Darcy has never been so nervous in her entire life, she doesn't even know how they are going to make it past this or let alone how she is going to keep it cool. Sure, she spent time with both Thor and Jane before. But she never had to hide Loki, who happens to not only be a fugitive but Thor's brother and she has to keep him beingn here a secret before. She wonders what is going to happen and where will all of this lead, even if Loki doesn't become a hero and he will, if she has anything to say for it. Though she doesn't even know how she is going to do it or if she will keep everything under control or ensure that Thor and Jane won't suspect a thing.
She is already imaging all of the worst case scenarios on what might go wrong if something leads to both of them finding out the truth and Loki's secret. Along with all of the scenarios that would lead to them finding out in the worst possible way. One would be if someone needed to go to the bathroom and then when they open the door, they find Loki right inside. But then again, she probably wouldn't have to worry about that, Loki gave her the perfect excuse and she can always say that the bathroom is broken, that she is planning to call a plumber tomorrow. But what if Thor knows something of how fixing bathrooms or plumbing?
Then again, the whole wanting to know everything is more Loki's thing rather than Thor's, that is from knowing both brothers or at least from spending time with both of them. Plus both Thor and Loki are princes of Asgard, she really doubts that their dad would have gotten a teacher that would teach them plumbing, pipes and how to repair them. At least Darcy hopes not and maybe she should ask Loki later on what courses he took back in Asgard to learn more about what life might have been like for them and it seems really interesting and she would like to get to know more about what life might be like for an Asgardian, it might even be cool and a great icebreaker for them.
But right now, she has bigger things to worry about and as she continues to set the place up and make sure that everything is ready for the visit on the horizon. Though Darcy does wonder what is going on in that bathroom and if she should be worried about it, since as far as she knows Loki might be doing some magic or thinking of something that might cause trouble. But deep down, she thinks that Loki is not going to do anything like that or at least have this hope that he is not going to do something and is just going to give him a benefit of the doubt and with the hope that she is right about the good that she now sees in Loki that she doesn't know if Loki can see that within himself. Maybe once she gets him to become a hero and he sees things in a new point of view then maybe he can see that part that he keeps hiding and then...
Even if that's the case, she is going to go back and set some ground rules, she has to make sure that nothing is going to go wrong or if something is going to attract her attention that will make things harder for her later. Darcy heads her way towards the bathroom, ready for whatever she is going to have to worry about later and then again the mere idea of possibly having to deal with a mess that would later lead to someone finding out and she can already imagine how things will go from there and she doesn't like it for one moment.
One that would lead to an awkward moment where they would first discover Loki and demand some sort of explanation and then they would give it. That would result in it having an angry lecture from both of them and being yelled at for it. Thus ending in both of them winding up in jail and being kept on a close watch by Thor or S.H.I.E.L.D or someone else who's in charge. She wouldn't be surprise if Thor never lets Loki and herself live it down and then later lead to them facing even bigger consequences later on.
Darcy quickly make her way through the hallway, hoping that Loki would be willing to listen to her and that nothing will go wrong. She knocks on the door, ready to speak to Loki. After Loki simply opens the door, Darcy doesn't waste a second in coming right in, not even sure what to do next and how to start of the entire conversation and if she is able to find a good starting point or what to say to Loki, the last thing they need is another argument between the two and it takes up for most of the time until Thor and Jane arrives. Before she can even start to get the conversation started...
"I see that you returned soon and rather quickly, I am assuming that neither Thor and his lady hasn't arrived yet?" said Loki.
"No, they are still not here yet and before they do, I just want to go over some rules before it all happens and any of the worst case scenarios happen." said Darcy. "For starters, no big mega spells that guarantee unintentionally getting their attention, if you do magic then try to do small spells that would guarantee me needing a new bathroom."
"Darcy, I am one of the most wanted person in the entire planet, especially if they ever find out of my residence here, then they won't hesitate in getting me apprehended." said Loki. "Besides I am a master in keeping myself hidden and that alone should satisfy any concern you may have towards the subject."
"Ok them, another rule would be to try to make as little noise as possible. So that way we can draw as little attention as possible." said Darcy. "I don't even know if we can even come up with excuses unless you can disguise the sounds as something that anyone would think as a wired noise coming from a broken bathroom."
"I have magic and I can simply use it to make any noise silent through my magic and that alone is something that I have already cast a spell on, only you and I can hear everything that is being said in this room." said Loki. "As long as the two of us are still in this room, no one else can hear what we is being said."
"Really? Now that's so cool and a total upgrade to the privacy in here." said Darcy. "Is there anyway we can keep the spell in here once all of this is over?"
