn't had any time jumps. The time stone had been surprisingly quiet. The only time it spoke up was when I considered having Wren teleport me to Washington DC to visit Peggy. Apparently it was a bad time.
By December 31st, Wren had gotten a lot more comfortable around Jess and Sam. Connor adored him. We had even gotten them to agree to tag along on our New Years Time Zone Crawl.
That day everyone got ready. I put my hair up in a ponytail with my hair straightened. My bangs had grown out and were now parted to the sides right down the middle. I wore a short ruched black dress with studs along the sides and a zipper running along the back. I put on a pair of studded Louboutin heels Wren had gifted me for Christmas. I walked downstairs.
"Wren you almost ready?" I called out.
"Just a sec." He replied. Next thing I knew he popped out behind me.
"Ah!" I shrieked.
"You know if I end up moving in you're going to have to get used to that?" He said.
"I could just always put a bell around your neck so I know where you are." I replied as I turned around.
"Wow, you look hot." He answered.
"Not bad yourself." I said. "You clean up nicely."
"I know, figured I may as well wear these once while I still can. If I end up doing another two years who knows when I'll get the chance to." He said.
"Wren, I'm not going to force you to move in but please don't sign up for another tour. You're great at your job but you can do that anywhere. You really want to keep working under Ross whose just waiting for the chance to catch you using your powers to lock you up or turn you into a super soldier?" I said.
"I don't but that's all I know. Fighting and putting soldiers back together. I never fit in back in London but at least in the army I can blend in." Wren said.
"Then don't fit in. You're awesome, you're a great doctor, and once you give people a chance to get to know you you're actually a good friend." I said.
"Is this supposed to be a pep talk?" He said confused.
"I'm just saying you have other options. Don't enlist again. You've isolated yourself enough and you've done enough. It's time for you to think about yourself Wren. Whether it be here or in London." I said.
"What would I even do here?" Wren asked.
"Dude you're a doctor, in case you haven't noticed there's kind of a shortage of those around here. Get a visa come work here. Try it out and if it works out become a citizen." I said.
"We've only known each other for a couple of months. Yeah and college students move in with complete strangers if they can make it work so can we." I said.
"How much would rent be?" He asked.
"The same as I pay." I answered.
"Which would be…"
"None dude. Though I do have to warn you I kind of like to keep this place private so if you're having a fling your going to have to get a hotel or something." I said.
"Nora I don't bring women to my home, I try to avoid getting stalked by obsessed women. I leave after they fall asleep." Wren answered.
"Um, didn't need to know that but okay." I said. "Just think about it."
"Fine, but if I move to the states I'll only be living here for a few days while I find an flat up to my standards." Wren said.
"Whatever you want." I answered.
"Let's go we have to pick up Sam and Jess." He said putting a hand on my shoulder and we were off.
The day started off in Paris two hours before midnight there. We had a late dinner and had some wine. After midnight there we headed to Dublin. We visited out old stomping grounds. Had an Irish Car bomb at "The Swinging Donkey". We danced for a bit before it was midnight there. After that Jess requested we stop by New York to watch the ball drop. We teleported in a few blocks from Times Square, I started getting the chills but it was probably the weather. This dress fit me like a glove but was not ideal for New York weather.
"Nora you okay?" Sam asked.
"Yeah just got the chills. New York is cold." I said. Wren pulled me out of the way of some drunk guy walking down the street and then it happened, I started glowing except this time Wren was still holding on to me.
"Uh oh." Wren said. We both started glowing and we were gone.
The next morning I woke up with another hangover and with no memory of the night before. Where did I end up last night? I got out of bed and was still wearing last night's dress but all my make up was off so that's good. I was sober enough to remember to do that at least. That's weird, no headache, no queasy stomach, No light sensitivity and no memories from last night. Something's off.
I got dressed and went downstairs.
Wren was already up and his suitcase was at the door.
"Morning." He greeted.
"Morning, um this is going to sound strange but what happened last night?" I asked.
"You don't remember?" Wren asked looking oddly relieved.
"Last thing I remember is you and I about to time jump in that alley in New York." I said.
"We did, it was quite an experience." Wren said awkwardly.
"Where'd we end up?" I asked.
"No where important now drop it." Wren said.
"Why?" I asked.
"Because the stone made it very clear it could erase me from existence if I ever talked about last night again and I'm very inclined to believe it." He said.
"It talked to you?!" I said shocked.
"Oh it talked all right. Starting to see why you hate the jumps. Aya can be quite a bitch." Wren said.
