horsez913: I'm glad you like it, and they will talk a little more as we progress. Just right now they are a bit on the 'I don't like you, but I actually do kinda like you' kick. :D
MyLadyAssassin: :D Well, you make me giggle, so we're even. :) I hope that your enjoyment of my humor continues, as I try my best to do it to its maximum. But it's so easy with Avengers, as they're all a group of wise-crackers, who like to be sarcastic. :) ESPECIALLY TONY. I LOVE the Irish, I am Welsh myself, but the Irish are an amazing group of people in my mind. So to incorporate their history is always fun - it also helps to build a character I think. History is very important. But the IRISH are amazing... and can I comment on how good looking they are? No? all right, I'll leave that comment be. :P Hahahahaha XD Loki is such a moron sometimes. He's not all that and a bag of chips, but he's SO damn determined to *be* all that and a bag of chips. :P Its like "dude, you're powerless, just... chill." but its gonna be a while before he does, I'm afraid. Well, because you asked, he got the last word in this chapter... sorta. I hope you enjoy it, and I'm looking forward to hearing from you :)
God, I am seriously grooving on the immanency of Thor 2, and the added Loki scenes. Maybe one will be him getting a hug? ... I wish. Poor little Loki shit. That, and I am now totally shipping Tom Hiddleston and Emma Watson. They are adorable together...*Ahem* moving on. Forgive the lateness of the chapter, but ah... c'est la vie. :) I hope you all enjoy it, and please review... I exist on reviews. Also, shoutout to Wyldcat13, Arvael, WritersUnite717, and for following and favoriting. It was nice to see you guys. Alright, onward.
"I can't believe you're already doing this again." Pat muttered as Lizzie put the finishing touches on her newest prank the next day: sealing off Mr. Dale's office by putting a fake wall up. For all intents and purposes, it looked real; complete with a flowchart which – if you looked closely – showed how many times Lizzie had pranked Phillip, and their 'awesomeness' in comparison to his own.
Lizzie's brown eyes rolled upwards as she spread some more white paint on the particle board. "Tomorrow is April Fools. The ban will be null and void." she retorted.
Pat smirked. "Mrs. Langley could always ban you again." she warned, but Lizzie shook her head.
"According to sources, Mrs. Langley is currently on vacation. She is not to be bothered due to, what is known as, grief." Lizzie replied soberly, "She buries her husband tomorrow, and who knows when she'll be back. Besides, Phillip isn't so heartless as to bother her about a prank while she's dealing with being a widow."
"Are you attending the funeral?" Pat asked. Lizzie nodded, "Did you even know him?"
"Yeah, I met him a few times. He was a kinda cool guy – and I don't say that often. She's not going to be the same, that's for sure." Lizzie replied. "Its kinda hard to do this, actually, under the circumstances. She's up there crying her eyes out, and I'm down here trying to get a few laughs... God, I'm heartless."
Her companion shrugged, "You're coping." she answered, "Its perfectly normal for you to not know what else to do for her, so you do what you're comfortable with... in this case: pranking."
Lizzie scoffed, "You know what, Pat? You're probably right."
"Yeah, I know, its amazing sometimes what words of wisdom come pouring out of my mouth." Pat retorted, handing Lizzie a cloth to wipe up some residue that got on her pants. "But she's fortunate to have such good friends. I hear that Mr. Stark is giving her complete leave, for as long as she needs it." she said.
Lizzie nodded, "That he did. He knew Garrett, I think. From what I've heard, they had a pact between them, that Mr. Stark take care of her if something happened to him." she looked up, "Could you hand me that smaller brush?"
Pat passed her the object, "Well, I sincerely hope that she's going to be all right. I can't imagine if I lost my Henry, especially having a child so young."
"Well, like you said: she has good friends. That, and I think that she now has several males in her life who would be more than willing to play the male role in Andy's life." Lizzie said, "There, how does that look?" she asked, inspecting her work.
