(this is a slight step out and brief refocus to christie from my other fanfic, 'assassin in asgard'. it's pretty much a one off to spread the new storyline out a little better)
...
It had been a week and a half.
Ashley and Steve were pretty much besotted and everyone in the tower could tell. Whenever Steve laid eyes on her she'd blush like crazy, or sometimes she'd whisper cheeky things into his ear, leading him to smirk suggestively to himself for the rest of the evening. They hadn't done anything overly intimate quite yet, because Steve Rogers being Steve Rogers meant that everything was still moving quite slowly.
But Ashley didn't mind that. Being curled up with him in his bed and spending time with him when he wasn't off tackling bad guys was more than enough for her, and she wouldn't trade that for the world.
Speaking of love - was this it? Another thing she had considered but never out loud.
This evening in particular was a pleasant one. The two of them were laying in Ashley's bed, Steve shamelessly slumped beside her and falling asleep whilst Ashley was sitting up, snacking on dried mangos and watching 'Mr & Mrs Smith' with Lady Bucky curled up on her legs. Originally Steve promised that he'd watch it with her, but clearly the mission he'd just returned from was a little too hardcore for him - so he fell asleep, even though being a super solider meant that he never slept for very long anyway.
As Ashley continued to immerse herself into the film whilst stroking Steve's blonde locks absentmindedly - her phone went off. She frowned and put her mango bowl down before bringing up the holographic screen to see who it was.
As soon as she saw the name, she jolted up and prodded Steve so that he'd wake up too.
"Christie? Oh god," Ashley breathed.
"Ashley, hi," came Christie's monotonous greeting. "How…are you?"
"Christie, cut the formal crap - where the hell have you been?" Ashley hissed, causing Steve to crack a tired eye open. "I've been so worried about you!"
"Where have I been?" Christie repeated tiredly. "Well. I've been in my house."
"Where even is your house?! I heard they moved you out of the city again," Ashley continued to rant, her voice getting more and more frantic. "How am I meant to keep tabs on you if-"
"Keep tabs on me?" Christie laughed dryly. "Oh, Ashley, you couldn't if you tried. Listen, I called cos I wanted to know if…if you were busy tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow? No, I'm not," Ashley hummed, letting go of her motherly frustration for a second. "Why? What's going on?"
"Oh…I'm hosting this…thing tomorrow. It's like a…funeral t-thing." Christie's words were getting muddled and that was rather unlike her, so it certainly made Ashley a little uncomfortable.
"A funeral for who?" she asked her tentatively.
"It might sound stupid and I know you never met him," Christie began, her voice dripping in worry, "but…it's for Loki."
Ashley tried not to gasp. The confession tugged on her heartstrings. She knew how hard this had to be for her sister, and she appreciated finally being allowed into her world.
Not many people were.
"Oh Chris," Ashley finally breathed, "of course I'll come."
"Great," Christie responded quietly.
"Oh, could I bring a plus one?" Ashley felt compelled to ask, taking a quick glance down at Steve who was peacefully falling back asleep against her thigh.
"Is it Steve? Cos if so - sure thing," Christie shrugged, not really caring too much who came as long as she actually liked them. "I'll text you the address. Oh - and I guess you should wear black? Apparently that's a…thing."
"Of course we will," Ashley nodded briskly. "Thanks Chris - I'll see you tomorrow. Love you, proud of you!"
"Love you too - cheers, Ash," Christie sniffed before abruptly hanging up.
Ashley released a long sigh and leaned back against the headboard of the bed.
"Rogers," she hummed down to the snoozing soldier, gently stroking his chiselled jaw with the back of her index finger.
"Mhmm?" Steve sleepily grunted in response.
"We've got a funeral to go to tomorrow, so I hope you got something black nearby," Ashley muttered back, thinking back to the sound of her sister's trembling voice on the phone and trying to hold back the tears. "Christie's invited us."
Steve actually opened his eyes this time, looking up at her in concern.
"Christie? Wait, whose funeral is it?" he rushed out worriedly.
"Loki's," Ashley answered. She chewed her bottom lip and sighed again, shaking her head already. "The funeral is Loki's."
…
The day of the funeral was sombre to say the least. As Steve drove using the directions Christie had provided that morning, Ashley was stuck not knowing what to do. She was uncomfortable and a little apprehensive of what the day would bring and, more importantly, how her sister was going to react. And she had every right to be worried - Christie didn't do well with sadness, or emotions, or…anything.
Once Steve pulled up to her new address, Ashley had to take a few moments to compose herself. She was dressed in a black long sleeved bodycon dress with a black shawl hung over her shoulders and her long logs were tightly tied back into a sleek bun - she looked amazing.
