Eris' POV

Two years had passed, for a year I had been dating Matthew, every night Loki was visiting my dreams, and finally, it was the day of my 16th birthday. A lot had happened in those two years-like I had mentioned, Matthew and I began to date each other, something I hadn't expected that kiss to lead to. Loki kept me up to date on what was happening in Asgard. He explained how he had become king and though I didn't agree that he had taken the throne by tricking everyone into thinking he was Odin, I was just happy he was alive and well. Okay, maybe not well, a hand maid accidentally caught Loki out of his disguise and he was thrown back into prison, but he was alive at the very least. Now that it was my birthday, Tony had offered, more like insisted, that I have a party at Stark Tower. I had mixed feelings about that, it was such a big place but I knew I wouldn't be inviting very many people to it. At most, Jane, Thor, Natasha, Clint, Steve, Bruce, Pepper, Matthew, and maybe Fury would be attending. I didn't have friends at school aside from Matthew, all of the girls at my school where more...worldly than I was as far as having done drugs and alcohol. I didn't want that to be a part of my life so I stayed away from the others and simply did my work.

"Are you sure you wanna come, Matty? Thor isn't my only big, strong, and overprotective family member...you'll be getting a lot of talks from a bunch of guys."

I warned him, still hoping he might come regardless of the imminent danger he would be in. He chuckled.

"I thought you said Thor wasn't really family."

He corrected me. I sighed.

"Well, Jane is my only blood relative. But Thor is my uncle, Steve and Clint are like my brothers, Bruce and Tony are my father figures, and Natasha and Pepper are my sisters. Fury...well, he's like a grandfather since he's the wisest out of them all. They aren't blood, but they raised me to be who I am, they all mean a lot to me."

I explained with a small smile. Matthew chuckled again.

"No wonder you don't need friends, you've got a great family."

He complimented. I grinned.

"Damn straight. And I've got a lovely boyfriend on top of it."

I added, blushing a little. I wasn't used to flirting or flattering people yet, especially not Matt.

"I can't wait to meet them, they sound fun."

Matt replied. I busted out laughing when I suddenly remembered something.

"Yeah, this one time, Clint found this abandoned bird's nest and he started taking care of the babies. Natasha told him to get rid of them but they always somehow ended up back inside the tower."

I giggled, earning a good fit of laughter from the other end of the phone. I looked up at my clock and sighed.

"It's bed time, y'know."

I murmured, laying back onto my bed. I heard Matthew sigh too.

"Yeah, I know."

He grumbled. He was always difficult to get off the phone with.

"Well, goodnight."

I yawned into the receiver.

"Eris?"

Matt called.

"Yes?"

I asked, turning over restlessly onto my side.

"I love you."

He said timidly. My eyes snapped open in shock. What?! He what?! How is that even...? I swallowed hard, trying not to panic. But the first words out of my mouth were not pre-approved by my brain, they just slipped out.

"I love you too."

I whispered, terrified of the words that passed through my lips only a second ago.

"Goodnight."

He told me in a relaxed voice, like he was relieved that I had returned his words.

"Goodnight."

I rushed the words out quickly before hanging up immediately. I lie there in my bed, staring up at my ceiling in disbelief. Oh god, what have I done, I thought with dread. I just lied to him, I told him I loved him and I don't. But...you can't just say, 'yeah, I don't love you back but thanks for loving me.' That's not fair! But why didn't I love him? He was handsome, he was nice to me, what was missing? Why don't I love him? I buried my face into my pillow with a sigh and fell into a reluctant sleep.

I was in the white, floating world I hadn't seen in a very long time. Frigga stood before me, her usual kind smile painted onto her lips.

"Hello again, I see you need my guidance."

She said sweetly. My brow furrowed downward.

"How did you know?"

I inquired, taken aback.

"I'm always watching after you, just as Loki does."

I smiled at the mention of Loki's name.

"What seems to be troubling you, little one?"

She asked with curious eyes. I felt so uncomfortable under her gaze, I was ashamed of myself for lying to Matthew earlier.

"I...I lied to my boyfriend. He told me he loves me and I said it back but I didn't mean it. I don't know why I don't love him, he's kind, funny and handsome, but-"

"He isn't Loki?"

She offered, an eyebrow raised with a knowing smile. I blushed a bright shade of pink.

"No! I just...he...I don't love Loki like...that. He's my best friend, he's worlds away, and worst of all he's in prison."

Frigga's gaze saddened and she caressed my cheek.

"Why do you fight so hard against what you know is true? Why do you refuse to submit to your feelings for him?"