A laugh erupted from Pat, "I'll say this: I do not know how many people think of such crazy things as you do. How does Bella cope?" she asked.
Lizzie smirked, "She doesn't. Bella and my grandmother have immunity to my pranks. Seanmhatháir because she is never pleased when I play a prank on her, more willing to smack me over the head with a spoon; and Bella because I'm afraid of what she'll do in retaliation." she answered.
"Why? Is she like you in that regard?" Pat asked. "Something like in the movie Twins where DeVito burned his hand and Arnold felt it?"
"Not specifically. Pranks are not Bella's forte... unless riled up. She taught everyone in our family a long time ago not to play with her, as they wound up slightly embarrassed from her... ingenuity. I remember one time she stuck my phone in a waterproof container, and then stuck it in the big water jug which sustained the college students in the cafeteria. I started asking if anyone had seen my phone, and when the ringtone came from the water jug, I almost freaked. Needless to say, I never left my phone within her grasp again." Lizzie replied, deciding to just let the paint dry – and seeing as the term was not coined for nothing, she decided to go upstairs to check on dinner for the Avengers (who were still embroiled in deep discussions about things which she knew nothing of).
"Well, I think he'll be surprised at this." Pat finally said, "I don't know how many more things you could do to his office at this point, you've done twenty things already."
"Twenty-four." Lizzie corrected, "This makes twenty-five, which is one quarter of a hundred. I'm sure I could cook up something... I just don't know what yet."
"Where do you get all of your ideas?" Pat inquired
Lizzie shrugged, "At first it was the internet. Then I went to college and became friends with some pretty knowledgeable guys, then I came here and kinda modified what I already knew. This one is a classic." she said, "But, I think that this will be the last, and I'll go terrorize someone else – well, unless he decides he wants another round. At which point, I will be more than happy to oblige him."
Pat chuckled with a shake of her head, "Well, I hope he doesn't. I would like for there to be a week where he's not screaming 'Donovan' at the top of his lungs, while fussing over his crisp white shirt." she said, helping Lizzie pack up the paint supplies. "You going to finish this tonight, I take it?"
Lizzie affirmed that, and within a few moments, the women parted ways. Pat to go to dinner with her husband, and Lizzie to resume her position as babysitter... well, after she washed her hands.
When she arrived upstairs, she was surprised to find Thor's girlfriend, Jane, already in the kitchen, staring rather intently on the food she had in the oven. "Ahem." she cleared her throat, watching as the woman spun with a squeak.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't know you were there. What is that in there?" Jane apologized then asked, causing Lizzie to chuckle. She knew who the astrophysicist was, but had not really introduced herself.
"That's okay, I didn't expect you here either. As for what's in there, its lamb, so I hope you aren't a vegetarian. And I think now would be a good time to introduce myself." Lizzie said in quick succession, "Elizabeth Donovan... just call me Lizzie though."
"Jane told me you were the one who sent him with lunch yesterday, and I have to thank you for that. Sorry you had to witness my outburst when I arrived." Jane said.
Lizzie shrugged nonchalantly, "Hey, no problem. I figured it would be a good thing for him to do, I don't like to see strains between couples. Its a bad sign." she answered, moving around Jane to look at the food in the oven.
"Doesn't Mr. Stark have a cook or something? Or is that your job?" Jane asked.
Lizzie laughed, "No – well, yes he does have a cook. No, that's not my job. I work for Emma Langley, who I think you met last night, as her assistant. I simply offered to cook since Tony's cook actually was coming down with something, and I figured I'd give him a break. Its funny, this is the closest thing I've had for a vacation in the two years I've worked here."
"What is it you do?" Jane asked as Lizzie went to the kitchen to get her something to drink.
"Ah, just lawyerly stuff I guess. I am a intern at the moment, and just act as Emma's liaison for most things, taking care of the minor stuff so she can focus on the major. Simple really." Lizzie answered as she poured Jane a glass of lemonade.
"Wow, you cook, you work, you make lemonade. I'm fortunate if I get one meal a day, and I don't necessarily make it." Jane marveled.
