"Aisle one, needs a clean-up. Aisle one, needs a clean-up"
Steve Rogers put down the carton of milk as he saw an elderly janitor having problems with a bucket half-full of soap water. He walked over to him and took the bucket with ease. "I'll help you sir" the janitor smiled and tilted his cap in thanks. "Thanks son, if it's not too much trouble." Steve shook his head and took the grocery basket that will fill his fridge tonight. "No problem at all, sir. I was about to pay for my groceries."
They started walking through the aisles, passing by the many available items that were being sold in the supermarket. The janitor noticed the many young women looking at the gentleman beside him, but it seems the man himself was oblivious to the looks, or either ignoring them. "It seems you're attracting a lot of attention." Steve smiled. "I'm sorry if it bothers you sir." "No, not at all, but I'm surprised; men these days usually jump at an opportunity to get a woman."
The janitor sighed and moved his head side to side, showing how upset he was. "Not like in my time. Times have changed I guess." The janitor looked up at Steve and smiled at him. "But I'm glad men like you are still around, the world needs it."
"Thank you sir."
They stopped at the designated aisle that had a huge, growing puddle of coke on the floor, it's bottle still lingering on the floor, having a just a little bit more of the flavoured soda inside. The janitor sighed and grumbled. "This will be hard to clean." Steve looked worried and offered his help again. But the old man smiled and puffed his chest out. "These bones still have some calcium in them. So, don't you worry about me."
Steve had some second-thoughts, but the man didn't seem like the type to back down. He smiled and gave him a polite goodbye, and started walking towards the cashier.
He placed all of his groceries and waited patiently as the cashier started to do, whatever cashiers do with their new gadgets. Even after months, he still hasn't gotten used to the new technology of the twenty-first century. Though he tries to learn the new ways, the old ways in him can't be replaced that easily. "Here you go sir. Have a nice day." Steve nodded politely and ignored the flirty smile on the cashier's lips.
One thing that he will never accept is the fact how the people have changed. Males who have pride but humility, is now full of ego and arrogance. No respect at all, especially for the women. While the females who were full of elegance, and heart. Are now, well, he doesn't want to think about that. He sighed as he saw a young couple furiously kissing as he stepped out of the supermarket.
And the courting! He wouldn't be surprised if the young couple, if they were a couple at all, will end their relationship on the dot.
That's the reason why he doesn't want to date, no matter how much Tony tells him he should unwind and relax. Because if he's going to have a relationship, he wants to give it his all, and he wants to be assured that the person he'll have a relationship with, will also give it their all. He took the keys off his pants pocket and opened the driver's seat. The BMW car was a gift from Tony, though he didn't accept it at first (it was embarrassing and he saw the price of a car like that. It was expensive!)
But Tony assured him that it was okay. "And besides with a car like this, you're bound to impress someone."
He pushed the teasing voice of his friend out of his mind and focused on the car. He turned the key and heard the engine come to life. He checked all his groceries if he left something and started driving off to his home, thinking of what to make for dinner.
I
His house was normal, average home, with a front yard and fence. Not much for modern, but it was good for him. He spends his time here instead of the Avengers Tower. Though he visits sometimes, he prefers the peace, and old lifestyle his house provided him. Not the machinery and technical life Tony has in his building.
He sat down on his light brown sofa, and turned the television on with a click of its remote. The screen flashed instantly with a picture of man with a microphone, talking about the daily happenings in New York City. When Steve was still just a scrawny guy with health problems beyond comprehension, he would watch the news every night to see what happened in the war or if there were any new places where he could sign-up. He got so use to it, it became a habit.
The reporter was just talking about a car accident that happened when he heard a beeping sound on his pants pocket. He took the cell phone that he received from SHIELD and looked at the screen. A simple message from Fury made him stand up, grab his jacket and take his motorcycle for a faster ride than his car.
Nick Fury
'Come to the Avengers Tower, now.'
II
Steve always made sure to obey traffic rules and regulations. It was his duty as a past soldier and now presently a super hero to set an example for the people, but with a person like Fury as your boss and always at your back. It was no wonder Steve would go over the required speed limit, or break other rules that are, in his mind very important.