"I could, but wouldn't that also cause an inconvenience?" asked Loki, already imaging all of the scenarios that could happen.
"Alright, you got me there." said Darcy who can already see what Loki mean. "Another rule is that you stay in the bathroom at all times and just try to make sure that you don't get any-"
"I already know all of this Darcy, I don't need you to give me a reminder of everything I already know and one would think that you are so paranoid that you don't have any confidence that things will go well or if it does then it won't be anywhere close on what you are hoping that it would happen." said Loki. "Honestly, I don't even know why you are doubting my ability to stay hidden and assuming that it will end so poorly so profusely."
"Sorry about that, I am just trying to make some rules and making sure that there's no flaw in our plans." said Darcy. "I am just nervous, I have never done anything like this before."
"Well, I never thought that I would ever be in a situation like this before either." said Loki. "I believe I might be nervous too and I can tell that you are too."
"I just hope that this will be over quickly and that maybe Thor and Jane won't suspect a thing." said Darcy. "I don't even know what to think about doing that to my friends or how I feel about this."
"I know... The feeling of uncertainty and all of the desires and emotions that one might be feeling." said Loki. "That it might be tempting..."
"What might be?" asked Darcy confused.
"You know everything I have done and how I wound up in this position." said Loki. "I wish... that I could go out there and show Thor that I survived, I am alive and to make amends with him and make up for everything I have done..."
Darcy starts to feel sorry for Loki, not even sure if there is anything she can say or what else she might be able to do to help. Since it is obvious that he seems to be lost and he wants to change or at least wants to start anew. Feeling as though he can't allow Thor in finding out and that he can't fix his mistakes. If only she can get him to see that being a superhero might be the best way to start to making things and if he agrees then he would be able to do many good things and start to redeem himself. But she is still determined to get him to go for it and say yes, she just have to keep on trying and hopes that she will get him to agree to it.
"Loki-" starts Darcy before the doorbell suddenly rings. "Looks like they're here, I guess I better get going and see through this to make sure that it goes well. You got everything right?"
"Darcy, didn't I make myself clear that-" starts Loki before he notices that Darcy is now laughing.
"Gotcha, there was no way I was going to let you get away your little joke from earlier." said Darcy through her laughter
"That was unexpected..." said Loki taken aback from that prank.
"Ok, now I am on a roll when it comes to trying to get you off guard and maybe surprising you is a secret talent that I never knew I had." said Darcy.
"I am astonished..." said Loki quickly regaining his composure. "I highly suggest that you head over and let them in, it might look suspicious if you keep them waiting."
"Right, I'll be back as soon as I can." said Darcy. "I hope that we don't make this a habit, I don't want to lie all of the time and yet I know that I have to."
"It will get easier in time, yet it will only grow bigger and it will be harder to escape from. Just be ready for that and allow yourself to prepare for the frequency." said Loki. "Now go and get this over with."
With that Darcy just gives Loki quick nod and begins to head on her way, while Loki on the other hand does not know what to make of the entire situation. This has been a confusing and yet surprising past couple of days and he doesn't even know what to make of the entire situation. He now hiding from his brother on Midgard and at risk of possibly being caught or worst taking part in it. But he will leave before it gets that far, he has to and he will, especially before things get out of hand and he will be free from everything and start a new life, one that he won't have to worry about the past and can live his life without worrying about anything causing him trouble because of it.
But still he is grateful for Darcy's kindness and her help, how she is doing everything she can to help him despite knowing what he has done and all of the trouble that he is now causing her. He doesn't know why she would do so, aside from being overly excited that she met someone else who was involved or rather was the cause of the entire situation or simply the fact that she is so amazed by the idea of him becoming a hero and is happy to annoy him until he agrees. But her persistence is admirable and her willingness to help others even if there is nothing in it for her and if it's him of all people.
The one who many would say that he doesn't deserve it and that she should simply let everyone aware that he has returned to this planet. But from what he has seen so far, Darcy is different and instead of being mistrustful, she showed him nothing but kindness and is nothing what he thought of what a human would be and that maybe he underestimated their intelligence and humans are not as weak as he assumed. She chose to give him chance regardless...
Loki decides that it's best for him to stop thinking about Darcy right now and simply hide in this room and wait for the entire ordeal to be over. He can't lose track on what's most important by admiring Darcy's positive traits and any desire to catch Thor off guard by revealing that he's alive, Loki knows that he needs to think about himself and focus on making sure that he maintains the freedom that he is desperate to hang on to and hide his existence in this planet and this apartment. He has to hide in order to maintain the secret...