"I was raised by a old Irish grandmother. If I didn't cook at least twice a week growing up, as well as do my chores, then I'd wind up missing out of most of her goodies – which, if you know my grandmother, are the best goodies you'll ever have." Lizzie replied sipping from her own cup. "So what is it you do? I heard you are some kind of a physicist?"
"Astrophysicist. I study – or rather theorize – on what goes on beyond our atmosphere. Its like astronomy, except I'm working more with what 'might' be instead of what I see." Jane explained, "Or something like that. I hope that made sense?"
Lizzie nodded. "How ironic you're with a guy who is from that 'beyond the atmosphere' thing. He's living proof of what you theorize." she said.
Jane laughed, "Yeah, he proved to me that what I was looking for wasn't just a waste of time." she said, her eyes growing hazy a moment as a small smile lingered on her lips.
Lizzie chuckled, heading to the cabinet for some ingredients. Hopefully Jarvis had managed to get the mint jelly she'd asked for.
"Hey Jane, did you find out what that marvelous smell is?" a new voice came from the doorway. Lizzie turned to see another woman who she hadn't seen that morning, with large blue eyes behind the glasses which she wore. "Oh, hey... yet another person who I didn't see when I arrived." she said.
"Darcy, this is Lizzie. Lizzie, this is my friend, Darcy Lewis." Jane introduced.
"Nice to meet you Lizzie, I hope you're the cook in this establishment. The guys aren't very promising as I watched them. So what are you, like the only woman in the place?" Darcy asked.
Lizzie smiled, "Pleasure. Yes, I am the temporary cook, until the actual cook gets over his cold. As for the women, there are a few of us, but they're mostly keeping to themselves at present. Emma, who I'm assuming you didn't meet yet, her husband just died. Justine is with her, as she is her cousin. And Pepper is at a meeting in Chicago. So it seems I'm the only female besides yourselves, I suppose." she answered.
Darcy raised an eyebrow, "So there are a few of you Avenger women. Who are you with?"
"Sorry?" Lizzie wasn't sure that Darcy meant what she thought, but hoped that she didn't.
"Who are you with? Like Jane is with Thor; I know Pepper is with Stark; I heard the doctor guy mention a 'Justine', so I'm assuming they're together. The red-head and the short guy seemed close. So who are you with?" Darcy clarified.
Lizzie laughed nervously for a moment, somewhat disbelieving that someone actually thought she was 'with' someone. "I'm not 'with' anyone. I'm here to just help out." she finally answered.
Darcy beamed, moving closer. "Well then, similarly-situated-single-sister, I think we'll get along."
"Did you choose those words because they all started with 'si'?" Lizzie asked. Darcy nodded, congratulating her on picking up on it.
A moment later, Jane excused herself and left Lizzie and Darcy alone. "How ironic is it that your name is Lizzie and mine is Darcy?" Darcy asked.
Lizzie looked over at her, "Uh... because of Pride and Prejudice?"
"Yes!" Darcy exclaimed, "Its like some cheesy novel where all the characters have similar names or something, and its obvious that the writer had no imagination."
"Well, I guess I can see it." Lizzie answered.
"So how old are you Elizabeth?" Darcy asked, her tone taking on a posh flair.
"Twenty-one tomorrow."
"Aww... you're a baby." Darcy cooed.
Lizzie's brow eyebrow raised, "Baby? You can't be more than twenty-five." she drawled.
"Twenty-five on the nose, actually. You're good." Darcy corrected, "So what can I do to help? I'm a decent enough cook myself."
Together, the two women began working.
"ENOUGH!" Thor boomed, slamming his hand on the table which they were using. "Must you continue squabbling over nothing, Man of Iron? Loki says we need to get everyone we can together, and that includes all the mutants in the area – if possible."
Tony rolled his eyes. "I refuse to work with people with attitude issues. And if you have ever met the Fantastic Four, you would know that Johnny Storm has an ego comparable with you Asgardians." he said.