He parked his motorcycle in front of the 55-feet high building and hurriedly went in, giving a quick reply to JARVIS as the super computer welcomed him back. Steve walked straight in to the elevator which was already waiting to send him to the top most level of the Avengers Tower.
He waited patiently, tapping his foot in the cold metal. The minute he stepped outside of the elevator, to the carpeted floor, he knew something was wrong. The Avengers were all there, assembled like the first time they met.
Clint standing near the window, looking outside the building to the busy streets of New York, Natasha and Bruce were sitting on Tony's black and expensive couch, talking quietly with each other, two glasses of cold water on the grey table in front of them, and Tony.
"Hey Cap." Tony emerged out from the mini bar, a drink in his hand. "Want one? We're going to be here for a long time." "I'm good Tony." "Too bad."
"We are not here for drinks." Steve switched his attention to the commanding voice of his boss.
Nick Fury was dressed up in his black clothes, his long black coat and his black eye patch. He doesn't look any different, and he definitely doesn't act any different. But Steve could see there is something different about him today. Maybe it was the look that said he doesn't want to be here on his one eye. Or the way his body wasn't even moving that Steve thought Nick was inflected with a disease.
Other than that he looked very normal.
"Why don't you take a seat Captain. Like Stark said, we'll be here for a while." Steve moved his feet to the couch, Natasha scooting away to make room for him. He took the offered seat with thanks. "Hello Captain, nice day isn't." Steve nodded at response to Bruce's calm statement. "So why are we here?"
Putting his arms in his back Nick slowly walked up to them, and said. "Since all of you are here, I'll get straight to the point. Stark." Tony tilted his head to the ceiling and called out. "JARVIS, send them in."
When Thor and Loki got out of the elevator all dressed up in their armour, the super soldier stood up, almost hitting the grey table and knocking down the glasses of cold water that were place on it. This is definitely not what he was expecting. "Thor, Loki what are you doing here?" "My friend, do you have an answer for our call." Thor replied, ignoring Steve's question. Steve on the other hand looked confused. "Answer? Call? What are you talking about?"
Thor breathed in deeply trying to calm down like his brother told him to, but only half-succeeding. "Our call of help Steve Rogers, have Sir Fury not told you yet." Steve looked at the silent agent to the knowing looks of his teammates. Did they know what this was about? Steve turned back to Thor, his eyes were demanding an answer from him, and so he answered with caution, knowing the temper tantrums of his fellow blond "I was a bit late it seems. Maybe you should explain it to me"
"I believe it would be best if I explain it to him, brother." Steve locked eyes with Loki.
Eyes which were calculating, sharp, and intense, like a soldier not missing any chance to attack the enemy, or bring down the walls of their defences. Steve had to stop himself from shivering, but he knew very well the heat that was gathering to his face. He was blushing. Steve ignored the snicker he heard from no doubt Tony, the questioning gazes from Thor, Bruce and Natasha, and most of all, the slight twitch of a smirk from Loki's face.
Maybe Steve should have accepted Tony's offer for a drink.
III
If there was one thing that Loki expected when they landed on top of the Avengers Tower, it would be Fury's cold and indifferent stature. The man was ruthless when it came to SHIELD. He would do anything to make sure the world was running smoothly and with no problems. So when Thor told him the problem they had in Asgard, it wasn't a surprise Fury sent them to a room to wait.
"I do not believe this. He tells us to wait when Asgard could be at war!"
Loki stood there, his back on the wall, while watching his brother pace and talk. The room they were sent to was a normal white room with nothing inside, it almost reminded Loki of the cell they put him in. Probably Fury thought that Thor will break something with his anger. "We must get out soon; Father must be waiting for us." "Calm brother, we won't accomplish anything with anger and impatience." Thor stopped his pacing and looked Loki's non-coolant form. He sighed and forced himself to calm down. "How can you relax at a time like this?"
