MissKittyavengesupreme- I'm sorry and don't worry about it. Here you are :)

ILove2Write13- POSSIBLY.

l-o-c-c-l-a-i-r-e-e- *sobs loudly and grossly* I only write Steve calling ma'am still once in awhile because it's a polite habit for him that was pounded in his beautiful, glorious, gentlemanly head. Plus Steve adores Ashlyn's little blush with the use of his formality.

Silentmusic226- Ahhh...sorry 'bout that. I hope you like this chapter.

Lexicon04- So that was the thump in my basement...

Fellowship of Avengers- muhahahahaha...maybe.

Tir-Na-nOg-Niamh- I-can't-Niamh-I...urgh I've died again.

I-love-tea-and-coffee- They'll make an appearance sooner or later ;)

Anime-GuardianAngel- Shit might just hit the fan.

I apologize for the lack of updates. I've been studying for school exams that are coming up very soon (I really, really hate school sometimes, you know?). And then I had soccer which was chaotic (I'm still going through the motions for the season is almost over). I also had to get caught up with Supernatural and all the...falling. *cries loudly*

Plus browsing Tumblr does not help whatsoever.

Please Enjoy.

*~INFERIORITY~*

Manhattan, New York

Avengers Tower

April 10th

9:30 AM

Ashlyn awoke abruptly to find that Steve was no longer snuggled up next to her. The female super solider kicked off the covers and swung her feet over the side of the bed, staring at her naked feet before placing them on the plush carpet. Ashlyn rubbed her eyes with the back of her hands and stretched with a huge yawn. She clasped up a few of the buttons that had come loose during the night on her TARDIS blue long sleeve shirt and tugged slightly on her matching pajama pants. She ran a hand through her dark brown hair and stumbled out into the Avengers' kitchen.

"'Morning, Ash," Clint chirped from the stool he was sitting on. Alina sat in her highchair, her little hands prying at the bowl of baby food. Her father caught her before she almost tipped the whole container over upon herself and leaned in, nibbling on her cheek. Alina gave a little cry of delight and a wide, gummy smile, her fingers wrapped up in Clint's hair. Ashlyn felt a surge of warmth from the scene. Barton was such an adorable, doting dad.

"Hiya, Clint. Do you happen to know where Steve is at?" Ashlyn asked.

Clint nodded, prying Alina's hands from his hair and continuing to feed her. "He's working out downstairs with Natasha. He told me to tell you that he'll be done in a bit."

Ashlyn went to continue but at that moment, Loki decided to make an appearance. He strode wearily into the kitchen in only a pair of green pajama pants, a white t-shirt in his hands. His muscles stood out with obvious annoyance, straining against his skin has his hands shook with fury. Ashlyn could hear his heartbeat rapidly flinging itself about. The brunette's question to his anger was answered as soon as Thor followed him into the kitchen.

"Brother! Try this popping tart!" Thor exclaimed. He strode into the kitchen with the box of strawberry tartlets in his hands. Loki pulled on his shirt and his hair flopped loosely about.

"If I consume this Midgardian food will you finally let me be?" Loki snapped, ripping the box from his brother's hands. He took one out and stared at the wrapping. He cautiously ripped at the metallic jacket to reveal the Pop-Tart. Ashlyn watched as he glanced at Thor before pushing it toward his mouth.

"Loki, popping tarts are much better toasted," Thor explained, plugging the toaster in and placing his brother's pastry inside of it. He pushed down the lever and turned to Ashlyn.

"Lady Ashlyn, you have awoken," Thor greeted merrily. "Would you like a popping tart?"

"N-No thank you, Thor," Ashlyn responded with a smile. She tapped a box of Lucky Charms and milk she had pulled out and poured herself a bowl. She began to eat when Thor spoke to her again.

"The Charms of Luck are rather good, are they not?"

Ashlyn dipped her head. "Yes, they're good. They're almost as good as-"

The seer was cut off by a certain dark haired deity.

"Mortal machine! Relinquish my popping pastry or by the Gods I will end you!" Loki shouted, viciously shaking the toaster.