"I thought you liked Dr. Richards?" Bruce said from his spot on the couch.
"I do, but even the Capsicle had a problem with Johnny when he met him. Well, as much of a problem as you can have after you get over the fact that the guy looks exactly like you." Tony added as an afterthought.
Steve grimaced, "We're nothing alike." he said.
"Are you sure you never slept around back before you became a Capsicle? Spread a few of the Roger genes around?" Tony teased, watching as Steve just sighed.
"I assure you, Stark, not all men were like your father in the day." Steve retorted, watching as Tony shrugged. "Some of us had morals."
"Hey, I may not like my dad, but he did make you that shield of yours – not that I can't improve it." Tony said.
"So it is because of this one, Johnny Storm that you refuse to unite ourselves with a group who could help us?" Thor interrupted, "It is so petty. You all will have to unite at one point or another, to defeat this foe. How can you fight him when you are all squabbling how you don't like this person or that one?"
"We will manage without the group of radiated mutants – no offense Bruce." Tony said.
Bruce just shook his head, "None taken. Though I don't mind working with them. I like Dr. Richards, myself, and as for Johnny..."
"I say we don't worry about him." Natasha spoke for the first time. "We need the others – and hey, maybe Storm can help us in some way."
"Thor is right, Tony," Bruce continued, "We have to ask Reed and his team to help us. Despite Johnny."
Steve shrugged, "I may not like him, but I think he's probably useful as a member of the team. If he can pull his own weight, that is." he said.
"Then it is agreed that this group will be joining us?" Thor asked.
"I don't agree." Tony insisted.
"Well, you're outnumbered, Stark." Clint interjected, "The rest of us say 'yes'."
"Why am I not part of this little vote? I have as much say, if not more, as this is my ho-"
"Stark!" Loki finally shouted, "You're going to need all the help you can get. If these four people can help, you better hope they agree to do it, because the Avengers will not be able to handle them on their own! I was a picnic in comparison – if you had been listening to what I've been saying over the last few days, you'd know this."
Tony paused for a moment. "I'm sorry, I can't do it. Do you know how many women are in this building? Fireboy is a bad idea no matter how you slice it."
"I'm sure the women will manage." Loki retorted, "If he can help you, you're better off."
"I agree with my brother." Thor boomed, "Someone should call these Fantastic Four, have them apart of these meetings."
"Absolutely not." Tony swore, "I won't have-"
"Tony." Bruce snapped, "They're coming whether you like it or not."
A pout formed on Tony Stark's face, "Well I don't like it." he said, getting up to pour himself another drink, "You're all very ungrateful."
"Mr. Stark, might I inform you that Miss Elizabeth is outside the door trying to get in." Jarvis' voice echoed.
"Is she lost again?" Tony asked, heading for the door.
"No, sir, she wishes to bring you all some refreshments." Jarvis answered as the door opened to reveal a somewhat awkward Lizzie. A tray was balanced in her hands, several glasses with ice in them, two pitchers of what looked like lemonade and iced tea.
"Hi." she finally said, "I was trying to knock, but I'm not particularly coordinated."
Tony smirked, "Well, what puppy is?" he quipped, "Come in Prankster. Oh, by the way, did you get that particle board up and covered?" she looked at him in a mixture of incredulity and irritation. Loki looked up too, originally thinking that Stark was referring to himself – surprised to find that it was Lizzie he spoke to. His eyebrow rose. She was a prankster?
"Yeah, I did." she said as Clint got up to help her with the tray, setting it down on the coffee table. "Dale won't know what hit him."
"Sure he will. Its called a wall." Tony quipped. "Though it will be more of him hitting it."
"Whole new meaning to 'banging your head against a wall' I suppose." Lizzie replied dryly, "Okay, who wants what?"