Loki gave a smirk, a smirk that reminded Thor why his brother was called the God of Mischief. "Practice brother."
Thor didn't know what kind of practice Loki was talking about, but if his brother can calm down because of it, maybe he should do this practice as well. But what Asgard is going through right now is more important. "Brother, we must speak to my friends now; we must get them to help." "I know Thor, but you must be calm and be aware when dealing with these kinds of things. You must clear your mind and think." Loki has given Thor much advice when it came to calming down. He knew that as future king Thor will need it.
A sudden voice interrupted them, "You may go in now, and the elevator is already set for the two of you." If Loki was correct that voice belonged to the one called, JARVIS.
Thor and Loki entered the box-like container, Thor mumbling about what he was going to say to Fury once he sees him again. The elevator stopped with a ching, its metal doors opening. They stepped outside and were greeted with the sight of the whole Avengers there. Loki saw his brother relax, but immediately tensed again when Steve Rogers asked what they were doing here. Did he not know?
From the way the captain looked at all the people in the room, he did not. Loki adjusted himself and took a small step forward. "I believe it would be best if I explain it to him, brother." Both man stopped their conversation and looked at him. Loki didn't blink and didn't look away when his and Rogers eyes met. Blue definitely suited him. The Prince of Asgard felt a small tug of a smirk on his lips when he saw the deep red blush on the captain's face. But he refrained himself and kept up the straight face, though, just to tease the man, he didn't hide all his amusement from his eyes.
Even he had to admit the man is adorable.
IV
"That is our situation, Captain."
Steve took deep breaths and tried with all his strength, to keep a straight face amidst the growing and painful migraine in his head. Since the start of Loki's explanation of the happenings in Asgard, he really regrets not accepting the drink from Tony. "I see." Was the only good reply he could think of.
"So you understand that we need your help?" the hope and desperation in Thor's voice was enough to melt the heart of Steve.
But it seems Nick was different. "I'm sorry Thor, but they can't leave." "But surely you've been listening; the prophecy states that a group of mortals will help Asgard in their time of need. The Avengers must be it!"
"But it's too risky to send the Avengers to Asgard."
"What is the risk!" screamed Thor. A flash of lightning and thunder crossed the skies of Manhattan.
Nick stopped himself from speaking. That was all the warning he needed to know that the God of Thunder was reaching his breaking point. Loki put his hand on Thor's shaking shoulder, and squeezed it lightly. "Enough brother, let me." He whispered in Thor's ear. He retrieved his arm and stood in front of Nick, blocking Thor's view of the man. Loki's pale face contrasted with the light that came from Manhattans… new weather.
"I do hope that this is not you're final decision, Nick Fury"
"It is."
"Then I am assuming that, the minute earth is in trouble once more, Thor or I will not be coming to give aid. Since our call of help was denied."
Nick narrowed his eyes a bit. He should have known this card would be played. "But this problem in Asgard is not a problem of earth." "But neither were the missions that Thor helped with." Loki knew that this was a risk, that Thor loves earth, and will do anything to keep it protected and safe. "Why are you having second thoughts? Is there something wrong in Asgard that you do not want the Avengers to see?"
"I'm not saying that there's something wrong with Asgard. I'm saying is that, if the Avengers do go and fight there like what this prophecy said, what's the outcome? What if they die? Earth will be left with no defenders and no heroes to fight for us." "Your faith in them is outstanding."
Nick clenched his fist; this argument was 50-50 for both of them.
"There must be something that our people can give to you in exchange of answering our call. Weapons, power, energy." Loki paused midway. "My life." Steve's eyes widened when he heard that, almost everyone in the room was shock when they heard that offer. "Come now, even as months passed you still hold a grudge against me. Don't deny it Fury, I can see it in your eye. The Anger. Your name suits you" "Brother, do not be-" Loki raised his arm to stop Thor from making his decision. "Or do you want me to do something undignified that will make me lose my honour or pride. I can do that, I'm not weak."
"I don't hold grudges." Loki smiled, a Cheshire cat smile despite the heaviness that was weighing in his chest.