"Who the hell's Aya?" I asked.
"That's the stone's name." Wren answered.
"It has a name?!" I said shocked.
"Uh yeah, you've been her host for almost two years and you never bothered to ask her name?" Wren asked.
"Again I didn't even know she was a girl. I thought she took Nana's and my for just to mess with me." I said.
"From what I could tell everything it does it does for a reason. Mum's the word on what that reason it but you should try talking to it, might get some answers or at least some help with your abilities." Wren said.
"My powers are just fine." I answered.
"Last week you sneezed and made the Christmas Tree fall." He answered.
"The base was wobbly to start with."
"Sure it was. Just think about it." Wren taunted.
"Haha very funny. How long do we have?" I asked looking at his bags.
"About two hours before we head to the airport. Promised Jess and Sam we'd stop by." Wren said.
"Are they still alive after last night?" I asked.
"They are. I wouldn't murder our friends." Wren said. Our friends. He admitted it. He's come a long way in two weeks.
"Then I guess we should stop by." I said grabbing my keys.
"You know I can just teleport us there?" He said.
"How would I get back though?" I said.
"Right. Let's get a move on." He said.
One car ride later we were at Jess and Sam's door. Jess opened the door and Connor ran over to hug us. Wren beat me and got to him first.
"Oh hey bud." Wren said throwing him up in the air.
"Might not want to do that too much he just ate." Jess added.
"Projectile vomiting is a real thing Wren." I said.
Wren took Connor to the living room where Sam was watching something while I went with Jess to finish making breakfast.
"How are you holding up?" Jess asked.
"I'm good. I'm not even hung-over." I said beating eggs.
"I meant with Wren leaving. You two seem close." Jess said.
"He's a good friend." I answered.
"He is but you know that's not what I meant."
"Jess there's nothing there just two people who were in a sticky situation who became really good friends and are now going their separate ways until he decides whether or not they're going to live together."
"Yeah that, wait what?" Jess said.
"I told Wren if he wants to move in after his time's up he can." I said sipping coffee.
"Are you sure there's nothing going on between you two?' jess asked again.
"Jessica Moore Winchester I am fucking telling you there is nothing going on between Wren and I. We're just friends. Strictly platonic. He doesn't see me like that and I don't either. He's a great guy and great friend as you already know." I said.
"Uh huh. I hope he stays around. He reminds me a lot of you when we first met. Lonely, kind of sad but with a good heart." She said.
"I was going through some stuff." I said. "What made you give me a chance?"
"Honestly, I just had a really good feeling about you. Like there was something beneath all those rigid layers and I was right." She said with a smile.
"Thanks for giving me a chance sis." I said.
"Thanks for letting me."
"Guys get your butts in here breakfast is ready." Jess called out. Connor came running over to me and I lifted him up. I set him in his seat. Breakfast was good. We laughed and talked.
By the time it was time to go Connor and Jess were crying.
"Aww Buddy it's okay." Wren said hugging Connor.
"I expect a Skype call or at least an email." Jess said grabbing Connor and handing him to Sam.
"I'll try but I might be out in the field more since it's the last leg to my service." Wren said.
"Just let us know you're okay, proof of life." Jess said tearing up a bit.
"I will. Thank you, for everything." Wren said. Jess pulled him into a hug.
"Don't mention it. You're part of the family now. We're adopting you." She said.
"Once you're in you're in." Sam said giving him a bro hug. "It's nice not being the only guy around."
"Same, don't really have a ton of friends. It was nice not spending the holidays alone." He said.
"That's not happening anymore. You're always welcome. Drop in whenever you want." Jess said.
"Thank you." Wren said.
"Time to go." I said. "Bye guys." Connor turned to us with tears in his eyes and waved at us.
We got to the car and we sat there for a minute. I turned to look at Wren and I think I saw tears in his eyes.
"I got you something." I said.
"A going away present?" He said.
"Something like that." I pulled out a small packet of Benadryl. "Your supposed to take sleeping pills on the way to the airport so bottom's up."
"Thanks, but I think I can handle one plane ride." He said.
"Wren last time you kept muttering we're in a flying tin can waiting to fall from the sky and we're all going to drown in the ocean for trying to defy gravity." I said
"Yeah, I'll take those now." He said. He said grabbing the packet and swallowing them without water. "I thought about what you said."
"What part? I said a lot of things."
"The maybe moving in thing…" Wren said.
"Yeah?" I asked.