She inquired, looking truly confused, even a little hurt.

"Because, I'm just a girl. He could have anyone he wanted, why would it be me? Not to mention that he's over a millennium older than I am! I mean, that doesn't really bug me but-I'm scared...I'm afraid that if I tell him my true feelings, it'll ruin everything."

I explained, tears welling up in my eyes. Frigga gently wiped away the onslaught of tears.

"Oh, darling, you are much more than any ordinary girl. You're all he has left, he thinks the world of you. You hold Loki's heart in your hand, Eris, no matter what you may think."

She comforted me, wrapping her arms around me lovingly.

"Rest now, child. Tomorrow is a big day."

She whispered before she was gone.

~The Next Evening~

Matthew's parents dropped him off at my home without waiting to meet me, I found that a bit strange, even a little offensive.

"Yeah, they're not very friendly."

Matt muttered, embarrassed. I smiled warmly.

"No worries-you look nice, I'm glad you found something fancy to wear."

I replied, taking his hand in mine. At the contact of our skin, I felt guilt wash over me.

'You hold Loki's heart in your hand, Eris, no matter what you may think.'

Frigga's words rang in my head. I shook them quickly.

"Well, my mom refused to let me out of the house in anything less than a suit if I'm attending a party at Stark Tower."

He replied as we walked into my house. Though he was visibly uncomfortable and nervous, Matthew did his best to make small talk with Thor while Jane and I got ready. My aunt wouldn't let me out of her clutches until she did my hair and make up. I waited impatiently for Jane to finish hair spraying the French roll she had manipulated my hair into and put a little bit of eyeliner on my lids.

"I appreciate your help, but are you almost done? I can't hear the boys talking and I'm scared Thor might've strung up my boyfriend."

I teased, though I was a little worried about Matthew. Jane chuckled and set down her make up.

"Yeah, yeah, go on ahead. I'll be out in a minute-not everyone can be as blessed with beauty as you, sweetie!"

She said, looking up at me in the mirror. I rolled my eyes and shook my head.

"Jane, don't even start.

I muttered as I passed through the doorway and into the hallway. I walked into the living room where Thor and Matt sat across from each other.

"Alright guys, try not to laugh. I told Jane not to put anything on me but, she insisted..."

I sighed, standing akimbo next to the couch Thor sat on. Both Thor and Matthew's eyes widened and my date stood from his chair to greet me.

"You look amazing."

He complimented me with a goofy grin. I giggled.

"Thanks,"

I said, glancing at Thor who looked like he was going to cry...again. He stood from his seat and picked me up in his arms.

"You must stop growing so quickly."

He blubbered into my hair. I chuckled a little.

"I would if I could."

I replied with a smile. I saw actual tears on his cheeks as he set me down and it made me want to laugh a little more. I pulled his face down to a level that I could reach his face with my hands and wiped the tears away.

"Aww, poor Thor. Jane, is your husband always such a cry baby?"

I teased as Jane entered the room with a questioning look on her face.

"What?"

She asked, looking confused.

"Eris should stop growing, shouldn't she?"

Thor sniffled, pointing at me. Jane just laughed, causing the thunder god to pout. With Jane now ready, we all got in the car and drove to Stark Tower. The whole way there, my mind traveled to Loki, was what Frigga said true? Did he really care for me that way? I was pulled out of my reverie when the car was parked and everyone started getting out. We passed through the lobby and I felt butterflies in my stomach as the elevator climbed to the top floor of the tower-I was met with the sinking feeling that Tony probably invited plenty more people than I would have wanted at the party. When the doors parted for us, we were greeted by a large crowd of people talking and dancing. I sighed, feeling I had jinxed myself by getting nervous in the elevator. We exited the elevator and stood for a moment, just taking in all of the people. They were all S.H.I.E.L.D agents and close acquaintances of Tony's. My first mission was to find the host and give him a scolding on inviting so many people that didn't even know me. I spotted the billionaire across the spacious room and told Jane where I was going.

"Did you want to come with me or stay with Thor and Jane?"

I asked Matt. He grabbed my hand and smiled as an answer. I forced a smile back and started my way towards Tony. The playboy smiled when he noticed me approaching him. When we were only a foot or two apart, I unlaced my hand from Matthew's and wrapped my arms around Tony's neck. He pulled me up into a hug, my feet barely touching the ground now. I pulled away with a grin and his signature smirk played at his lip.

"How're you doing, gorgeous?"

He asked, rubbing my arm affectionately.