But she was also finding it hard to breathe all of a sudden. It was like she was having anxiety for the day ahead on behalf of her sister.
"Ash?" Steve spoke tenderly, taking her hand in his and snapping her out of her daze. "You ready to go in?" Ashley slowly breathed out and nodded, opening the car door and swinging herself out. She was clutching a bouquet of flowers tightly in her hands as they made their way up the garden path of the large bungalow.
"This seems a little too…normal for Christie," Steve murmured to her as he rapped his knuckles on the wooden door. Ashley crinkled her nose in response, peering at the rose bushes in the front garden and at the pebbles lining the walkway into the house - before suddenly realising.
"That's because this isn't her house," she rolled her eyes, just as the front door swung open to reveal her mother Mella in an expensive looking black dress and a black neckerchief.
"Hello my darlings," she whispered, stepping aside so that they could enter.
"Good morning Ms Darmer," Steve nodded humbly as he waited for Ashley to step through first.
"Mum, I thought we were going to Christie's?" Ashley frowned.
"This is Christie's. She lives down the bottom of that field I call a garden. Phil sorted it out for her but it's a strange concept - it's like you walk into this disused shed, you go down some stairs and then finally-"
"There's an entire expensive apartment underground? Trust me, it's not completely unheard of," Ashley smirked slightly as they both followed Mella through the prettily decorated house. "I'm glad she's living close to you, though. I didn't even know she moved in the first place."
"She had to, Ash," Mella murmured, suddenly stopping dead in her tracks bang in the middle of the kitchen. "She was trying to deal with the grief of losing this man but it was far too heavy on her heart. Many times, your Aunt Meredith had to run there and intervene on her rash, stupid decisions of grief."
Ashley's blood ran cold. She could even feel Steve tense up from behind her.
"Oh my god," she gasped, clamping her hands over her mouth. "I've been such a bad sister, Mum. I had no idea that she was suffering like this-"
"Ash, don't be so hard on yourself," Steve had to pipe up, snaking his hand into hers and squeezing it gently.
"Your fella is right, darling. Christie didn't want to be found - it's a miracle that she even agreed to live in my garden in the first place. It has to be baby steps with her - I just want to get this funeral over and done with. She's been very anxious about it and she planned it all on her own. Refused any help," Mella sighed glumly, before opening the garden door and leading them out onto her vast outdoor space. Standing there talking to each other in hushed tones was: Aunt Meredith, Renesme, Delilah (Christie's Asgardian friends) Coulson, Tony, Pepper, Jane and of course, Thor - all dressed in their own variation of a sleek mournful black outfit.
"Tony?" Steve frowned as he and Ashley approached him.
"Rogers, don't look so surprised," Tony scoffed in mock offence. "I'll have you know that I was a huge shoulder for Christie to cry on when that weirdo forced his way into Manhattan."
"Tony," Pepper hissed as she whacked his arm. "What the hell is wrong with you?! We're at his damn funeral!" Ashley rolled her eyes and glanced into the sky, watching the storm clouds gradually gather and begin to release.
"Look, the clouds are weeping for him," she murmured to herself, feeling Steve stand behind her in solidarity. "Oh, my poor Chris."
Before anyone could respond, the door of the shed at the bottom of the garden creaked open, hushing them all to silence. They turned their heads to see Christie slowly approach them with a framed photo and a wilting rose in her hand. She was wearing a black jumpsuit, and on her head wore a large sunhat accompanied by black netting to cover her stony face; and high black heels, with a fiery red lip.
She looked stunning - but barely alive. Almost like…the corpse bride.
All the guests watched her apprehensively, wondering what she was going to say and how it would come out. Not a sound was heard amongst them as she slowly made her way over to where they stood, looking at nobody in particular. As soon as she stood with them, however, Delilah stepped forward and spun herself around so that she was facing everyone else.
She cleared her throat and shook out her shoulders before speaking.
"Welcome all. Today, we gather in belated mourning over the sudden death of Prince Loki Laufeyson, the late heir to the Asgardian throne. Although Midgard currently holds our whereabouts, Asgard continues to hold our hearts and memories," she spoke clearly but solemnly, her eyes darting between each and every member of the mourners. "Today, we remember the destruction the Dark Elves left in their wake when invading Asgard. We have wept for many before, but today we weep for Loki. We ask that he has a place in Valhalla, where he shall be merry for all eternity - if the Allfathers proceeding him will it so."