"Dallas seems like a good place for a fresh start. Good Barbeque. Rodeos, friends…"
"Those are all pluses, Never been to a rodeo before." I said.
"If that's still on the table I'd want to move in." he said looking out the window.
"Okay, you want the room you stayed in or another room cuz they're all up for grabs." I offered.
"You opening a bed and breakfast?" Wren joked.
"No but if you're moving in then its your home too. I have a ton of free time figured it might be time for a remodel, if you have any suggestions or anything you want…" I said.
"I like the room I was in, that mattress was good. Firm but not too firm." He said. "Maybe get rid of the wallpaper. It was a bit… old fashioned for my taste. The bookshelves though, I like those. Left my Christmas gift there."
"I'll get on that then." I said as we got to the airport.
"You know you don't have to walk in there with me." He said.
"I know, you still have about an hour before boarding starts." I said getting out.
We walked in to the airport and Wren checked in. We chatted for a bit and got a few other things he wanted for his room. Then it was time to go.
"It's time." He said standing up.
"Yeah, so I know you can take care of yourself but be careful out there." I said.
"I will, I have to be the only other competent Doctor in that place is staying in Dallas." He said with a smile.
"And I expect an email or a Skype call at least once every two weeks."
"Nora…"
"I know, You're going to be in the field but you have to head back to base at some point and …"
"Nora!" He said interrupting me. "I promise I'll call when I can."
"Okay good." I said.
"I have to go." He said.
"One last thing." I said.
"What…" He started but I interrupted him with a hug. He hesitantly put his arms around me. "Okay, I'll call you when I land." He said letting go.
"Right, have a safe flight." I said. He gave me a small grin before walking to the gate.
I knew it was only for a few months but I already missed Wren. Despite the rocky start to our friendship I was starting to see the guy I met in the future. He wasn't there yet but he was getting there. I wonder if he felt the same way.
Third Person's POV-
Steve had just gotten back from a mission in Sao Paolo. Fury had offered to give him some time off for the holidays but it wasn't like he had anyone to spend it with. Everyone he knew was dead. Natasha and Clint had invited him to Dinner for Christmas but he felt like he would be intruding.
The mission had taken longer than anticipated. Steve had decided to go in alone and he was not exactly tech savvy. He went in with out back up and without the intel needed. Everyone had made it out safely but it just reminded him of how much everything had changed and how far behind he truly was.
Steve took off his uniform and hopped in the shower. He dressed up in a pair of sweats and a white T-shirt. He looked in the mirror and looked at his hair. Natasha had taken him to get a haircut a few weeks ago. He looked like he fit in but still didn't feel like he did. Steve towel dried his hair a bit before deciding it was dry enough and going to bed. He picked up the old compass they had found with him and opened it up.
The photo was a worn out but it was still in good condition. He could still see both of his soulmates smiles as they hugged each other while looking at the camera.
"I wish you two were here. You'd love it here Buck, fast planes. Fast cars. Fast… everything. Rollercoasters are bigger than before. They make the cyclone look like a merry go round."
"I'm sorry. I should've found a way back. I left you alone Nora and now you were never born. I deserve this. I love you two and I miss you so much." Steve said. Closing the compass and putting it back on his nightstand. He wiped the tears off his face and laid down on his bed and stared at the ceiling.
He woke up the next morning for his run like he always did but this time there was a knock at his door before he left.
There was a blond woman with shoulder length hair and brown eyes. She was wearing jeans and a simple grey T-shirt.
"Hi, I'm Sharon, I just moved in next door." She said introducing herself.
"Nice to meet you ma'am, Steve Rogers." Steve said putting his hand out for a handshake.
"I know, one of the other neighbors mentioned it. Sorry to wake you up but I work weird hours and I heard your alarm so I thought I'd stop by."
"You didn't wake me I was just on my way out for my morning run." Steve said.
"I also wanted to tell you, Director Fury asked me to help you catch up with technology among other things." She said.
"You're a Shield Agent?" He said surprised.
"Yeah, I'm taking some time off from the field, My aunt's sick and I wanted to be close just in case." Sharon explained.
"I'm sorry about your aunt." Steve said.
"It's okay. It happens. You actually know her, her name's Peggy Carter." Sharon mentioned. Her eyes gleamed when she said her aunt's name.
"Peggy's your Aunt? I've been meaning to stop by for a visit but I've been a bit busy." Busy trying to find excuses to not go. Shield had given him Peggy's contact information and there had been many times he had wanted to go but he was afraid of seeing how much she had aged and of finding out what had happened to Nora after he was gone.
