So yay! The gala/party! Yes, the Museum of Contemporary Art is an actual place in Chicago. I did indeed look it up. It's a bit weird that Loki is OOC, but that's the way I'm going to write him. He's redeemable in my opinion and I think he just needs a break from being dastardly evil haha Anyway, I do no own the Avengers. Hope you enjoy!
JJwolf: Love/ hate hehe yeah, I guess they do love each other at times...perhaps in this chapter...haha Thanks for the review!

Chapter Thirteen

Mimi and Willow walked out of the room and found Ethan and Loki standing across from each other in suits. Ethan looked at Willow and smiled. Both guys were dressed in fitting suits and Mimi walked over to Ethan to fix his tie. Willow and Loki were silently watching them and when Mimi was done, she stood there expectantly.

"Well, are we going to go or not?" Mimi demanded and everyone followed Loki. They were headed to the Museum of Contemporary Art and would have to take a cab down there. Mimi opted to take the passenger's seat next to the driver while Willow was sitting between Loki and Ethan. It was a silent ride, but Willow kept busy by going through her small purse and checking that she had the invitations.

When the cab stopped, Willow pushed Ethan out and Loki exited from the other side, holding out his hand for Willow. She took it and slipped her arm through Loki's as they entered the Museum. Mimi grabbed Ethan's hand and followed behind. Willow took out the invitations and the man at the front took them, letting them enter.

The art gallery was dimly lit and there was an area where people were chatting softly. Maureen and Adler were in the fray and Mimi dragged Willow over to their bosses. Loki and Ethan followed after.

"Willow, Mimi, you both look gorgeous!" Adler said and Mimi beamed. Soft music played in the background and Mimi ordered a martini. Willow, however, was content with champagne. Ethan and Loki were observing and a certain painting caught Loki's eye. It was titled 'Loki' and Willow wandered over.

"What exactly is that painting?" Willow inquired, taking a look closer.

"I assume it is an abstract expression of myself," Loki explained and Willow looked even closer.

"I'm not someone interested in art, but that looks like two fishes and I don't see you as a fish," Willow said and Loki smirked.

"Your perception is astounding," Loki said sarcastically and Willow rolled her eyes.

"I have a major in journalism and I only took one art history class, which I slept my way through," Willow explained and Loki decided to delve further into Willow's past.

"How exactly did you come to have wings?" Loki asked in a low voice. It caught Willow by surprise, but she let out a breath and decided to answer.

"My family and I went on a vacation in Europe when I was ten. My brother, Quinn, and I got lost and we stumbled upon this old woman. Quinn noticed that she had food and as a growing kid, he was hungry. So, he stole from the woman. She was furious and was about to lash out at my brother, but I got between them and she cursed me. The next day, I found out I had wings and my brother didn't want to have anything to do with me. The car accident that killed my parents should have killed me, but I woke up in the hospital with barely any injuries. That's when SHIELD started to watch me. I was only eighteen and I got Clint on my side. He persuaded the director into letting me get comfortable into my life and there was no reason that I needed to be watched and yet here I am," Willow explained and all the while Loki listened carefully.

"Your brother had no right to disown you for his mistake," Loki said and Willow shrugged.

"It's better without my brother looking over my shoulder. I'm fine with living on my own with no family pressure," Willow realized and then looked away. Something glinted and it caught her attention. Loki watched as Willow approached a glass case filled with gems and jewels from an older era. Mimi came over and exchanged a look with Loki.

"Willow, what are you staring at so intently?" Mimi wondered and Willow turned to look at Loki.

"Is that gem what I think it is?" Loki walked forward and then turned his head.

"You may want to call Agent Barton about this," Loki said and Willow walked away to call Clint. Mimi and Ethan looked at the glass as Loki was in deep thought.

Clint didn't answer the first time and Willow groaned in anger. So, she resorted to giving a call to Steve. He answered immediately.

"Hey Steve, it's Willow. I'm sorry I left the other day, but I think we found an infinity gem," Willow said suddenly.

"I'll…contact Director Fury," Steve said slowly and Willow knew something was wrong.

"Are you okay, Steve?" Willow wondered and waited a few minutes for Steve to respond.

"I'm fine, Willow. I'll call Fury and he'll send someone," Steve said and ended the call. Willow put her cell back and returned to where the infinity gem was.

"Clint didn't answer, so I called Steve. He said he'd call Fury," Willow said softly and Mimi's brow furrowed.

"How should we get it?" Ethan asked, looking to Loki.

"I will handle it. Keep the others busy, Ethan, and take Mimi with you," Loki ordered and they left immediately. Willow gazed at the glowing orange gem and then turned to Loki.

"Which gem is it?" Willow wondered.

"It's the time gem," Loki said, not taking his eyes off the gem.

"How do you plan on getting it out?" Willow was eyeing Loki and the gem.

"It will be simple. As soon as the guests are distracted, I will take it with magic," Loki explained and eyed Willow. She was looking around, seeing if there was another way.

"I don't see how you could-" Willow was cut off by seeing Loki with the gem in his hand.

"Keep this hidden," Loki said and gave it to Willow. She put it in a pocket of her purse.

She was about to say something to Loki, but someone tapped her shoulder. Turning around, Willow saw Clint. He eyed Loki cautiously and then smiled at Willow.

"Where's the gem you saw?" Clint wondered and Willow fished it out of her purse, "How did you get it?"

"Loki grabbed it while Ethan and Mimi were on lookout duty," Willow explained.