"I'm good."

I replied simply. Tony's eyes darted from me to my date who was a little ways behind me, watching us talk. They narrowed just slightly at Matthew as he sauntered up to the boy. He looked down at him with a scrutinizing gaze that made my boyfriend swallow nervously.

"Who's the pipsqueak, Eris?"

Tony demeaned, raising an eyebrow. I chuckled uncomfortably and stood at Matt's side.

"This,"

I began, pulling Matthew back a few steps from the towering man before him.

"Is Matthew, my boyfriend."

I said the last part through my teeth to emphasize to Tony that I didn't want him scaring Matt off.

"Boyfriend, huh? Guess that means you and I gotta have a little talk..."

Tony told Matthew with a sly look on his face. He threw his arm over my boyfriend's shoulder and walked him away from me.

"And so it begins..."

I sighed, going to look for another person I might know. After a few minutes of wandering around, I bumped into Bruce. He smiled warmly at me, still holding his shy nature even after having practically raised me.

"Fancy meeting you here."

He joked, taking a sip of what I could only assume was water. Alcohol wasn't Bruce's style anyhow. I chuckled at his joke.

"Well, I thought I might as well show up. You know, considering this whole brouhaha is supposed to be for me."

I quipped, a little bitterly as I crossed my arms. His smile widened and placed a kiss upon the top of my head.

"Happy birthday, sparky."

He murmured, a hand gently pressed against my back. I laughed.

"Since when do you call me 'sparky?'"

I inquired, giving him a bewildered look. He shrugged casually.

"I've been around Tony too long."

He answered with a teasing look in his eyes. I smirked.

"I dunno how Pepper puts up with him."

I sighed, shaking my head.

"He's better since he's been sober."

Bruce mentioned. I didn't reply, deep in thought about what might be going on with Matthew. Worse case scenario, Tony was piloting one of the suits with Matt dangling 90 stories above solid ground.

"He did it for you, you know?"

Bruce added, his chocolate brown eyes catching mine. I looked away after a moment and nodded.

"I know, and I'm very proud of him. He just needed some positive reinforcement-"

"Or a threat."

The scientist interjected. My lips tightened into a line.

"It needed to be done, he was going to hit rock bottom if I didn't do something drastic."

I almost growled, defensive about my actions.

"Eris, you did the right thing. No one else had the courage to take that leap and help him. You probably saved his life."

Bruce praised awkwardly. Even if he wasn't sure of it himself, he was a great father figure. I sighed in agreement and wound my arms around the scientist's torso in a tired hug, which he returned graciously. I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned to see Natasha standing behind me with a smirk. I smiled back in a crooked fashion and found myself in another loving embrace.

"Ugh, you just keep getting prettier and prettier every time I see you."

The redhead gushed with a grin. I chuckled, blushing at her compliment. Clint walked up behind Natasha and draped his arm around her waist.

"Yeah, you're giving old Natasha here a run for her money."

He quipped, making Bruce tense. He knew how mean Nat could get if she was angry. She frowned, elbowing her boyfriend in the stomach.

"Can it, bird brain."

She growled, crossing her arms over her chest. Clint didn't reply, the wind sufficiently knocked out of him from the blow. I let my gaze wander, I was still concerned about Matt. As soon as the thought entered my head, I saw Matthew and Tony walk in from the balcony. Matt had his head hung slightly, Tony had a satisfied smile on his lips and they both looked a little tussled. I held in a giggle as they stopped in front of me, Matthew laying his head on my shoulder without saying a word. I looked up at Tony with a questioning expression on my face before turning my eyes to my boyfriend.

"Did he use the suit?"

I asked with a smirk. Matt simply nodded in response, probably still in shock from the event. I grinned and narrowed my eyes at the billionaire before me.

"I think you've traumatized him, the poor thing."

I cooed teasingly, stroking Matthew's hair soothingly. I turned to the others with a slightly embarrassed smile and laughed.

"Guys, this is my boyfriend Matthew. Matthew, this is Natasha, Clint, and Bruce."

I said, gesturing to each person even though Matt couldn't see. Matthew uttered a muffled, "Nice to meet you" into my shoulder, earning a chuckle from the group and I rolled my eyes.

"Have you guys seen Steve yet?"

I asked, trying to take the attention away from my disoriented boyfriend.

"Yeah, I'll go get him."

Bruce pipped up before walking away.

"So, how long have you two been dating?"

Natasha inquired, raising an eyebrow. I grinned.

"About a year, it's gone by so fast."

