Ninety Six

Loki put me to work organizing a benefit for veterans to occupy my mind. I also began working on a new suit in case the government seized mine as part of a plead deal. I wanted one that they couldn't take from me. So that the suit and I were one. I began exploring nanotechnology, but kept it quiet, so Loki wouldn't lecture me.

Loki read a lot, sometimes sitting in the lab with me, sometimes off on his own. I always made time for us. I had a lot of media for him to catch up on, so we dedicated a few hours each day to just be with each other. I don't think we ever finished a movie. Always halfway through, we ended up making love. The touching and soft kisses always did us in.

But our relationship started feeling domestic again, the everyday chores around the house, the occasional argument about who's turn it was to unload the dishwasher. I caught myself in a slight depression more than once, the post traumatic stress disorder from the battle of New York combined with the visions Wanda gave me and my former friends betrayal. I broke down crying, I snapped at Loki, I broke things, I tried hurting myself, had horrible nightmares. He tolerated it well, he'd gather me up and hold me, telling me he loved me. I'd cry even more. I loved him more than anything.

The week of the benefit came and the Avengers once again descended on New York. Pepper was excited to see Loki again. They chatted like old friends over coffee. Loki had become obsessed with coffee, and always seemed to have his hands around a cup.

"I thought you two broke up." Rhodey pressed.

"I thought so too. Seems it was all a big misunderstanding." I smiled. I hadn't the heart to tell him what really happened. He was now an Avenger alongside Cap.

"You seem more focused now, that's for sure. You're not coming back are you?"

"No, I don't think so. They'll have a decision right after the benefit."

"Really did it this time didn't you?" Rhodey patronized.

"Yeah, I didn't mean to. I really did want to create something that would send us all into retirement. So maybe we didn't have to worry about Thanos."

"I still think your, whatever is blowing smoke."

"Boyfriend, and I seen the nightmares and scars. He's telling the truth. Thor confirmed that by leaving."

"Sir, Mr. And Mrs. Barton have arrived." Friday announced. I was thankful for the interruption. Clint was retiring from being Hawkeye to be with his family. I had welcomed them out, not only for the benefit, but to see New York. Loki quickly changed into Lana.

"Clint. Laura. So glad you could make it."

"You don't mind we brought all the kids? I mean, we couldn't find a sitter and Nate is too young to be left with a sitter for too long." Laura shyly said.

"No, it's fine. Cooper, my man." I addressed Clint's oldest. "Being good for your dad?"

"Yes, sir." Cooper responded.

"Lila, good to see you again. How do you like having a baby brother?" I knelt down to talk to her.

"Rather have a sister." She said. I laughed. "Where's Thor's brother? Dad said you're dating him."

"Did he now?" I stood, eying Clint. He shrugged. Lana stood, shedding her guise as she stepped towards us. It was then Loki who stood next to me, his hand on my lower back.

"You!" Cooper shouted before hiding behind his dad. "You're the one that brainwashed my dad."

"Cooper." His mom warned.

"It's alright. I'm not seen as favorable by many. One more isn't going to hurt." Loki conceded.

"I like you!" Squealed Lila. She had attached herself to Loki's right leg. It was shrugs all around, and Loki walked back to his coffee with Pepper, never noticing the weight.

"He's good with kids?" I offered. Loki was tapping his foot, making Lila bounce.

"We do need a sitter, Clint." She nudged him. I was setting up the X-Box for Cooper as they sat on the sofa.

"Sitter, what for?" I asked over my shoulder.

"I wanted to take Laura out and show her New York." Clint said.

"We can do it." I offered.

"You sure? They can be a handful. And Nate needs a lot of attention." Laura fussed over the small baby in her arms.

"May I?" I asked holding my arms out for Nate. Laura reluctantly handed him over to me to hold. He began screaming almost instantly. I tried rocking him, trying to calm him.

"Dude, you look so awkward holding a baby." Clint remarked.

"Shut up." I kept trying, and poor baby Nate kept crying. Loki finally had enough, and took Nate from my arms, burped him and handed him back.

"He can watch the kids." Laura simply smiled.