"Okay, well, Fury wants us to report back," Clint said and reached out for Willow's arm. She shied away from his hand.

"I'm not exactly dressed to go with you at this moment. Besides, I have a job to do here and I can't leave Mimi behind," Willow explained and Clint sighed heavily.

"Do you want to stay, Willow? Steve's worried." Clint was looking at Loki.

"Maybe I want to go back to my apartment," Willow argued, folding her arms across her chest.

"Fine, but we'll keep in touch," Clint said and took the gem from Willow. She watched as he walked out of the museum.

"You can go back, Willow. I'll handle it from here," Mimi muttered, standing at Willow's side. Willow let out a breath and nodded.

"Keep Ethan and Loki with you," Willow mentioned and her ring gave her a shock. Turning around, she looked at Loki like he was crazy.

"You shouldn't go alone. Ethan will stay behind," Loki insisted and led Willow to get a cab. Willow knew Clint would want her back with SHIELD, but he didn't have to be a douche about it. The ride was silent as Willow pondered and Loki looked over at her every few minutes to make sure she was still breathing.

The cab pulled up to the hotel and Willow got out first, not bothering to wait for Loki. Riding the elevator was a quiet affair and Willow entered the suite without a word.

"Willow," Loki said and she stopped before entering her room. She turned the doorknob and Drax rushed out. He jumped up and licked Willow's arm.

"I'm not property of the Avengers just because I joined up. I did that only to piss Fury off," Willow said with a grin on her face.

"If we want to beat Thanos, I must cooperate with the Avengers," Loki commented and Willow met Loki's gaze.

"I don't think anyone likes you very much," Willow pointed out, still grinning.

"There are a few who don't dislike me," Loki said distantly, eyeing Drax.

"Yeah, I guess Drax likes you," Willow agreed.

"Why would you come back here when Agent Barton offered to take you back to the safety of SHIELD?" Loki wondered and Willow pondered the question, while looking at Drax.

"No place is truly safe. Besides, that flying aircraft carrier is a target. I'd me much safer here and in the city," Willow explained logically.

"You're not a convincing liar," Loki said, stepping toward Willow. She held her ground.

"You think there's another reason I stayed behind?" Loki nodded, inching closer, "Well, there's Mimi and Drax to consider as well as this being much closer to work."

"That's not the truth," Loki noted and stopped to stand a foot away from her. Willow met his gaze, challenging him.

"What is the truth, then?" Willow wasn't sure how he'd react and when he kissed her, she was utterly shocked. He pulled her closer and Willow's back hit the wall. She couldn't resist kissing him back and wrapped her arms around his neck. Loki lifted Willow off her feet and moved through the door. Willow's back hit her bed and she pulled the collar of Loki's shirt to bring him closer.

Voices could be heard down the hall and Willow pushed Loki away quickly. He smiled and the door closed with a click. Willow shook her head and Loki leaned down to kiss the hollow of her throat. There was a knock on the door and Willow panicked.

"Willow, are you okay?" Mimi's voice asked, muffled.

"Yeah, I'm okay," Willow called and climbed off her bed, leaving Loki there. Cracking the door open, Willow greeted Mimi with a smile.

"I didn't see Loki anywhere. Is he with you?" Mimi asked curiously.

"No, I think he went outside to get some air or something," Willow lied.

"Okay, well, can I come in?" Mimi asked.

"Sorry, I want to be alone right now." Mimi nodded in understanding and left. Willow turned around to find Loki looking through her closet.

Willow walked over to the dresser and searched for pajamas. Loki came up from behind and rested his hands on her hips. His chin rested on her shoulder and Willow continued looking. She produced a t-shirt and some shorts, giving Loki a look before entering the bathroom.

The hot shower was definitely what Willow needed after the long night and when she stepped out, Drax was lying on her bed and Loki was gone. With a shrug, Willow got in bed with a smile. She wanted to have a good night's rest.

The dining hall was filled with guests. Willow stood apart from them, fixing Ragnar's clothing. Brynja had already been taken care of and that's when Loki joined them. Ragnar let out a sigh as Willow finally finished. The boy spotted his father and ran over. Brynja joined her older brother and greeted their father. Willow stood up and placed her hands on her hips. Why did Loki have to ruin her perfectly good dream? Loki smiled as his two children ranted on about whatever it is they had to say and Willow smiled. He leaned down to them and said a few things as Willow watched. Suddenly, hey hurried over to Willow and tugged at her gown.

"Father said you look very beautiful," Ragnar whispered and Willow looked up to meet Loki's gaze. He approached them and held out his arm for Willow.

"Mama, how do I look?" Brynja wondered. Willow scanned her daughter's face and then assessed her attire.

"You look adorable, like a princess," Willow replied and Brynja blushed a shade of pink. She then took Ragnar and ran off.

"If these two are in fact our children from the future, they will be mischievous," Loki noted and Willow rolled her eyes.

"First of all, no one said I would marry you and have kids. Second, you're the god of mischief, therefore your children will be extremely clever and devious," Willow explained as Loki guided her through the throng of people gathered.

"No one said you wouldn't marry me," Loki mentioned with a smirk.

"You are impossible." Loki kissed the side of Willow's head and smiled at her.

I have the link to the painting of Loki on my profile page. To be honest, I looked at it and laughed, but it's someone's rendition, so I give them props. Um, I definitely wasn't going to have them sleep together! Yea, um, that's just not how that's going to work, Loki. You're going to have to try harder hehe Anyway, cute Ragnar and Brynja scene! I decided to put a short one in because they are such cute kids!