"Brother, yelling at it will not help. These mortal devices respond to kindness," Thor elucidated. Loki frowned and sulked.

Tony came into the kitchen, his hip purposely bumping into Ashlyn. "Hey, Ashie, Hunger Games, Point Break, Reindeer Games. Dammit, Ash, do you have a big enough bowl?"

A blush crept across Ashlyn's cheeks. "Steve and I have a large calorie i-intake, r-r-remember?"

"High metabolism, I got it. You two, Thor, and now True Power are going to eat me out of house and home," Tony snarked.

"I have waited long enough," Loki grumbled.

"Brother, have patience," Thor tried again.

"If I had my powers I would blast this vile machine into the next realm!" Loki yelled furiously. "I demand you to surrender my breakfast!"

"Oh shut up drama queen," Tony groaned. The toaster dinged and Stark went on. "Now eat your breakfast."

"My sincerest apologies, Loki, but it seems your vexation has burnt your popping tart," Thor apologized, pulling out a plate for his brother as his own popping tart burst free from its metal chamber.

Loki sat down and began to brood as he ate his Pop-Tart, jabbing at it nastily with a fork.

"Karma," Tony said. Clint snorted slightly but Ashlyn said nothing. Loki's eyebrows came together at the reference, unsure what exactly karma was. Thor, who's pastry was toasted to perfection, thought for a moment. He examined Loki's Pop-Tart and made sure it had the same looking bite marks and distracted Loki. When he is wasn't looking Thor switched their Pop-Tarts and returned to leaning against the sink, happily eating the burnt one instead. Loki, who did not realizing what had happened, continued to eat Thor's Pop-Tart. Ashlyn couldn't help but beam from ear to ear at Thor's kind gesture of brotherly affection, still willing to help Loki out with the little things even after all he had done. Ashlyn could only wonder why Loki so thoroughly despised the giant, blonde teddy bear that only showed him love. Something was broken between the two, some bond that would be near impossible to repair. Yet Thor made an effort to help his narrow-minded brother.

Ashlyn finished her bowl of cereal, took an offered Pop-Tart from Thor, and devoured it in a few bites. She was then handed Alina who's father wanted to go work out downstairs with his wife and Steve, Tony heading to the lab with Bruce who also took a Pop-Tart from the blonde Asgardian. Soon it was just Ashlyn, baby Alina, Loki, and Thor left in the kitchen. Loki watched Ashlyn with his steady green gaze. Ashlyn took Alina into the living room, sprawled across the rug on her back, and set Alina on her stomach. The redhead crawled up Ashlyn's torso with little gurgles, face planting right into the seer's bust.

"Come here you cutie." Ashlyn pulled Alina into the air and kissed and chewed on the baby's cheek, Alina screaming in delight and sucking, slobbering, and gnawing on Ashlyn's face in return. Ashlyn laughed loudly and kicked her feet in the air, rolling the two of them over. Alina turned and struggled to crawl about, playing with Ashlyn's shirt, hair, and pajamas. The two of them played on their stomaches and had tummy time, Ashlyn kissing her hands, nibbling on her fingers and toes, tickling her legs, and caressing her hair. Lina flailed her limbs about as Ashlyn loved on her and played with her, unaware that a shadow stood in the doorway from the kitchen to the living room a pair of brilliant green eyes watched her roll about.

Ashlyn picked Alina up into her arms and cuddled with her, the child yawning as her eyelids drooped lethargically into her stormy blue and gray eyes. Ashlyn had heard the little one's cries at three o'clock in the morning and knew that Alina had been up since. Clint had looked a bit fatigued himself and Ashlyn couldn't blame him. Ashlyn kissed the top of Alina's head and stood up so she could rocking her in her arms. The baby's head rested in the crook of the brunette's neck, her little hands clinging to the seer's pajama shirt. Ashlyn begun to hum, stepping about the room before she headed to the window and bounced slightly, softly crooning Alina to sleep.

"Deep in the meadow under the willow a bed of grass, a soft green pillow...lay down your head and close your eyes and when they open...the sun will rise," Ashlyn sang quietly just for the baby to hear. Alina yawned once again, gurgled, and closed her eyes.

