Sorry, I know it's been forever. I lost my netbook on the bus... along with a LOT of chapters. there's very little chance of me ever getting it back, so it will be even longer before the next update. SORRY!

I didn't move for a few minutes, frozen as Libby stormed out. I could tell Natasha wasn't moving either, both too shocked.

Eventually Natasha let out a ragged sob and I turned, putting my arms around her and pulling her in. She cried onto my shoulder, as I gently stroked her hair and tried to digest what had just happened. Our own daughter had essentially disowned us.

"Fury wants you in the briefing room." Mariah said softly.

I gently kissed Natasha's forehead and put an arm around her shoulder, leading her back to the briefing room.

"What do you need? And what are we going to do about New York?"

"I'm thinking of calling in some help." Fury said.

"From who? Who else is there?"

"Loki."

"What?" I yelled immediately. My teammates reactions were similar. "This is madness!" Thor shouted loudly. "Sir, you can't be serious!" Natasha exclaimed. "The guys a crackpot!" Tony voiced what everyone was thinking.

"We have no other choice. Natasha and Thor are going."

Thor shook his head. "You do not understand. The last time I visited his cell he was muttering about a demon that goes by the name of Nikk Iman-Aj! He is not in his right mind!"

"That should make it easier to convince him then."

Thor shook his head and moved to stand beside Fury and Hill. Natasha took a step towards them as well.

"If she's going I'm going!" I protested.

"No captain. If the Chitauri do try attack the Helicarrier we need you here."

"I won't let her go by herself to Loki!"

Natasha narrowed her eyes and put her hands on her hips. "Excuse me? I can take care of myself captain. I don't need you watching over me. Last time I checked I kicked your ass when we fought."

I glared at her. "Last time I checked, you're the one who got stabbed in St. Petersburg. And you're the one was held by the Chinese for over a year."

"Please! You couldn't even stop one simple plane from crashing in ice, let alone save your best friend! So excuse me if I don't feel your protection is really necessary."

A gasp went around the room. "You wanna go there? Fine-"

I was cut off by Tony standing in between the two of us. "Ok, let's just stop before this goes too far-"

I ignored him. "You couldn't even keep your own daughter safe without my help!"

The second the words were out of my mouth I felt the sharp sting of Natasha's palm against my cheek.

"And somebody gets hurt." Tony finished. "That's probably a little late."

Fury shook his head at me and walked out. Hill and Thor followed.

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