Author's Note: We did it! New chapter! Finally! But still, let us know if you want to see anything happen and we'll do our best. And let us know what you think of this chapter of course.

Chapter 17

Clearly, Ember had thought her job was done. That with that kiss, she thought it was a done deal. But no! It was only the start of brand new troubles for the teenage relationship 'expert'. I'm not even supposed to be dating! She had though one day. Oh well, the job needs to be done. But it's not like they're making it any easier on me though…

It had been about a week later, Loki and Niki were attempting to avoid each other. But they ultimately failed at that. And whenever they WERE in the same room, and they made eye contact, Niki would quickly look down and blush, and made a quick getaway. If she didn't leave first, then Loki did. Finally, Ember had had it.

Standing, Ember grumbled to herself about how her sister and Loki were acting more like children than she was. She left her room and walked down the stairs, entering Loki's room. "What do you think you're doing?"

Loki looked up at Ember with a raised eyebrow. "I'm reading." He said in an 'isn't-this-obvious?' voice.

"That is NOT what I meant," Ember huffed, tapping her foot impatiently on the floor. "I meant, what do you think you're doing to Niki?! You guys haven't done anything!"

"What do you mean?"

"You need to go on a date! Or this whole thing will NEVER work out. It's not just, 'reveal my emotions to you and it'll be alright', no it's not that simple. You need to take her somewhere, make her feel special. Take. Her. On a. Date." Ember said. Those last words were emphasized with a poke in the arm for each syllable.

Loki sighed and nodded. "But what do I do? I have no idea what to do."

Ember started to pace, then sat down on the edge of his bed. "What's your idea of a good time?"

Loki took time to think then whispered in Ember's ear.

"Ember! What-Why the heck are we here?" Niki complained as she drove up to the store that Ember told her to go to.

"Because you need a dress." Ember replied simply, unbuckling and getting out of the car.

"What for?"

"Remember?! Loki asked you on a date."

"Well duh! But why do I need a dress from a fancy place like this?!"

Ember closed her door and walked over to Niki's, opening it for her. She looked at Niki. "Just get out. Loki wants to take you to a nice dance. So come on."

Natasha was there waiting for them. Ember had asked her to come along too, she would have more experience with this kind of thing, and the red head would be able to 'convince' Niki to get one of the dresses that they would find. Nat was glad to help. She was happy that Niki was FINALLY getting together with someone, even if it was Loki. Unlike some of the other Avengers, including her husband, Natasha was acknowledging that Loki was changing. The spy had recognized that he wasn't the same as he once was. He was… broken and slowly mending in the care of these two sisters.

They entered the extravagant store and Niki immediately felt out of place. The place was full of expensive looking dresses and outfits. Ember and Natasha dragged her over to a section full of dresses on sale to try to make her more comfortable. Shifting through the dresses, she found about one or two that she thought she might like, but some of the ones she chose were just to keep Ember and Nat to shut up.

"Um… no," Ember said when Niki stepped out of the dressing room with a light blue, empire waist gown on. It was silky, strapless, and floor length.

"What?! Why not?" Niki asked, astonished. She actually kind of liked this one.

"It's not you."

Niki looked over at Natasha who nodded in agreement. "Sorry Niki. It's not you. I think you should go with a darker color."

"Fine." Niki huffed, stepping back into the dressing room. She looked at the price tag and immediately dropped it, removed the dress and put it in the 'no' pile. These might be a little expensive…

After about 20 other dresses, Niki stepped out of the dressing room with a floor length, emerald green dress. It had no sleeves, a high close collar and was very flowy from the waist down. It had a slit in the green material along the right leg, revealing a close fitting but unrestricting underskirt of golden material. It looked very elegant and it looked good on Niki.

"Yes!" Ember squealed. "Yes! A thousand times yes! I love it! It's SOOOOOO you!"

Natasha smiled. "I agree! It looks very nice. I say go for it."

They had purchased the dress and shoes that went with it, and had gone home. By the end of the day, Niki was glad to be home.

Loki greeted them when they got home and wanted to see the dress but Ember forced him away.

"Ah-ah-ah! No looking until tonight." Ember said, pushing Niki into her room. "Shower and get ready. You have three hours to get ready."

Weird how she knows more about my date than I do… Niki thought, hopping into the shower. Hopefully, this night will go well…

She didn't get long. Soon Natasha, who had followed them home, was banging on the door yelling at her to get out so she could do her hair and make-up. Grumbling, the older sister sat to endure an hour of hair pulling, brow tweaking, eye watering torture as the spy prepared her. Finally, hair piled on top of her hear and gold jewelry accenting just so, the older sister was ready. Tasha helped her into her dress and left to check on Ember and Loki. Carefully Niki sat down, trying her damnedest to topple over and ruin all her friends' hard work. Nerves were making her knees weak and the heels weren't helping.

Dancing, she thought. Why dancing? I don't know how to dance let alone be graceful and beautiful. What am I doing? Making a fool of myself in front of…. She blushed even at the thought of the deity anymore. Her hands were shaking when the door opened and Natasha came back in. "They're ready… Niki what's wrong?" The ex-Russian crouched down in front of her friend taking the newly manicured hands in hers and looking up at her. "You're afraid. Of what?"

"Nat, I have no idea what I'm doing," Niki let out in a trembling voice. "I don't know how to dance, I'm not a graceful person, and I don't know a thing about dating!"

Smiling softly the Avenger helped Niki to her feet. "You do realize that Loki didn't fall in love with your dancing or your grace. He loves you for being you. Don't worry about how graceful you are or are not. He honestly won't care. He'll take care of you. And you look stunning. I should know, I helped. Now come on, Loki's waiting." Natasha opened the door and Niki, taking a deep breath and giving her friend a shaky smile, walked out into the living room.

"By the Nine."