"Here it's safe and hear it's warm and here the daisies guard you from every harm. Here your dreams are sweet and tomorrow brings them true, here is the place where I love you..."

Alina was snoring, Ashlyn petting her red curls and rubbing her back. "Deep in the meadow hidden far away, a cloak of leaves a moonbeam ray...forget your woes and let your troubles lay and when again it's morning they'll wash away..."

Little did she know the owner of the green eyes had crept into the living room and had settled behind the couch, watching the woman rock the baby with rapt attention.

"Here it's safe and hear it's warm and here the daisies guard you from every harm. Here your dreams are sweet and tomorrow brings them true..."

Loki wasn't sure what was so fascinating about a female mortal weakling singing to a mere feeble infant, but there was something that pulled him closer. He stepped out and around the couch, continuing to study the both of them. Something in him longed for that love, for the amount of attention the woman was giving the child.

"...Here is the place where I love you..."

When the song ended, he immediately felt foolish and inwardly cursed himself. He was a god, the rightful king of Asgard, the strongest villain the world had ever known. He hated himself for being so weak. Loki them immediately took that anger out on the girl.

Ashlyn, who thought it was just herself and Alina, was terribly mistaken.

"Doting on children is your rightful place, is it not?"

The brunette nearly jumped a foot in the air. She spasmed horribly in fear and she pivoted sharply before remembering there was a baby in her arms. Ashlyn's face burned hot with embarrassment. When she did not reply, Loki advanced again.

"But someone tried to make you to be better than that."

Ashlyn only swallowed, her blush becoming cold. She was too petrified to find her voice. They stood there in silence for what felt like several long and antagonizing hours before Ashlyn finally managed to speak.

"T-T-T-That wasn't f-for your e-ears."

Loki chuckled at her nervous stutter, the one thing that always managed to cripple her from being taken seriously.

"Perchance. But it left your lips for all to hear," Loki uttered, his long strides closing the space between Ashlyn and Alina. He tilted his head slightly to the side and continued. "This child is not yours. Yet you care for it. And instinct of all females no matter what inferior to men abilities they have."

Ashlyn's heart was hammering frantically, beating against her ribs and threatening to break free. She was sure Loki could hear the ruckus it was making. He smirked, his eyes squinting slightly as he observed the sleeping baby.

"Where is that song from?" Loki suddenly demanded.

"A book." Ashlyn's voice was nearly inaudible. The ex-Asgardian only stared at her before his smirk grew into a grin.

"Perhaps it should remain in the novel."

Ashlyn, who's body had been unlocking, froze up once again like a rusted, unoiled tin man. Did he just insult her voice? Her stomach gurgled very suddenly and she oddly felt like she was going to vomit. Her palms became clammy as she placed the sleeping Alina in her pack n play. Once she faced Loki again, she realized he had stalked closer. Her insides clenched together again and she knew if she didn't hurry, she might upchuck allover the floor.

Ashlyn, who began to head to the bathroom, heard the dark haired ex-Asgardian following swiftly after her. Ashlyn stepped into the hallway and was almost to the bathroom when she pivoted and faced the new mortal. Maybe it wasn't the greatest idea to leave Alina alone and asleep while she made sure whether she was going to be sick or not.

"W-What do you want?" Ashlyn asked, her voice tremulous.

Loki observed her for a few moments longer, his green gaze meeting hers. Ashlyn's eyes immediately flickered away and to her feet.

"You know who I am," Loki started, obviously taking pleasure in her discomfort. "But I do not know who you are, mortal."

"I-I'm Ashlyn," Ashlyn replied, ignoring the fact that Loki was a mortal now as well.

"And I assume you are a plaything for the pathetic group of 'Avengers'?"

"They aren't pathetic." Ashlyn's sweaty hands clenched into tight fists and she was suddenly terrified for her life, wondering what the dark haired man's reaction would be from her sharp outburst.

Loki's eyes widened slightly before narrowing again. He smirked at her, malice in his eyes. "You care for the 'Avengers'?"