"You cannot fool the God of Lies."
Steve watched and switched his gaze to Thor who looked like the weight on his shoulders was doubled, and to Loki who was giving up his pride, just to save his home. His home, not Steve's, his family and all the other families on Asgard, not the families here on earth. Loki who was giving up, no, offering his life for the kingdom who took him in. Steve would be lying if he said that wasn't the most honourable thing he saw.
"We'll help."
And no matter how much Loki damaged earth when he came here, Steve can't just stand there and watch another place crumble, even if he doesn't have any real connection to the place.
"What!"
But for his standards as a soldier, he could have thought more of Nick and the probation he'll be receiving, and he could have said that… better, a lot better.
V
"So you have all the technology I need to make my Ironman suit again."
"Of course my friend."
"Excuse me."
"And you have a bow, arrows and guns there, for me and Natasha"
"We have fine weaponry there in Asgard. I assure you, your choices will not be limited."
"Everyone."
"And you have a library there, all the books."
"Knowledge is important in Asgard, the libraries are vast, and we will be more than happy to share what we know."
"RRRRRIIIINNNGGG!"
Everyone covered their ears as the annoying ringing made its way to their ear drums
"Sheesh doc, what was that for?"
Dr. Erik Selvig smiled and closed his cell phone. "Sorry Tony, but it seems all of you weren't going to notice me anytime soon." He moved aside to let everyone see his empty testing room "I'm sure everyone knows that we need to make sure your bodies are physically prepared for the transport in Asgard, and since Steve is already finish, I think your next Tony"
Steve smiled while he watch doc Erik shoo Tony away to the testing room. Telling him he can ask about the technology in Asgard later. The argument with Fury was short but very tiring, but Steve finally got him to sway.
Flashback
"What!"
Steve had to stop himself from wincing at the anger in Nick's voice. The other Avengers were looking at him, interested as to why Steve would disobey orders. Though it wasn't the first time he disobeyed orders. "Care to enlighten me as to why you're disobeying me, Rogers."
Steve cleared his throat and adjusted his brown jacket. "Sir, I mean no disrespect-" "You better." Steve ignored Nicks interruption, and continued on. "-But Loki has a point. Thor has helped us with many missions and was there when we needed him."
"You must be deaf, if something happens to all of you up there-" "Thor knew the consequences when he fought for earth. He could have died and yet he didn't care." Steve was swimming in unwanted territories, but for everything that happened to him. He doesn't really care. "We owe Thor, and we owe Asgard that." Nick looked at him, anger vanishing from his eyes. "Are you sure you're not just acting like a super hero." Tony chuckled and took a sip from his drink. "But isn't the Captain really a super hero."
Steve had to stop himself from smiling. "No sir, I'm not just acting. I know war, and I know what they're going through." Nick sighed, Steve's eyes had all the stubbornness and honour that told him he wasn't going to back down. He knows the soldier well enough that his already decided. "Sometimes, I wonder if having a legendary super soldier who fought in the world war is worth all the trobule." Steve smiled, he knew he won the battle. "You're responsible Rogers."
Nick moved his head to stare right at the eyes of the Asgardians who were quiet and waiting. "We will answer your call for help."
End of Flashback
Steve had to admit, Nick's answer was quite formal, a wonder if he planned that.
"Is there something amusing, Captain?"
Loki stood there, his arms crossed in his back, a mischievous smirk on his lips, his black and green armour that highlights his place skin, the black hair that was sleek back, his green eyes that showed amusement. "Are you done looking at me Captain?" Steve blinked and looked away, cursing the heat that he felt in his face, neck and ears. Damn!
Loki bit his cheek from laughing. The man was unexpectedly innocent for someone who has the body that even a god will envy. "Is there something wrong? You seem to be burning" That only made Steve's blush redder. "I-I'm fine, just… the temperature is…a… just…you know." What the hell! He never stutters like this. Not since he met Peggy. Loki couldn't resist, he gave a chuckle. Steve looked up to him again. The smirk was replaced with a genuine smile. "I apologize Captain, but you are quite fun to tease." That made Steve relax a little. "May I join you Captain?" "Steve." Loki raised an eyebrow, confused. "My names Steve, and yeah your free to join me."