Meanwhile in the other side of the apartment
Darcy quickly makes her way towards her door and to face one of the most nerve wrecking moments that she has ever had to do. She just hopes that no one would either suspect something or she accidentally let it slip. But she has already came up with a plan in case of that happening or rather to make sure that it doesn't happen. All she has to do is have them either do all of the talking like how great they are back together or just talk about how awesome things went yesterday and the entire battle. She just hopes that she can somehow make it look like she doesn't have a secret and that they won't suspect a thing, she is now writing a mental note to herself that simply thinking not to mess this up, as she slowly open the door.
"Hey guys..." said Darcy rather nervously. "What's up?"
"We just came by to check in..." said Jane as she quickly notices Darcy's nervous tone. "Is everything ok? You sound really nervous and jumpy right now and even more so over the phone."
"Yeah, I'm fine!" said Darcy hastily and begins to worry about Jane being suspicious. "You guys have nothing to worry about, especially if it has something to do with me in general."
At that moment, she gives both Thor and Jane a nervous laugh and the two exchange a unsure and yet surprise look at the entire reaction. She becomes even more worried as she about her behavior that she might have unintentionally made them suspect something and that might possibly lead to them getting some hints and they will figure out the truth and then disaster will strike. All Darcy needs is to play things cool and to get them to forget on any hints that something might be going on and her odd behavior.
"Uh, can we come in?" asked Thor who is taken aback by Darcy's strange behavior and wants to help his friend in whatever may be worrying her.
"Yeah, of course!" said Darcy instantly. "Come right in..."
She quickly open the door even further and allows Thor and Jane to enter the apartment, from one look at Darcy, both of them can see that there is something going on. It doesn't take a deep thinker to see that Darcy is hiding something and it's something that has been clearly dominating her mind and that alone is obvious that something is making her really nervous. Both of them wants to find out what is doing so or if Darcy is having some trouble that might need help in any way they can. Especially if it's bothering Darcy, they are willing to stay as long as it might take if it means that they are there for their friend and they will help in whatever problem that might be going on.
Darcy watches them nervously, as she thinks about the problem that she has gotten herself into and how she is going to get out of this with nothing going wrong and both Loki and herself in big trouble. She takes a quick look at her apartment to make sure that everything looks as good as it did as before she let Loki stay with her as long as he needs to. She just follows the two right into the apartment and is just relieved that it is perfectly fine and that there is no evidence of anything Loki related. She quickly gives a sigh of relief as she decides that it's time to try to break the ice and to try to be a good host and not let any secrets come out. Darcy knows that she needs to just play it cool...
"So, what brings you guys here to my place?" said Darcy. "If it's nothing more but to say hi and coming by to check in on me, then thanks for coming by and I really appreciate it. But if you guys excuse me, I have a ton of... stuff to do and it's really important, we're heading towards the extreme side of it."
"Yeah, that's pretty much why we came here..." said Jane as she sees Darcy's behavior more clearly and wanting to stay there a bit longer for Darcy.
"How is everything after the invasion?" asked Thor. "A lot of the people in this realm is now facing trouble due to it and I just wanted to make sure that you are alright."
"Well, everything is awesome over here and it's still fine." said Darcy quickly and yet awkwardly. "So you guys have nothing to worry, nothing at all. Everything is absolutely fine."
Both Thor and Jane exchange an unconvinced look to one another and then share it with Darcy, it's even more obvious now. Jane is now wondering what might be going on that might be making her this determined to keep whatever that might be going on a secret. While Thor knows that there is more to the story and is ready to find out what Darcy is hiding. Ready to stand by her side and fight off whatever might be bothering Darcy and to help in anyway he can, in whatever way it might be. Both of them notices how nervous Darcy looked and from the tone that she just showed, they know that they need to find out what to help Darcy deal with whatever the problem may be.
"You seem to be really... overly excited for a reason." said Thor pointing out the most obvious fact.
"What? I am just excited in seeing my friends and we saved the world, go team!" said Darcy as she heads towards the door and held it open, silently urging them to get out, hoping they would get the hint that she's kicking them out. "Thanks for stopping by to check on me, but I am doing fine and don't want to hold you guys up from your date, the one that you two have been waiting in like forever to have. You both probably don't want to stay here for any longer than-"
"Actually we don't mind staying here for a little while to hang out with you." said Jane. "Besides we have plenty of time now that Thor is not going back to Asgard any time soon."
"Wait, really? That's so awesome I am so happy for both of you." said Darcy happy that both of them can finally be together. "So I guess you guys will want to leave soon, to make up for lost time and to enjoy every moment that you guys now have and I really don't want to hold you guys up on any fun you might have planed."
