Chapter 24

Sorry for the wait my loves.

~Dream~

Astral sat in a metal chariot with no horses, she then remembered her mother calling it a car.

She sat in the passenger side and she noticed that she held onto someone's hand as they drove.

"Hey, you alright? You seem to be miles away," a blonde man with crystal blue eyes, asked her.

He was wearing a dull red plaid button up and khakis covering his legs.

"Oh, sorry Steve, I just had a quick memory of when my mother told me what a car was," Astral responded as she gave the man a reassuring squeeze.

He gave her a warm smile and turned his eyes back to the road.

Astral looked out the window and watched as the trees zoomed by.

Their colors were now more like fire due to the autumn that was in full swing.

"So, what do you think you'll do for your pumpkin?" Steve asked.

Astral had just learned that Halloween was next week and had a crash course on the holiday from Tony.

"Honestly, I might just do a snake," Astral said.

"Interesting, does this have to do with your nickname, Viper," Steve said in a teasing tone.

Astral playfully rolled her eyes and punched his arm.

"Hey only those I care about can call me that," Astral said in a playful warning tone.

"Well it's a good thing I'm your boyfriend then," Steve said with a big smile.

Astral returned his cheese filled smile.

Soon the road changed as Steve pulled up into a farm t

hat was tucked away in the woods.

Parents were corralling children to do activities.

Pumpkins sat on the ground divided up by size and then there were crates of squash plus cooking pumpkins.

Three massive teepees covered in corn stalks were off in a corner and people were entering them.

"So, pumpkins first or the teepees?" Steve asked as he unclicked his seatbelt.

Astral looked at the pumpkins and saw that they were going fast.

"Well considering that people are taking them by the cart full, I say we pick out the pumpkins," Astral said as she exited the car.

She felt the chill of the air but was unaffected.

Still she buttoned up her jacket to show that she was somewhat normal.

Steve walked up to her and offered her his hand.

Astral smiled and took his hand as Steve led them towards the pumpkin patch.

Astral saw a dark green pumpkin that was very tall and skinny.

"That one kind of reminds me of my dad," Astral said as she looked sadly at it.

Steve felt the smile on his face fade.

"It's ok Steve, I know he did some terrible things but that Titan took over his mind, like what father did to Clint," Astral said as she looked at the forlorn solider.

Steve sighed and shook his head.

"I know, I.. just can't wrap my head around that idea though, I thought he was just a crazy killer," Steve said as he rubbed his neck.

Astral kept quite as they continued down the aisle looking for the perfect pumpkins.

Serene had told the Avengers about the mind controlled Loki when she had returned with Thor for clean up.

She had explained that Loki was not in his right mind and that he was just a puppet.

Astral couldn't believe her strong intelligent father had been tortured and then put under mind control.

She shook out of this as they continued to look for pumpkins.

Once the pair had picked out two bright orange pumpkins and paid for them, they had dropped them off in the car before heading towards the teepees.

Astral had broken their hand holding only to wrap her arm around Steve's waist.

Steve had then taken his arm and wrapped it around her shoulders.

"Are you ready to see some pumpkin carvings?" Steve asked as he steered them through the cloth door.

The room was dark except for the yellow haunting looking faces of carved pumpkins.

Different shapes were carved into the pumpkins.

Vampires, snakes, spiders, smiling faces with sharp teeth and many others decorated the faces of pumpkins.

The entire inside of the teepee was littered with them.

Astral was amazed at the many patterns and pointed out her favorites to Steve.

He would chuckle at her excitement and join her and explain how people were able to create some of the carvings.

Once Astral had scanned the room she led Steve into the next room.

This room had glowing green spider webs hanging from the ceiling with orange and purple spiders.

There were also eerie looking ghosts moving about the room on strings.

People were clapping their hands in order to make the ghosts move.

Astral wasn't that impressed considering she could magic up better illusions and once they had spent some time in this room they moved on.

The last room had many free crafts for the kids and had advertisements for other area attractions for tourists.