"Steve." To Loki it sounded foreign, intimate, but it seems the blond-man didn't give any negative reactions, so Loki thought it was fine.
They both just stood there on the wall of Dr. Erik's lab. Watching as the scientist called each Avenger for their physical body test. "I must thank you, for doing this." Steve almost didn't hear it. He looked at Loki who didn't stare back at him, deciding to continue watching the others. "It means quite a lot, for Thor, for the people of Asgard… for my father." Steve felt the emotion in Loki's voice, tiny, but there "Don't mention it. Anyone who calls for help shouldn't be denied." Loki turned to look at the man, but Steve had already turned his head.
"Soldiers are like that. I shouldn't be surprised that you have a big sense of justice and honour."
"You knew I was a soldier?"
"Oh yes, it was after all, my job to find everything I could about my enemy."
"Yeah, I guess it was…"
Steve stared at the ground and decided to say the words that have been circling in his mind for a while. "What you did, it was amazing." Loki tilted his head a bit. "And what did I do?" "You know, offer your life, not many people can do that. Even us soldiers." "Yes, but you did." Steve chuckled and shook his head. "I wanted to, that was the reason why I signed up to be a soldier in the first place. But I didn't think that me crashing that plane will freeze me for seventy-years."
"Are you regretting it?"
Steve looked at his laughing friends. "No, I guess not."
A minute passed and they were silent again, and only then did the things that Steve said registered in his mind. He felt a wave of anxiety crept up. Why did he say that? Why to Loki? And why did he think of this now?
Loki felt the anxiety, but didn't have much time to dwell upon it when Thor called. "Brother, Steve, it is time."
They walked over to the circle of heroes, Steve making a side track to Dr. Erik to get his shield and suit. He took his place beside Tony and Clint, the shield on his arm, and the bag which held his suit on his shoulder. "Had fun with your talk with Loki?" Steve felt a small blush when he heard the teasing remark of Tony, and saw Clint's smug face.
"Shut up."
Thor took a small key hidden inside his armour, where? The Avengers don't even want to know. The key was simple gold, no special designs, just a white button on the key head.
"What is that?" asked Natasha. "My father gave me this, he said to push the white button, and the Three Warriors will be waiting to send us back. Are you all prepared?" the team nodded. "Well then, Dr. Erik we will see you soon." the astrophysicist nodded. Thor pushed the white button and looked around. The Avengers stood there, expecting something to happen, a hole that will send them there, or a door suddenly appearing that will lead them to Asgard, anything. But nothing.
"Are you sure that's the right key?"
"I'm quite certain Bruce"
And then a white light was suddenly engulfing them. Thor smiled, "See, I was right."
The white light was getting bigger and bigger, it was amazing that they weren't going blind from it. "Hey doc, tell Fury not to ready our coffins. We're coming back." Dr. Erik smiled and nodded. "I'm sure he knows that Tony."
Steve looked around the white light, his memory of crashing in the water on the plane with the tesseract on board was coming to life in his mind. And when Dr. Erik blinked, they were gone.
He looked at the ceiling of his lab. He didn't know why he was doing it, but he just did. A man suddenly appeared beside him. His black clothes blending in the shadows. "You heard what Tony said." Nick nodded. "Yes, I heard him quite well. Coffins aren't really part of my job." Dr. Erik chuckled. "They'll come back."
"You seem to be so confident in that."
The chubby man looked at the director. "Because a war can't stop them."
"Even a war filled with beings beyond what we call normal."
"Yeah."
Nick looked at the doctor, to the ceiling, and said a small. "I hope you're right."
Hey! Thanks for the people who reviewed, made this story their favourite, who choose the Story alert and the favourite author. Thanks so much. Again I apologize for the grammar issues, and if you weren't really feeling this chapter. Thanks anyway for reading. Read and review. God Bless!
-lightning38dragon