"She talks about you all the time. You should visit her while you can. She's starting to forget things." Sharon said sadly.
"I'll stop by when I can." Steve said.
"I'm sure she'd like that. Well I have to go finish unpacking let me know when you're free so we can start catching you up." Sharon said.
"I'm free later today, want to grab a coffee? I know a place down the street." Steve offered.
"Sounds good. I'll be home all day so just come over when you're free." Sharon said with a big smile. She had heard the rumors that he had been transferred to DC after New York. It just so happened that Peggy had been recently diagnosed with Alzheimer and someone needed to be close to her just in case. Sharon volunteered before any of her other cousins could. She had always loved Peggy's stories of Steve. She was in love with the idea of working with him, following in her aunt's footsteps. It did help that he was even more handsome than the photos her aunt had. Maybe they could be more than just work colleagues she thought.
"Sounds good thank you." Steve said gratefully.
"It's my pleasure." She said with a flirty smile before walking back to her apartment.
Steve grabbed his keys and wallet before locking up.
Nora's POV-
I got back to the ranch and was ready to start drawing up plans for the remodel. From what I remember in the future I changed the counter tops in the kitchen from tile to granite. I also turned the downstairs storage room into another bedroom. Not sure why I'd need another one but I must have had it for a reason. I figured it might also be time to redo the lab downstairs. I'm sure Dad could help me out with that. At that moment something on my chest started glowing.
I looked down and saw it was the stone Heimdall had given me when I became an Asgardian citizen. I grabbed my keys and locked up before heading into the backyard.
"Heimdall" I said looking up. Next thing I knew there was a light that shot down from the sky to me. There was a circle around me and next thing I knew I felt like I was flying. It felt a lot like when Wren teleported us somewhere.
Eventually the flying stopped and I was in the Aesir.
"Nora," Heimdall greeted.
"Heimdall, it's been a while." I said.
"That it has old friend. King Odin has requested your presence at Prince Loki's trial." Heimdall said.
"It's been six months, you're barely starting the trial?" I asked.
"It is not an easy matter for the King to decide on. It is his own son." Heimdall reminded me.
"True, I still don't understand why I'm here. I though my main responsibility was to defend and protect Asgard if I'm needed and this place looked very well protected." I pointed out.
"Appearances can be deceiving. Asgard is safe for the moment but the other realms have been thrown into chaos." Heimdall said.
"Great, I finally decide to come back home from the war front on earth only to be thrown right back to interdimensional warfare." I said.
"You wouldn't have been called unless it was necessary." Heimdall said.
"I made a promise, time to keep it." I said. "Shall we." I said walking out of the Aesir.
One carriage ride later and we were there. We walked through the palace to the throne room. The guards we saw along the way bowed as we passed. Well that's a major change from the last time I was here. Last time everyone was still mad that a human was granted citizenship.
"Uh, what's going on?" I asked.
"That is something you will find out later on." Heimdall said.
"Another time jump?" I said.
"A few centuries for us, a couple of decades for you." He answered.
"Great." I said.
We arrived at the throne room and the guards bowed before opening the door. I walked in but after a few steps I tripped on something.
"Ow." I said standing up. I looked over and saw that it was Mjolnir. I got up and grabbed it. "What the hell Thor?!"
"Nora! What a wonderful sight. It has been far too long old friend. And the years have made you even more beautiful than I last saw you." Thor said trying to flatter me so I wouldn't smack him with his own hammer.
"No one likes a kiss ass Thor." I said handing him Mjolnir. He took it while giving me a smile. I couldn't help but smile even though I rolled my eyes.
"That is enough sentiment we are here to decide on the fate of Loki Laufeyson for his crimes against the peace of the nine realms." Odin said.
"With all due respect Allfather, Loki didn't attack the nine realms. He only attacked Midgard, Earth specifically. He almost caused my father's death along with the hundreds of others he killed during his invasion." I said giving Loki a pointed look. He was in hand cuffs with some sort of muzzle on him.
"Your father?" Thor asked.
"I saw that happen my king. Lady Nora's father was very fortunate to survive that battle." Heimdall added.
"Loki's actions led to the chaos in the other realms not just on Asgard." Odin said sternly.
"I disagree. Asgard is the foundation of peace in the nine realms. With the destruction of the Bifrost you no longer had access to send warriors to keep the peace. Yes Loki played a big part in it but it's not all his fault. What you should really be asking is who gave Loki that army and that scepter." I argued.