"Do you want to get something to eat?" Astral asked her solider when she felt her stomach rumble.

"Sure, I think their shop is open if you want to check it out," Steve said.

Astral nodded her head and they walked towards the little farm shop.

Different produce was on display along with other goods.

What caught her attention though was the smell of a sweet smelling pastry.

It was a circular pastry that looked like it was fried and then covered in a glaze.

'Glazed cider doughnuts' the sign read.

Astral asked for a small box as she pulled out her wallet and paid for them.

She saw Steve buying a bag of apples and a gallon of golden liquid.

Once he had paid he met her where she was standing.

"So what did you get?" Steve asked as he tried to open the box.

"Cider doughnuts," Astral said as she opened the box and offered one to Steve.

He looked at her and took a bite.

"Mmm, these are great, did you try one?" Steve asked as he finished off his and packed away his items.

Astral shook her head before taking one out and taking a bite.

A sweet taste came over her tongue and she moaned as it continued its travels.

Steve blushed at the noise as she closed her eyes, savoring the taste.

"These are so good, we might need to get more in case my Uncle gets his hands on one," Astral said as she chuckled.

Steve laughed and shook his head.

"Yeah for some reason Thor just loves sweet things," Steve said as he ran back to get a couple more boxes.

Astral had finished off another and sat in the car waiting for her love.

Steve came back and stored the boxes in the back seat.

"Hey Steve, thank you fro taking me out today," Astral said and cupped his cheek.

"It's not a problem, I'd do anything for my girl,' Steve blushed as he looked away sheepishly.

"You, my solider are too good to me," Astral said placing a kiss on his cheek.

"I think it's the other way around, my darling," Steve said with a smile.

Astral leaned forward and captured his lips in a kiss.

She felt Steve place a hand in her hair as she cupped his cheek.

She could feel him threading his fingers through her black hair.

He tasted like coffee and the cider doughnut he just ate.

Astral pulled away but not before placing a quick peck on his lips.

Steve opened his eyes and stared at the beautiful woman in front of him.

He had no know idea how lucky he was to have met her.

He brushed a finger over her bottom lip before looking back into her eyes.

"Wow," He breathed out as she blushed.

"Come on Cap, we need to getting back, I know Mother is going to want to know how our little excursion went," Astral said as she kissed his palm before settling back into her seat.

Steve nodded his head as he buckled in.

"I promise, I'll give you some lovin' later," Astral said with a smirk.

Steve swallowed nervously at this statement.

She could be a real minx when it was just the two of them.

"I uh look forward to it," Steve stuttered out, feeling heat creep over his face.

"Oh my Capitan, ever the blushing man," Astral said as she squeezed his hand.

"I do love how nervous you get and how innocent you are my Love," Astral said as she held onto his hand.

She then started to trace little patterns on his palm as he drove them back to the Tower, where everyone was staying.

Stark had offered up his tower in order to have the team stay in one place and for team bonding.

Time seemed to fly past the young sorceress and before she could wrap her head around what the next action was she was being shaken awake.

"Astral wake up," someone called. Astral felt another jostle.

"Astral wake up, Serene is back," Loki called softly as he gently shook the teen.

Astral woke with a gasp.

"Oh, father it's you," Astral said as she gently rubbed at her eyes to wake herself up.

"Of course it is, who else would it be? Ah a certain man named Steve," Loki teased as he smirked at his daughter.

Astral blushed a violent red, "It's rude to enter someone's dream Da," Astral said as she lightly smacked the smirking God.

"Oh but my daughter, you were moaning his name, I only wished to know who this man was," Loki said with a grin as he dodged a pillow.

"Out, I need to change," Astral said pointedly.

"Hmm you do have your mother's commanding attitude, I'm so relieved that I can share this burden of teenage years with her, Norns know I barely survived," Loki said as he ducked from a electric stinger came his way.

Loki shook his head, oh how he missed his love.

He couldn't believe how long she was gone.

It seemed that even though it was only three midguardian years and 10 have gone and passed on Asgard.

