This story features an original character created by my good friend TypingKira. I would definitely suggest you look her up and check out her stories. She is an excellent writer.
Anthy walked alone down the quiet street, her black sneakers casually kicking pebbles out of her way. Her arms were filled with books, yet despite their precarious appearance, she seemed to have no trouble balancing them all. Her otherwise ordinary appearance belied her formidable strength and grace.
For all of the grandeur and excitement that was to be had in the gleaming city of Asgard and amongst the world's mightiest heroes known as the Avengers, there was still something to be said about the pleasantly simple town of Broxton, Oklahoma. If she had ever doubted Thor's decision to place Asgard outside of the town, her prolonged absence had alleviated it. She had a renewed appreciation for the simple, friendly nature of her friends and neighbors.
She hadn't realized she had missed the town as much as she had until she had returned. Bill's pies seemed sweeter and she had actually missed Mrs. Sooner's overly friendly nature. It seemed that she had been missed as well. Mrs. Lafey had been setting aside books for her all while she was gone.
Anthy shifted the giant stack of books in her arms as she turned the corner. She finally caught sight of her mother's familiar house. For all of the lonely memories she had of living in the large house by herself, it was still a welcomed sight. She couldn't help but think that the house somehow looked smaller.
Living in Asgard can make anything seem quaint by comparison, she thought wryly to herself as she walked up the driveway.
As she stepped onto the porch she was startled by an urgent tapping on her shoulder. She was surprised that Mrs. Sooner could manage to surprise her in such a way – she had never been the most subtle woman in Broxton.
As Anthy turned, she found the driveway behind her deserted. She had been away from Broxton for quite some time, but she was certain that Mrs. Sooner could not be that quick. She didn't think it was nothing but her imagination, but there didn't seem to be anything there.
Shrugging lightly under the heavy weight in her arms, Anthy turned back towards the front door. An odd flash of green and gold flashed in the corner of her eyes, causing her to frown slightly. Turning her head, her hazel eyes fell upon Loki – the small boy sat deftly on the thin white porch railing, his legs swinging cheerfully.
"A Game of Thrones?" he wondered aloud as he looked at the small paperback book in his hands. "Sounds familiar," he said with a slight snicker.
Surprised, Anthy looked down at the books in her arms. Sure enough, the top book, which she had been staring at the entire walk home, was gone. Impressed, she turned her attention back to Loki, a small smile on her lips.
"I've heard it's really good," she replied.
Loki chuckled and threw the book towards Anthy. It landed on top of the high stack and shifted dangerously close to the edge before settling comfortably on top. "Who cares about thrones? I could show you some really fun games," he said with a mischievous smile.
"I don't doubt that," said Anthy with a laugh. "What are you doing here though? Did Thor send you, or maybe Balder?" she asked hopefully.
Loki hopped down from the railing and stretched his arms high above his head as he let out a deep yawn. "I was bored," he answered. "Thor's off doing something, Balder's no fun now that you're gone, and Volstagg is just too easy sometimes." There was a distinct hint of resigned boredom in his voice.
"Well, if you're looking for something to do, you can open the front door for me," she offered as she tried to jingle her keys without overturning the stack of books she held.
Grinning widely, Loki rushed forward and took the keys from her hand. Excitedly, he rushed forward and unlocked the door. Throwing it wide, he rushed into the house without invitation, leaving Anthy alone with her heavy burden.
Following behind the energetic boy, Anthy entered the house. Kicking the door closed behind her, she made her way to a nearby table before putting down the books, much to the relief of her tired arms.
Picking up the keys that had been tossed on the same table, Anthy shoved them in her pocket. Curiously, she began to wander through the house, wondering where Loki had gotten to. She trusted him, but he had a knack for finding trouble.
As she entered the kitchen, Loki's goal immediately became apparent. His hands were filled with the white chocolate chip cookies that her mother had left for her on the kitchen table.
His eyes wide, Loki looked at the cookies before looked back to Anthy. "Can I have some?" he asked innocently, his mouth already full with a half-eaten cookie.
Anthy smiled and nodded. "That's what they're there for."
Smiling the best he could with a mouth full of cookies, Loki continued eating. Swallowing what was in his mouth, he immediately bit into another of the soft sweets.
"These are much better than the ones in Asgard," he explained between bites. "Gudrun tried to make them but they were gross. She put chunks of meat in them because Volstagg likes it that way." He made a disgusted face before shoving another cookie in his mouth.
Anthy laughed as she listened to his story. She hadn't been gone long, but she already missed her friends in Asgard. Somehow, the strange and imposing Asgardians that had once made her feel apprehensive had become an important part of her life. She couldn't imagine losing even one of them.
"Did you at least try them?" Anthy asked with a raised brow. "They might make you grow. Just look at Volstagg."
Loki grinned as he wiped the crumbs from his mouth with the back of his hand. "Gudrun said the same thing. Being small's better though. Everyone underestimates kids."
Anthy knew better than most what it was like to be underestimated. She had fought hard to prove herself to the Asgardians and the Avengers. Unlike Loki, she was proud that she had proven herself to those that had doubted her, and maybe most importantly, to herself.
Anthy noticed that Loki had become quiet. The cookie sat forgotten in his hands as he stared absently at his swinging feet. Something clearly was bothering the usually rambunctious boy.
"What's wrong?" asked Anthy as he became concerned.
Loki shrugged his shoulders slightly but kept his eyes glued to the floor. "I just – I'm glad you're ok," he said quietly. "You know, that you're not dead."
Anthy felt a warmth well up in her chest as a sincerely sweet smile spread across her lips. Reaching out to Loki, she rested her hand softly on his shoulder. "Thank you," she replied as he looked up. "It's good to know so many people care about me, and I'll be back in Asgard before you know it."
Smiling, Loki jumped out of his chair and embarrassedly begins to wander out of the kitchen. "Do you have any of those video games?" he called out as he disappeared down the hall. "I'm bored with the ones on my Stark Phone."