Loki watched her as she doled out the drinks, handing them to each of the Avengers. He couldn't help but find her interaction with them rather interesting – despite the fact that his mind was screaming that he shouldn't find a mortal interesting. She was beneath him, a thing to be ruled, not studied. Yet, he couldn't help but wonder why she found Tony's attitude something to chuckle at; or why she shared a smile with the assassins; or her blush when she handed a drink to the resident beast. Though why she outright laughed at Thor was understandable, he seemed to have a charisma to him. Loki scowled. She was just like everyone else. Falling at his brother's feet at a smile. Mortals.
"Loki?" Thor's voice broke through him, "Are you all right?"
"Yeah, Voldie, you look like the very idea of Lizzie's lemonade is worth vomiting over." Tony interjected. Lizzie's brown eyes darted toward the billionaire. "I wasn't saying that's what I thought." he defended.
Loki shook his head. "You should keep to your toys, Stark. You understand them more than a thinking being. Probably because you don't understand how to think."
Tony's eyebrow rose, "That particular topic is still up for debate." he said.
The Asgardian reached up for the glass, his eyes caught a scar on the inside of her forearm, running from her wrist to a few inches above. Green eyes caught brown as she suddenly jerked away, yanking her three-quarter-length sleeves down in an effort to cover it. She was hiding something, but he wasn't sure what. "All right, well dinner should be ready in about twenty minutes, so if you want to eat, start heading down" Lizzie said as she gathered the tray, careful not to show her scar to Loki again, and headed for the door.
The group murmured their agreement that they would be there, and continued with the topic.
But Loki's mind lingered on the scar, and for the first time he wondered if there was more to the girl than met the eye.
Dinner was a simple affair, as it had been for the last few days. The group of Avengers all swooped in, Thor eating enough for four people instead of one, showering Lizzie with praises; and Loki liking the food but saying very little about it. He had noticed that Lizzie had not been as forthcoming in slapping him as before, nor in her conversation. Not that he was particularly interested in beginning a conversation with the little mortal, but he did enjoy her spars – however dull they were.
Today, however, she seemed to be avoiding him more than usual, opting to speak with Thor's mortal woman or her friend instead. A rather foolish thing on her behalf, in his opinion, as the other Midgardian woman seemed to have no sense at all, her ramblings rather irritating to listen to. It was like listening to Fandral rave about his numerous conquests, and wishing he would simply shut up. As it turned out, they were discussing the Midgardian thing which Thor still was questioning about: films. Disney films to be exact.
"Are you kidding?" Darcy exclaimed, "You speak blasphemy of the Disney princesses with your words, Miss Donovan. You should be hanged and quartered. Or made into a villain by the sea witch."
Lizzie scoffed, "Please. I sincerely doubt you liked Aurora or Snow White growing up. You seem to have taken after Megara if you want my honest opinion. I can just hear you saying 'Megara. My friends call me 'Meg'. Or at least they would if I had any friends.'" she said, laughing at her own joke. Loki had no idea what she was saying, but assumed that it was a tease.
Darcy rolled her eyes, "Are you saying I have no friends, Miss There's-More-Than-This-Provincial-Life?"
"Do not diss Belle." Lizzie warned lowly, "She is the best princess Disney ever came up with. She's sassy, and sweet all at once. Of all of the princesses, I think she's the only one who could have taken on the beast without screaming out for their Prince Charmings. Besides, Belle and the Beast actually had conversations, the others just kinda looked pretty and let the guys do all the work."
"Touchy much?" Darcy retorted with a laugh.
"Over Belle? Yes." Lizzie replied. "My grandmother used to joke that she wound up my rold model."
It was at that moment that Justine came in, putting her bowl in the dishwasher, effectively causing Darcy to turn her attention to Justine instead as she asked what it was like to date the doctor. Loki watched as Lizzie rolled her eyes and returned to her meal.
"Arguing over a character, Elizabeth?" Loki clucked his tongue, "How disappointing that you can't find more of a match of mind."