Loki had loved taking care of his daughter but would have enjoyed it more with his wife.

He missed her voice and the way she carried herself.

He missed how she could always read him and be able to help him.

He missed the way she smelled, the smell of rain with the a bit of honey.

In a few short moments Loki would have her back in his arms.

This time he will fight for her to stay or at least go with her on her next mission.

A loud crack sounded throughout the food hall.

A flash of bright light shone and then took form of a woman.

Her hair was long with more black than white; it had a slight curl to it as it was brushed back by strong fingers.

Golden eyes connected with his green and Loki felt his heart clench.

The woman gave him a bright smile before she took him in her arms.

"Oh my darling, I missed you," Serene said as she kissed him.

Loki brought her lips to his and nipped at her bottom lip.

Serene gripped his leather-clad chest as he put more passion into the kiss.

"And you my love, I have dearly missed." Loki whispered as he pulled her impossibly closer.

He wrapped his arms around her and took in her embrace.

She was so warm compared to his cool body.

"I hope you behaved while I was away," Serene said with a teasing tone.

" Oh love, you know me too well," Loki said with a smirk.

Serene smiled before cupping his cheek.

"I am sorry I was gone for so long and leaving you to care for our daughter," Serene said sorrowfully as a tear ran down her face.

Loki shushed her and wiped the tear from her eye.

"There couldn't be anything you could do to speed up the process without causing a rip in the universe," Loki said with a sigh.

Serene nodded before tucking her head into his neck.

He held her as she broke down a little.

A knock sounded on the door and opened to a guard.

"Lady Astral approaches," he said before leaving the door open.

Serene broke away so she was now standing next to Loki waiting to see her daughter.

A teenaged girl approached with pep in her step, thought only those with a keen eye could see it.

She was a regal looking princess with her head held high and her posture perfect.

She had on a dark golden dress with her black hair half up in a crown of braids.

Her eyes were a burnt gold color like her mother's.

The young woman approaches and then she is standing before the pair.

"Hello mother," the teen says with a small smile.

Serene takes in her daughter, she truly has grown since she was gone.

"Hello Astral," Serene answers as she encircles her arms around her daughter.

Loki watches on with a small smile.

Finally his family was whole.

~In Astral's chambers~

"Mom, I think I got your powers of the future," Astral says as she sits in her chair as Serene brushes her hair.

She finally has time to reconnect with her mother after so long.

"What makes you think that, Astral," Serene says as she gently runs a comb through the girl's hair.

"I was sitting in this chariot with no horses and there was a man steering it, his name was Steve," Astral explained.

"He had blonde hair and crystal blue eyes and had this feel of courage and I felt safe with him," Astral continued.

Serene stopped mid stroke, looking at her daughter.

"Yes, I do believe you have inherited my sight, you must keep these visions to yourself you know right?" Serene said sadly.

"Of course Mama, can you tell me about Steve?" Astral asked.

Serene chucked, " And how did you know I know him?"

"Come now Mama, who is my father? I have learned a trick or two on how to read people," Astral explained.

"All right, but you must keep this from Loki, it can affect certain things in the future," Serene said quietly.

Astral nodded her head and waited with a baited breath.

"Capitan Steve Rogers is a wonderful man, he wasn't always as strong looking as he was in your dreams, he use to be this small boy who struggled through his life with physical set backs.

He some how pushed his way through and stood up against bullies.

One day when his best friend enlisted he wanted to join as well, but his medical conditions held him back.

I intervened and helped nudge a doctor to take him on for the Super Solider project.

The Steve you saw in your dreams is now what he looks like, but he will need help finding happiness when we see him after Thor's coronation," Serene said in a hushed tone.

She did not need ears catching wind of Loki's upcoming jealousy.

Astral sat there quietly taking in all this information.

Her solider was a brave and just man but he needed love once she met him in person.

"Is something going to happen at Uncle Thor's coronation?" Astral asked.