"Is there something troubling you?" Frigga asked.
"When I saw Loki in New York there was something off about him. He still acted the same but it was to a new extreme and for a second I could have sworn his eyes weren't green they were pale blue." I said.
"One of the warriors I fought alongside with against the Chitauri was taken over by the scepter's power. His eyes were also blue." Thor said.
"My King, I beg of you, show Loki mercy. His actions were not his own." Frigga pleaded for her son. Loki actually softened his glare when he looked at his mother kneel in front of Odin.
"Loki your actions on Midgard would normally be punished by death but with everything that has been brought to my attention I instead sentence you to life in the palace's dungeon. Learn the error of your ways and maybe one day you shall be redeemed. Guards, take him to his cell." Odin said. "Lady Nora, you shall stay we have matters to discuss."
"Okay." I said. "So there's chaos across the realms."
"Your services as a warrior of Asgard are required." Odin said.
"I figured I wasn't just called over because of a simple hearing. You already had your mind made up." I said.
"You think Loki did not get the punishment he deserved?" Odin said glaring at me.
"I didn't say that. Despite everything he's done Loki is still the person you raised whether he's adopted or not he's still your son and you still believe he can be saved." I said.
"What makes you say that?"
"Because despite the hell I put my Dad through the past year he never gave up on me." I said.
"Nevertheless, Loki's actions have sparked chaos in the realms and that must be dealt with. An expeditionary force of the warriors three, Lady Sif, yourself, led by Thor shall leave at first light to Niflheim. You are to assess the situation and if possible take out any threats." Odin declared.
"So essentially show up, find, and slay the dragon." I said jokingly.
"You are by no means to slay Nighug." Odin said.
"Wait there's an actual dragon? Those are real?" I said shocked.
"Very much so." Thor said.
"Okay, no dragon slaying. Got it." I said.
"That is all for now." Odin said.
"Thank you." I said with a nod before heading out of the throne room.
"Nora." I heard Thor call after me.
I stopped and turned around. "Hey, everything alright?" I asked.
"All is well, let's head to the dining hall I am sure our friends shall be happy to see you again." Thor said.
"Sounds good." I said.
"I also managed to procure some ale from father's reserve." He said with a sneaky smile as he pulled out a decorated flask from a pocket.
"As great as that sounds, Odin and Frigga won't storm in and bust our party right?" I asked remembering how well that went last time.
"Nora I'm a millennia old, more than old enough to have a few ales with my fellow warriors especially the night before we head into battle." He said.
"Odin gave you permission this time didn't he?" I said.
"And mother as well." He said making me laugh.
"Then lets go share the spoils of your victory." I answered.
As we walked down the hallway leading to the dining room I couldn't help but think of the promises I was breaking by keeping the promise I made when I became a citizen of Asgard. I promised Wren I'd stay put and not go back to war. I promised dad and Rhodey I'd call if I did decide to go to war. I promised Jess I'd let her and Sam know if I was leaving Dallas again so they could look after Axl. Oh shit Axl! No wait, I left the doggie door open and enough food and water out to last a week. That should be enough to get him through the next few days. I'll ask Heimdall to send me back after we get back from Niflheim that is if I don't get eaten alive or roasted by Nighug. What's the worst that could happen?"
The Next Day-
When Odin said something about a dragon I thought Niflheim was going to be some enchanted forest with knights in shining armor and castles guarded by dragons. I was not expecting a never-ending frozen mountain range. The only good thing about this entire situation were the clothes Frigga had given me. They had some sort of enchantment on them so the old wouldn't bother me.
"Everyone be on guard, it's too quiet." Thor said. I really hate it when people say that.
At that moment the grounds started shaking and the mountain started rising. It shook from side to side shaking the snow off to reveal a dragon's head.
"I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that's Nighug." I asked Thor.
"You would be correct, run." Thor said.
We ran as fast as we could trying to get some cover. We got to a foggy clearing and we ran through it.
"There's a cave up ahead, get inside." Sif yelled as Nighug started roaring.
We all ran into the cave just as Nighug started breathing fire. As soon as I got into the cave I couldn't see anyone. It was like they had all disappeared.
"Thor! Sif!" I called out. There was an echo but no reply. I walked further in the cave. There were glowing green crystals lighting up the path.
"Is anyone in here?!" I yelled out again.
I made a turn and saw a man wearing a blue. "Hello." I said getting closer.
"Hey Doll, I missed you." He said.
"Bucky?" I said.