"If the Allfathers proceeding him will it - so it shall be done," Renesme, Christie and Thor spoke simultaneously with their heads bowed solemnly. The rest of the group stayed quiet in uncertainty.
"So it shall," Delilah hummed. She paused for a few silent moments, before speaking once again. "First, a few words from Loki's older and only brother - Thor Odinson. Thor, if you will?" Thor stepped forward and cleared his throat. Even the atmosphere surrounding them was dark, and incredibly heavy on his own shoulders - but he felt like he owed it to Christie.
This was his idea, after all.
"My brother was…a good man. He was strong, in his own right, and although his motives were at times questionable…his heart, I'd like to believe, was always in a place of…" Thor trailed off, unable to finish. The growing lump in his throat was throwing him off. He didn't expect to feel this emotional, as he already mourned Loki once before.
How many more tears would he have to shed?
Thor clenched his jaw and glanced back over at Christie, catching her stare straight back at him blankly with tears streaming down her face.
So Thor decided to change direction.
"Loki found it hard to love, but I don't doubt that he had nothing but love for Christie here. He adored every inch of her. They knew each other for months, but his love was that of many years. At times he found it a challenge to express, but everyone in Asgard could see that it was undeniable." Christie shot him a small smile and wiped her eyes. "I find it unfortunate how he passed on, but he died in honour. He died a hero, and that is how he shall be remembered for me, and hopefully for all of you. May he rest on - if the Allfathers proceeding him will it so."
"If the Allfathers proceeding him will it - so it shall be done," Delilah, Renesme and Christie responded quietly. Thor nodded solemnly and stepped back to where he was stood before, leaving Delilah to step forward again.
"Thank you Thor. Now…a few words from Christie before we end the ceremony with the arrow demonstration," she spoke carefully, standing aside as Christie slowly made her way forward, the frame still clutched to her chest. There was a mellow silence whilst she prepared to speak. Her voice was wobbly and cracking in places, but there was absolutely nothing she could do about it at this point.
"Loki," she began, biting back the tears the best she could. "L-Loki-" she tried again. But the words just weren't coming out. Everyone ducked their heads uncomfortably, unable to do anything but wait for her to compose herself. Ashley couldn't, though. She let go of Steve's arm and slowly walked over to her sister, placing one arm around her slim waist and rubbing her shoulder with her other hand.
"You got it, Chris," she murmured straight into Christie's ear before quickly swiping her tears from her stone cold cheeks. "This is your time. Time to say goodbye, right? Time to say all that you wish you had." Christie nodded, knowing she was right, and took yet another shaky breath in through her nose and released it back out through her parted lips.
"Loki. When you died in my arms, I wasn't looking. I tell myself all the time that it was an accident and that I was looking at Thor and Jane in case they needed back up, but deep down, I know that wasn't w-why," Christie quickly ran her tongue over her trembling bottom lip before continuing. "I wasn't watching you because I knew you were dying. I'm an assassin, for god's sake. I know when a situation is hopeless - and your one was beyond that." Ashley wiped her own tears and gripped tighter onto her sister's waist, hearing her voice get weaker by the word. "I knew you were dying and I couldn't bear to look at you in your final moments. You kept talking to me, you asked if I had i-imagined a future with you. The answer was yes, but I didn't answer in time. I feel the regret of t-t-that every single day. You died without confirmation of my love." Coulson clenched his jaw and locked eyes with Mella, who was an absolute mess from where she stood a few paces away. "And now it's all too late. It's the guilt that's eating me alive. I did love you - I do love you, and let it be known to all these people standing here. I will never, ever let a day go by without me thinking of you, my king. I may not've understood your mind, but I understood your heart. Damaged but pure," Christie finished up, lifting a shaking hand to wipe her ears.
Before she could deliver the final sentence, Tony slid over so that he was on the other side of her and kissed her temple whilst rubbing her other shoulder. Christie gave him an appreciative tearful smile, whilst Thor could barely look at her.
This entire ordeal was getting extremely heavy for him.
"You'll never be a villain to me, Loki Odinson…Laufeyson…it doesn't even matter. You have my heart forever. I love you - so rest easy my sweet prince," she finally whispered, pressing a kiss to her fingers then pressing her fingers to the photo in the frame. Only then were Ashley and Tony able to see what it was. It looked like a screen grab of CCTV footage from the time in the helicarrier where Christie and Loki met again for the first time since Loki. They were embracing, both of them looking as broken as each other, but with nothing but love in their eyes.
Christie slipped the picture in the small but deep prepared slot in the ground, bowing her head as she crouched down next to it.