"We will have plenty of time to spend time with one another and before the next catastrophe, your safety is more important than our own personal entertainment Darcy." said Thor. "We'll be happy to stay as long as it may be needed and spend the evening with you."
At that moment, Darcy became really nervous and how things are not going well right now or how everything is going towards an even bigger challenge. She doesn't even know how she is going to keep this up for any longer. Since it's clear that there is no way she is going to be able to convince them to leave and even if she tries, it would convince them to stay even more and longer. Maybe she should go tell Loki what's going on and to let him know that there is something going on, along with hoping that maybe she can convince Loki in escaping on the fire escape or something. If she is going to do it then then she is going to need to be really sneaky and to need to stay calm in order to do so.
To try to entertain them, be a good friend and to tell Loki the current status without looking suspicious and letting more hints come out into the open. Plus it would be a good time for her to check in on him, in case of anything else that might be going on and it is something that she should know about and it is going to make her pay the consequences later. Darcy doesn't know Loki very well to know what would happen if Loki is stuck in the bathroom for hours on end and she wouldn't be surprised if he's bored in there. Not that she would blame him, she would probably be bored too if she is the one that is trapped in there for possibly hours with nothing to do. From remembering everything that has happened and how upset Loki can get from simply finding out that he was adopted or being second best according to Thor and the news, she doesn't want to know what's going to happen if he's upset and what else Loki might be capable of...
"I am going to quickly check the bathroom, it has been acting wired all day and I am going to call a repair person tomorrow to see if there might be any damages." said Darcy trying to head the way towards the bathroom and yet not keeping her eyes off her friends. "I have been having problems with the bathroom and I think it might be a broken pipe or something. I can't use the bathroom without some problem coming up, I had to go to my neighbors to shower, brush my teeth or go to a store if I am ever out and nearby, to save myself from more awkward moments. It has been a pain, for whenever I need to use it for you know... all of that stuff..."
Darcy looks at them even more awkwardly and lets out a nervous laugh as both Thor and Jane stare at her in absolute confusion and not even knowing what to make of the entire situation. While Darcy is feeling a sense of feeling even more uncomfortable as she sees and thinks about what she just said and can't believe that she even said what she said. It has to be one of the most awkward, wired and humiliating things that she has ever said in her life and an explanation that she never wants to give again. That is if she has to use the broken down bathroom excuse again, she nervously look at her friends and is relieved that they don't seem to be demanding for answers or figuring out any of the clues that she unintentionally gave or make any theories. At least there is hope there and she can just head over and warn Loki and pretend that none of this happened.
"Ok Darcy, we can just hang out here until you deal with... whatever you have to deal with." said Jane, while Darcy is giving an obvious sigh of relief. "That really sucks, let me know if you need any help. If this problem continues and you need some time off to deal with it or if you need any help paying for the repairs."
"What? No Jane, that won't be necessary." said Darcy quickly. "I don't think I am going to have that much trouble or any at all, when it comes to paying the bills, I have it all covered."
"Really Darcy, I insist and it's fine." said Jane. "I was thinking about giving you a raise anyway, especially after all your hard work during the past year and all of the help you gave us during the invasion."
Wow, that's great! Thanks so much!" said Darcy happily and relieved. "I'l be back soon!"
Without even wasting another second, Darcy quickly leaves the room in a hurry and to get to Loki before anything happens. She is just relieved that she and to some extent Loki, came up with an excuse that both Thor and Jane easily bought and believed it. Not too mention, she also just got herself a raise and that alone is more than enough to make her happy of her luck. Maybe Thor should take Jane on trips to Asgard which would later result in them coming over and she has to hide Loki in the bathroom more often, though the whole broken bathroom excuse would get old eventually, since it would be harder for anyone to believe if she has bathroom trouble every time they come over. It would be and look really suspicious, she wouldn't be surprises if they decide to conduct their own investigation after they smelled a rat and to find out the truth.
Though she wonders what should their next move be, that is if they are going to make some after this recent development. If Thor and Jane going to stay at her home for a longer visit than they both initially anticipated. They should figure out what they are going to do next or if Loki should even stay in the bathroom, the last thing they need is for something to go wrong and then it will ultimately lead to Thor and Jane discovering Loki. Sure she knows that Loki can simply use his magic to literally make himself disappear from plain sight, but she is now thinking of all of the worst scenarios and everything that might go wrong. If they find out the truth then it will definitely be a long night for both of them and maybe she should get a bigger place if Loki is going to stay here for a while, in case they have any more visitors coming over.
For now, they just have to get through this and see if they can make it through the visit and to see how they can keep this secret, well a secret for a while and she just hope that the two of them can think of something for Loki to do and maybe they will get through this. That is Darcy hopes that they will...