Lizzie raised an eyebrow, "Sometimes I want to take a vacation. Dealing with jerks like you tend to be a bit tiring." she retorted. "Why does it matter to you anyways? I'm just a thorn in your side... or a sting in your cheek." she smirked.
Loki chuckled, rubbing his cheek. "That you are. But I doubt you find such trivial conversation very interesting. You argue for the sake of arguing, nothing more."
"You assume to know me." Lizzie replied, "Tell me, oh wise sage, how did you come to that conclusion?"
"You really wish to know?" Loki asked, "Because I'm sure you won't like the answer."
"How do I know I won't like it if I don't try it?" she asked flippantly.
He smiled, "You don't believe in that phrase. Why use it?" he asked.
Her brown eyes looked at him quizzically, "What makes you think I don't believe that phrase?"
"Your tone." he answered simply, "Besides, I am the god of lies."
She scoffed, "Only in your mind, my egotistical jackass." she replied, "Or perhaps I should say you're bullheaded in your ego."
Loki smirked, knowing exactly that she was referring to his helmet. "That does not change that you cannot lie to me."
She tilted her head, "Hmm... I doubt that. Though it might be interesting to see you play a game of bullshit." she muttered the last bit to herself.
"I'm sorry, what kind of a game is that?" Loki asked, wondering what new levels of immaturity the human mind could come up with.
It was Darcy who answered. "Bullshit is a game designed for liars. Basically its a way to lie and get away with it, laughing the entire way." she said, looking over Loki with a critical gaze. "Right up your alley, eh Mr. Kneel-Bitches."
Lizzie snorted, suddenly coughing as her mint jelly wound up in her trachea. Loki simply glared at the other woman as she started pounding on Lizzie's back in an effort to alleviate the choking. "I'm surprised you don't spend more time with Stark." he said sarcastically, "You two would get along splendidly."
"Why? Because we are both blunt in what we think of you?" Darcy asked, "Of course. What's the point of tiptoeing? What's the worst you can do?"
"Kill you." Loki retorted.
Darcy scoffed and Lizzie joined her in chuckling. "You could try." the political science major replied. "Though I doubt you'd want to anger Mr. All-Powerful up in skyland. I hear he's not very pleased with you. Not that you care, I suppose, I hear your daddy issues are pretty intense."
Loki's eyes flickered between the two women, noticing that Lizzie's face suddenly sobered, a pensive look upon her features. "The All-Father could hardly matter to me." Loki said lowly, "I suggest you keep your thoughts to yourself, little mortal, no one wishes to hear them."
"Darcy, can you help me for a minute?" Jane called from across the room, and Darcy left Lizzie and Loki alone. His green eyes watched the woman for a moment.
"Watch it Loki." Lizzie warned after gathering her thoughts, "She is a guest here. I'd hate to have to slap you again."
He smirked, "Well, Elizabeth, considering that is all you can do – I'm not very afraid. After all, you're obviously not as strong as you pretend." he said with a pointed glance at her arm. She quickly moved to cover it up.
"You know nothing, Loki. Do me a favor and... 'Keep your thoughts to yourself, little 'g' god – no one wishes to hear them'." Lizzie spat.
This only caused Loki to smile wider, "Have I finally made you unable to retort smartly, Elizabeth? Resorting to jabs instead? How mature of you." he asked.
"No, you just cheat." she said. "My business is my business, and if I'm not to proud to display something like a scar, then leave it be. I can make that decision."
"Really? Or is it that you're afraid to acknowledge that you truly are weak?" he asked.
Lizzie scoffed, "Pinning your own self-condemnation upon me? That's not very confrontive of you." she retorted, looking in Darcy's direction. "So I was right, eh? You have daddy issues?"
"That is none of your concern... as you said: my business is my business." he repeated. "Clever though how you moved the conversation from you to me. I commend you, not many people can do it that smoothly."
Her brows furrowed, "Are you complimenting me?" she asked.
"Perhaps." he said, "Perhaps not."
"I'll take that as a 'yes'." she replied, "Though I must ask: why is my scar so interesting to you?"