"Thank you, Christie," Delilah breathed shakily, after also swiping a few leaked tears of her own. "We'll now send off the finishing bow, as per Asgardian tradition. After that, please make your way into Mella's house for a host of beverages and snacks - and thank you all for coming." Tony and Ashley stood back to give Christie the chance to take a bow and arrow from Delilah, Renesme doing the same. The three girls turned simultaneously so that they were facing the empty field behind Mella's garden, standing in a perfectly formed line with Christie stood in the middle. She lifted her bow first, aimed it straight into the air and pulled it back, then the girls did the same thing. Christie formed her lips into a soft pout as she focussed herself, then slowly breathed out as she heard Delilah shout the signal, causing all three girls to release their arrows. They soared into the air beautifully, the three of them exploding into silent green firework once they were at a certain height, as the guests could only watch on in wonder.
The explosion was green and sparkly, like a silent firework.
And the green was that of Loki's beautiful eyes.
The guests stood together for a few more moments in a respectful silence, before Mella gradually but firmly led them back into the house. Christie was the only person that remained staring blankly into the skies, the tears rollings straight into her mouth through her still slightly parted lips. Before Tony went inside, he gave her a little hug from behind with one arm wrapped around her narrow shoulders. "It's gonna be okay, Whitey," he told her quietly as Christie rested her hands on his forearm and squeezed him in a gentle sign of appreciation. She nodded, knowing he was right. Tony gave her a little squeeze back before going back inside, leaving Christie with Ashley and Steve.
"Alright I'm gonna head in," Steve murmured to Ashley with his hands on both her shoulders. "You…make sure she's okay." He pressed a loving kiss to her tearstained cheek and left her to it. Ashley watched him disappear into the house before taking a deep breath and tenderly approaching her sister.
She stood right next to her and looked up into the sky too.
"That was…such a beautiful speech, Chris," she spoke softly as she nudged her arm. Christie let out a short 'hm' and shook her head, dropping her gaze before anymore tears dribbled out. "I know you struggled with the guilt of not telling him all of that whilst he was alive, but if there is an Asgardian heaven or Valhalla or whatever - I'm pretty sure he heard all of that and is feeling pretty damn proud of himself."
"Oh mate, he's probably relishing in all the ass licking words about himself," Christie muttered back, half jovially and half miserably. "I hope so, anyway."
"He definitely is. Please come inside, Chris. You're gonna catch a cold out here," Ashley whispered, tugging her hand towards the house where everyone else was. The rain was bout to start pouring down heavily and she knew that if it was up to Christie, she wouldn't move. She'd gladly get sick if it meant she could sit there and wallow in her sadness. "I think people are beginning to worry about you." Christie sniffed and glanced back at the ground one last time before reluctantly agreeing, allowing herself to be pulled away and led back into the house and out of the rain. Once they reentered the house, there was a quiet buzz surrounding them. The guests were chatting to each other in small groups and Christie was unsure of who to speak to first, so she simply stuck to Ashley as they made her way over to Steve in the living room. He was peering at the kooky paintings hanging on the wall.
"Yeah, my mum likes some weird ass stuff," Ashley commented as she and Christie approached him. Steve turned his head at the sound of her voice and smirked, shrugging his shoulders.
"It's uh…different," he mused. Christie raised an eyebrow and settled herself onto the sofa with an exhausted sigh, taking her netted hat off and holding it tightly in her lap. Steve knelt next to her and rested his elbows on the arm of the sofa, causing Christie to blink at him expectantly. "How are you holdin' up there, Christie?" Steve asked her with a solemn look on his face. Christie couldn't help but let out a little giggle.
"I feel fine, Steve - thank you for asking," she responded to him with an earnest smile. "And…more to the point - I take it you two are together, like, officially?" Ashley's cheeks flushed pink but she nodded, bending over so that she could wrap her arms around Steve's neck from behind.
"You'd be correct. He finally asked me, isn't that great?!" she whispered to her sister in excitement.
"Wow. After seven months of knowing you, he's finally done the deed - well done Stevieboy," Christie hummed nonchalantly - but Steve caught the shade.
"I take it you think I should've done it way earlier too?" Steve guessed, already bored of the pending conversation. He had already received an earful from Sam, Natasha, Tony - pretty much everyone within the Avengers Tower, and now Christie?
Great.
"Listen, relationships are strange, so I don't blame you for taking your sweet time," Christie yawned, drawing her knees to her chest and leaning back on the sofa properly.
"I do," Ashley rolled her eyes, but she pressed a sweet kiss onto the top of his head. "I'm impatient, you should all know that by now!"
