A/N: Time frame wise, this is set 8 years after Burning Curve, for reference. :)
So updates might be a little slow as I deal with some big personal stuff. If you're interested you can read about it at my Tumblr. megaranoelle . tumblr . com
I don't own The Avengers, Loki, Iron Man, or anything of the like. Just the thoughts inside my head. And taking some personal freedoms with mythology and lore.
Balder traveled through the marketplace, looking for something to give to his youngest three grandchildren, something that would no doubt have Gabby and Steve give him tired looks. He smiled at the thought already, buying a couple of sweet from the local elvish shop. He placed the container in his sack and turned around to continue through the market, but stopped when the hustle of people were no longer around him. He blinked and turned around, thoroughly confused when he saw both Loki and Hela staring at him.
"Oh lord, you're serious," Hela breathed out, her hands open and clenching shut again. balder turned a little and saw Frigga, his eyes widened more.
"I'm very confused," Balder said slowly and Hela snorted. "I didn't die did I?"
"If only." Hela glared when Loki growled at her.
"No, you haven't died," Frigga smiled at him gently. "We are in a very precarious situation right now, and I believe that you could settle this for us."
"I don't actually like the sound of this." Balder walked a little closer to Frigga. "What's going on?"
Tony swallowed as he took a deep breath through his nose. He felt something on his chest and frowned a little. There was a soft cooing sound and he slowly opened his eyes. He couldn't help but smile when he saw his newborn looking at him, her lips moving a little in what could have been a smile when he looked at her. Key let out another noise and moved her arms a little.
"Someone's very happy to see you awake." Sander smiled at him, his arm wrapped around Key as he sat with her in his lap.
"Well, she is incredibly smart," he said quietly, slowly pushing himself up into a sitting position. After he got his bearings he reached out and took Key into his arms. She seemed to snuggle into his chest. "Hello there. Getting tired of sleeping in a hideous plastic bed?"
"She may be, but she's going to have to endure it for a couple more days." Tony glanced up and saw Alex standing just behind Sander. "Not too much longer though," he smiled. "She's almost earned her clean bill of health."
"Let me guess, you're here to take her from me now?" Tony raised an eyebrow and Alex just smirked.
"She was about to take a nap before Sander stole her away from me." Sander grinned and Tony chuckled. He kissed Key's forehead, drawing another happy noise from her before handing her off to Alex. "You'll get her back when she wakes up, don't worry."
"Chris is with Mia and Melli," Sander told Tony as Alex walked away. "They're upstairs getting Key's new room ready for her." Tony nodded before reaching his arms out and pulled Sander into his arms. He hugged him as tight as he could and Sander closed her eyes, melting into his arms.
"As soon as Loki gets back, everything will be almost back to normal." Tony rubbed Sander's shoulders a little. "And we'll work on this thing," Tony said, glancing down at the arc in his sons chest. "I have a few years of experience that we can use." Sander smiled a little and nodded. Tony studied him for a few seconds. "Something else is bothering you, what-"
"San!" They were both distracted by the loud yell and gasp. Sander turned around just in time for Melisande to launch herself into his arms. Sander grinned and pulled her against his chest.
"Hey there, munchkin! I missed you." She snuggled her face into his chest, grinning.
"You have to stay here now, you can't leave again," Melisande said into his shirt. She pulled her head back and tilted it. "You have the same night light that daddy has in his chest."
"I do," Sander nodded a little. "Do you like Daddy's night light?"
Melisande shrugged a little. "Sometimes it gets too warm. Then I cuddle into Dad, he feels colder than Daddy." She leaned up to him suddenly, her face getting serious. "Does Fay know?"
Tony raised an eyebrow. Sander shook his head. "No, not yet." He put a finger to his lips and she giggled, putting a hand over her mouth.
"Wait," Tony leaned forward. "What are we talking about?" Melisande put her finger to her mouth, and smiled.
"It's our secret." Sander grinned at Tony as Melisande snuggled into Sander's shirt, trying to hide her face.
"Oh, that's just not fair," Tony pouted a little. "Just wait until your Dad gets home."
"I always get the secrets out." Tony jumped a little when he heard Loki's voice behind him.
"Dad!" Melisande held up her arms but didn't want to leave Sander's lap. "San! Everyone home now!" Sander chuckled and blew a raspberry on her cheek, making her squeal with laughter.
Tony looked over, trying not to frown when he saw Loki standing stiffly. He could feel the low level hum of Loki casting a glamour on himself. "Things went that well?"
Loki snorted a little. "I would be very nice to Balder from now on." He slowly sat down next to Tony. Tony noticed he was favouring his bad hand again. "I assume you had a hand in that decision being made?"
"I only asked that someone be sent out your way to help avoid chaos." Tony just raised his eyebrows innocently.
"Your grand idea was to send my mother?" Tony could see the slight smile that was coming over Loki's lips. He knew that Loki would be thankful that he was given one more chance to see Frigga.
"Facing a family dispute between you and your sister? Your damn skippy I'm sending your mother." Tony let out a little snort, gently leaning against Loki's good arm. "I didn't see it, but I didn't want to have the chance to see a future where Hela gets that power." Loki hummed a little and nodded. "You should think about getting some rest, you have a couple of important things to deal with in the morning."
Loki raised an eyebrow at him. "And what exactly what would that be?"
"And ruin the surprise?" Tony smirked and shook his head. "You'll just have to wait."