"Unfortunately a shadow will come to light and secrets will come with it," Serene said ominously.

"Just promise me, not a word of this conversation gets out," Serene said.

"I promise on my magic Mama," Astral said placing a hand over her heart.

~That evening with Loki and Serene~

~Warning~

Serene sat perched in Loki's lap as they watched the twinkling stars from their private balcony.

"I have truly missed you," Loki said as he laid kisses on her bare shoulder.

Serene 'hmmed' as she sighed back into Loki.

He began to slowly nip her neck and smooth over her dress with his hands.

"My dark prince, one would think that you missed my body more than my presence," Serene teased as she felt his finger wonder up her thigh.

"Well that one might be correct but also wrong, my heart ached and screamed for your return, I needed someone to ground my chaos, for this is going to be some troubling months," Loki sighed out as he whispered into her neck.

Serene knew she had to speed up time on Midguard in order to prepare them for the next coming events.

In a few short weeks they will be receiving a godly welcome.

"Let me ease your pain, my Darkness," Serene said as she stood.

The twin moons shone and Serene revealed her true form.

Her dark swirling blue skin glowed faintly and she led Loki back to the bed.

Serene gently pushed him back and straddled his legs.

Loki was mesmerized, the true beauty in front of him had his tongue stilled Her breast were full and perky.

Serene pulled her hair over one shoulder and leaned down to connect their lips.

Loki felt the current of magics move between the two beings as they were reconnected.

Serene pulled at Loki's tunic and revealed a pale chest.

She ran her fingers over his light build and sucked on his lip.

Loki groaned when he opened his lips and tasted her.

She tasted like sweet honey with a dash of mint.

He held onto her waist and gently squeezed.

"My minx, you will be my end and my salvation," Loki smirked as she ground herself against him.

"That Silver Tongue, is a true weapon Loki," Serene said with a returning smirk.

Loki groaned when he felt his trousers vanish and soon was flushed against his Lover.

Serene began to gyrate her hips; Loki's tip just barely touching her entrance.

Loki moaned when she positioned him at her entrance and slid down connecting them.

Serene let out a gasp; she was completely full and felt the shocks of magic course through her.

She had only had one relation in this form before.

Loki leaned his body forward to hold her closer.

He captured her open mouth with his lips. Serene then began to ride, slowly at first before picking up speed.

Loki broke the lip lock to let out a groan when her walls clenched his manhood.

"Lover, you are going to end things too soon if you continue your manipulations," Loki spoke as he placed a finger at her core and began to rub in small circles.

Serene groaned when she felt a finger prod her clit and began to match her pace.

"If you want control, fight for it," Serene said in a vicious smile.

Loki let out a growl when he heard these words and saw the wild look in her eyes.

He flipped them so she was under him and Loki began to attack her neck without mercy.

"You will submit," Loki growled as he bit into her shoulder.

Serene let out a moan as he sped up the pace to a grueling pounding.

Loki took a hand and held her hands above her head as he took a rosy bud into his mouth.

Serene let out a gasp at the warmth.

Loki suckled one and then moved onto the other.

Serene squirmed and hooked her legs around his snapping hips.

Loki let out another animalistic growl and pinned her arms with his as he felt his release coming.

Serene gripped the sheets as the pace was set to a new height as she felt the build up. "I'm close Loki," Serene whined out.

Loki took long pronounced strokes with his hips creating a snapping motion in order to get any deeper.

Serene let out a cry when she felt Loki stroke the bundle within her.

Loki felt Serene's walls convulse and he continued for another couple strokes before he released his coils and spilled into her.

Once he had finished he gathered her into his arms and held her.

One leg was in between hers as he spooned her.

Arms encircled around hers and she felt his nose nuzzle into her neck.

"Welcome home, my galaxy," Loki whispered.

"I love you." Serene said as she fought against sleep.

"I love you too," Loki answered back and soon they fell into the darkness.

Tomorrow held just out of reach.

Soon pieces will fall into place and all Hell would break loose.

But the worst was yet to come.