"It reminds me of how little you are. Just how insignificant if someone can mar you in such a manner. No wonder they all fawn over you, you're so helpless." he said with a smile on his face.
"I'm not helpless." she replied smoothly.
Loki leaned closer, "Then you lie to yourself." he repeated her words from the day before, standing up and walking away before she could reply.
Lizzie watched him go with a shake of her head, "You just used my line. Cheater." she said to his retreating back. Looking around, she decided to go outside.
She needed some fresh air... well, as fresh as you could get in New York City.
"Lady Elizabeth?" Thor's voice called as softly as possible, not really wishing to disturb her as she watched the sunset across the city. The haze caused quite a bit of a problem to see clearly, the hues obscured and blurring into only a few.
"You know, I used to watch the sunset with my grandfather when I was a kid, we then used to just watch the stars come out. I never really thought about something being up there." she said to him as he moved to stand beside her. "Now that I know there is, now that I have living proof, I still find it impossible to believe. Is that ridiculous or what?"
He shook his head, "Not necessarily." he replied, "You have lived your whole life believing something about your world which wasn't true. Its hard to comprehend that after all these years everything you knew was a lie."
She sighed, "Was he always like this?" she asked softly, "Loki I mean."
"No. My brother also had to deal with what you are struggling to understand. He lived his life believing a lie. Although I know not what happened to my brother to make him how he is, he was not always so, that I can attest to." Thor replied, "He was raised to believe he was my brother, as was I to believe it of him. When I was banished to Midgard – forgive me, you call it Earth – my brother found out that he was not a son of Odin as he had been raised to think. He was the son of one of our most hated enemies, and a being which was a villain for a millennia. He thought himself a monster, from my father's account, and has fought ever since to prove to himself."
"Hence why he tried to take over Earth – or Midgard?" Lizzie concluded, "So Darcy was right, he does have daddy issues."
"His issue is indeed with my father, as he blames him for treating him different. Apparently my brother was always considered second best – and I did not even see it." Thor chided himself, "I was too busy being the hero of Asgard, I did not notice my own brother falling further and further into an abyss until – well, he fell into an abyss."
Lizzie nodded, and both were silent for a moment. "Why did he agree to come here?" she asked.
Thor chuckled, "Loki is advantageous if anything. His time in the Tower of Solitude is not to be envied. That, and I think that in many ways he is still the brother I grew up with, willing to help me."
"What if he isn't?" Lizzie asked, "What if he's just biding his time?"
"He may be, but I think there is still hope for him." he replied, watching as the sunset through the haze. It wasn't as beautiful as he'd seen in New Mexico, but it was somewhat nice to watch.
"What hope? The man is a lunatic." Lizzie hissed. "An egotistical lunatic with a understandable past, but a lunatic all the same. Its like dealing with a more dangerous version of Hitler... in fact I think Hitler had issues with his familial ties as well."
"You do not know him, Lady Elizabeth." Thor said, shaking his head lightly, "Loki is used to others hating him. He does not know how to act normally, I'm afraid. He spent all his time believing that my parents didn't love him when they did, choosing to focus on the bad rather than the good. But that is Loki. Do not hate him, Milady, there is a bit of my brother in there somewhere, he just needs someone to see it. Do not judge him harshly, Lady Elizabeth." Thor pleaded, "He may yet change."
"I'm not sure I can do that." she replied, "He is responsible for my two month stay in a hospital, seeking rehabilitation after being buried under concrete." she paused a moment, "He's very fortunate he has you. I don't think that many here would be so forgiving of him." Lizzie replied with a smile.
Thor nodded, "I know. I just wish he'd realize it. Then perhaps he would return to being the Loki I knew."
"If he's what you say he is, then he will." she said.
"Hey!" Tony shouted from the doorway, "You two better get back in here. You don't want the astrophysicist thinking there's something going on between you two."
Lizzie rolled her eyes, but followed instructions as the two of them went back inside. He had given her a lot to think about.
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