I mumbled, feeling a little shy now that the spotlight was on me. I received a chorus of oh's from the three crowded around me. My face flushed once again.

"How'd you guys meet?"

Clint questioned next.

"We met at school, he followed me everywhere, trying to become my friend. I wasn't very nice to him at first but he was patient with me and he grew on me. One thing lead to another and we started dating after we built a mutual trust."

I answered nonchalantly.

"Little lady,"

I heard a familiar voice purr, making me grin involuntarily. I handed Matthew's limp form to Tony.

"Keep him up right."

I ordered sternly, receiving a salute from the Ironman. I turned to face Steve, who picked me up in his strong arms without hesitation. I chuckled and laced my arms around his neck. I'd never say it out loud, but Steve was my favorite-he knew me better than even Bruce did.

"I've missed you so much, you really oughta visit more."

Steve said before allowing me to feel the ground at my feet again. I just shrugged.

"I have school during the day now, so I never have the time."

I replied, feeling a little ashamed that I hadn't come around the tower in a few months. The rest of the evening consisted of a bevy of questions similar to these and by the end of it all, I was exhausted. Jane drove us home, Matt's parents picked him up. But before he left, he gave me a present.

"I have something for you."

He smiled, reaching into his pocket to pull out a black velvet box. I stared at it, perplexed by the fact that he had even gotten me something. He opened it, revealing a band of silver, adorned by a small opal. My hand flew over my mouth in shock so I wouldn't make a sound.

"Don't freak out! I'm not proposing, I just saw it and it made me think of you."

He assured me, plucking the ring from it's bed. He slid it onto my middle finger and held my hand in his.

"See how it looks like just a white stone?"

He asked. I just looked at him, too stunned to speak. He guided me closer to the porch light and brought the gem closer to my eyes.

"In this lighting, you can see all the beautiful colors. It's just like you, in a way-you look like anybody else in a crowd, but when I see you up close in a new light, so to speak, there's so much more and it's all beautiful."

He told me, his eyes trained on mine so intently that I had to look away-his gaze was too intimate. We were jumped out of our moment by a car horn honking behind Matt. He looked over his shoulder and sighed, glancing back at me.

"I have to go, thanks for inviting me. I'll see you Monday."

He said, pecking my lips quickly before trotting over to the dark vehicle. I silently went back inside and rushed to scrub the makeup off my face. Once I was clean of the gunk and my hair was brushed out, I trudged into my bedroom before collapsing onto the bed unceremoniously.

In my dream, Loki was there, as usual.

"Hello, darling."

He said with a smile. I smiled back and hugged him.

"Happy birthday, I believe that is what you Midgardians say during an occasion such as this."

His words sounded awkward and I chuckled.

"Yes, Loki, we say happy birthday. What do you say on Asgard?"

I inquired with a smirk. He tried to fight off a grin crawling across his lips.

"Congratulations, you've survived another year."

He told me, straight faced. I burst out laughing.

"Well, that's not morbid at all."

I huffed sarcastically.

"Did you get me anything?"

I asked, hoping to get him flustered because I knew he hadn't. He patted his shirt and pants down, looking for something. He shrugged.

"I don't have pockets."

He concluded, making me giggle.

"It's alright, I didn't want anything anyways."

I replied, acting aloof just to add emphasis. He chortled at the slight pout my face held and pulled me into his arms for another hug. We pulled away after a moment and Loki took my hands in his instead. He looked down at my left hand, studying it intently and his brow creased downward.

"What's this?"

He asked, still entranced by the piece of jewelry. I blushed and felt a terribly heavy wall of guilt weighing me down. I swallowed hard and his piercing eyes captured mine.

"It's a gift I got from my boyfriend."

I said, looking away from him regretfully. When I did finally look up again, he looked rather confused by what I had said.

"You know, like, someone you have a romantic relationship with?"

I explained, unsure if I should describe it in such a way since I didn't love Matthew. It wasn't romantic on my part at all, but he was my only hope of getting over my feelings for Loki. The god of mischief nodded in understanding but said nothing, he didn't need to. I could see the hurt and longing in his eyes and he cupped my face in his hands delicately, almost as if not to break me.

"You cannot belong to anyone other than me, I won't allow it."

He proclaimed in a determined tone. It happened so fast but I saw everything in slow motion as his lips connected with mine in a possessive and desperate show of affection-it shocked me right out of my slumber. I sat up, my fingers touching my lips, still feeling them tingle.

"Oh my god..."

Was all I could utter before I finally calmed down enough to lie back down.