"I-I am one," Ashlyn stammered, swallowing hard. Her blue eyes that had glared into his green ones fell back on her feet, her flared anger still bubbling. Ashlyn placed blame on her hormones.

"Ah." Loki's eye brows shot up skeptically. "I see. And what did you deserve to be placed on such an...esteemed league?"

Ashlyn was silent, her knees trembling with fear. Her hands clenched and unclenched by her sides as she felt more nauseous. Loki continued to keep his brows raised as he loomed over her as if he was trying to force her to make eye contact.

Just as Ashlyn thought she was alone, her prayers were answered.

"Lady Ashlyn! Loki!" Thor called, striding up out of the long hallway and into the living room to stand protectively next to the seer. He gazed at Loki purposely as if to make sure he was staying in line. "All is well?"

Loki crossed his arms over his green shirt and kept the small smirk tugging on the corner of his lip. "Correct. I was just getting acquainted with...ah...Lady Ashlyn."

"Ashlyn?" Steve's voice called. Ashlyn peeked over her shoulder to find her husband walking down the hall toward the trio. His smile disappeared when he saw her by Loki.

Ashlyn swallowed hard as the nausea became worse. She listened as Steve continued down the hall toward them, her sights focusing back on Loki and his superior simper. The world spun violently as her biliousness peaked and bile rushed up her throat. 'Creep. Jerk. Slimeball.'

The brunette retched, vomiting all over Loki's shoes. The man screamed and cried out in appall, shrieking fowl language at her and calling her several names that were too nasty to be repeated. Thor yelled at his brother as Ashlyn clamped a hand over her mouth, too sick to feel satisfied.

"You fowl and disgusting creature!" Loki exclaimed in disgust. "You owe me a new pair of shoes, you weak and revolting mortal!"

"Loki-!" Thor cried.

"Hey! Don't you dare speak to my wife like that!" Steve snarled, running down the rest of the corridor. Before he could reach the group, Ashlyn took a step forward to stammer out an apology but instead Loki placed a rough hand on her shoulder and shoved her back away from him. Ashlyn stumbled backwards and right into the wall, Loki advancing with his teeth bared. Ashlyn continued to squeak out a stream of apologies, wishing for her husband-

Steve collided into Loki, grabbing the collar of his shirt and hauling him right off his feet so they were face to face. Tony and Bruce were suddenly there, drawn by the ruckus, and Stark began catcalling for a fight while Bruce stood there in alarm.

"Put me down you insolent solider! I am a god!" Loki demanded loudly.

"You apologize to Ashlyn this instant!" Steve shouted.

"Not before the revolting bitch begs me for my forgiveness for vomiting all over me!" Loki shot back, still unafraid even though he was face to face with a man who, at the time, was much more powerful than him.

Ashlyn screamed as Steve wound back and, with a sickening crack, his fist collided with Loki's nose. Loki flew backwards and skidded across the floor, blood pouring down his face from his snout. Steve tried to hit him again but Thor pulled him back, shouting at him to take Ashlyn into the restroom and let him deal with his brother.

"C'mon, Ashlyn," Steve muttered angrily. Ashlyn grabbed his fingers as he put a steady hand on her back, quickly guiding her into the nearest bathroom where she emptied the contents of her stomach into the porcelain bowl.

Ashlyn clung onto the toilet so hard she the seat cracked and came loose under her grip. Steve held back her hair and rubbed her back, murmuring in her ear as Ashlyn cried and upchucked into the toilet.

"I'm sorry, Ashlyn," Steve apologized, caressing her back and neck with a tender hand. "I didn't mean to leave you alone with that greasy cad. I'm so sorry you don't even know. I'm sorry you had to see that. I'm so so so sorry."

"I-It's fine," Ashlyn panted, dry heaving and gagging. "I got buh-buh-back at him."

"Some aim you got there, sport," Tony chuckled from outside the bathroom door. "We should enter you in a puke projectile contest. We'll make that bastard the target."

In response, Ashlyn puked into the bowl once again.

~Illumini