Ok the ninth chapter is here and it's a bit more expanded and allow the story to grow over the course of this chapter and for more development in the chapter. Though I am starting to think that this and the tenth chapter should be one whole chapter, but I think that the ninth chapter works well on it's own and helps the story grow even more than it had before.
Ok, I think I nailed in diving into Darcy's thoughts and expanding the scene even further than I did in the original chapter. That is what I am aiming for and one that I have been hoping to do in these rewrites, to expand, fix the grammar and to keep the chapters true to the original chapters. I hope that you guys enjoyed this rewrite and excited to see the rest and the final two chapters of Redemption.
I think the earliest that the next rewrite might come out is in two weeks and as for the fifty first chapter, I am hard at work on it and making sure that it is the best it can be. As I am writing the next chapter and plan out the final chapter and let's just say that we are in the finale, the fifty first chapter will be the chapter where we will see the story start to wrap up before we reach the final chapter. Not only that, it will be a chapter that will set up the final moments of Redemption. I might possibly have to delay it a little bit, since not only to make room for eight rewrites that are now in the works and I am going to release them before the second to last chapter if everything goes according to plan.
The final two chapters are bsically a two part finale and the next chapter will serve as the most important part and sets up the ending. Since it will be setting up the plot points and moments that will resolve the story. Moments that will set up the ending that I have been planning for a while, that I am still working out on all the details and I am aiming it to be satisfying and yet have some lose ends if I ever go for a sequel.
But at the end of the day, it will be an ending where there's room for more but at the same time, give us closure of the story that we have been following for this long. An ending that I am hoping that you guys would like and one that will be worth the wait.
But just because the main story is ending, it doesn't mean that this will be the end of Redemption. The rewrites will allow us to see a expansion of the story and to see more development and scenes with in the story and growth as a whole.
I'm also thinking of possibly doing one-shot chapters for Redemption that takes place during the time skip and it can be anything like slice of life fics, Loki teaming up with the Avengers or just Thor and Loki as Mysto of course. teaming up (it can be a midquel story with multiple chapters), maybe even a Loki and Hiemdel team up or maybe even Loki and Darcy's adventures of searching for the Infinity Stones. But it has to take place during the time skip and not be something that would add more to the main story that it would be necessary to read them. They are mostly would be stand alone stories that still in the Redemption canon and yet still be part of the story (think of it like a spin of series of a movie that the story takes place between the previous movie and the sequel like How to Train your Dragon (the first and second) or Tangled (for the movie and Ever After short) for example.) I'm open to any idea that you guys might have, just put a review or pm me with your ideas and I'll be happy to use your ideas to write them into one shots. (Maybe even a Guardians of the Galaxy prequel/midquel before Gamora got caught by Thanos or even one before she even met Loki or went through the events of the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie?)
Though I would be mostly doing Loki ones but I am open to the idea, but I was also thinking of having them to be more interconenctive than one may think, that it would be telling an overall story which would serve as a prequel, but at the same time they would be stand alone stories and within them, they will have a story arc that will lead into the rest of Redemption after the Age of Ultron arc. But the Gamora one is definitely going to be stand alone and I am open to doing more Redemption, but before I make any decisions I want to finish this story first before I get started on one shots or any sequels. Especially since the next two chapters and the rewrites are my top priority at the moment. :)
If you guys want to share a favorite moment or have any questions, you guys are so welcome to leave a review or pm me. I'd be happy to answer any questions and be happy to hear from you when it comes to anything you all may have to say. :)
Special thanks to Brigitta for giving me the whole Thor and Jane coming over to check in on Darcy and she has to hide Loki. I really appreciate it and you will see how things play out in the following chapters. :)
Lastly, I want to say is that I am dedicating the Redemption fanfic to a good friend that has been there for me for the last couple of years. One that I will always appreciate that our friendship happend for the rest of my life. I am dedicating this story to Brigitta Pekelharing, a friend that helped me out of the darkness that I often take for granted. But I want to thank her for everything and helping me during the darkest time of my life, her friendship has made me grow into a better person and writer. I am always going to be grateful for the friendship that we shared and the impact that it made on me. In a way if it weren't for our friendship then there might not even be a Redemption because she got me into Marvel movies and helped me at the beginning of writting the fanfic. Thanks Brigitta for everything :)
So what will Loki and Darcy do with their unplanned and possibly unwanted in Loki's case visitors? Will they be able to pull off this visit without anything going wrong? How will things go? Will they succeed or will something go wrong?
Find out in the next chapter of Redemption, whether it's the original chapter or the upcoming rewrite. See you in the next update. :)