Author Note: I bet you all thought I had forgotten you. Guess again! That Thor 2 trailer brought back all of the inspiration I needed. We'll finish this story yet. (And potentially get a sequel! …Actually, yeah the sequel is totally happening.)

Also, I know this chapter is short. I'm sorry. Originally this was one long chapter, but I ended up not liking it. So, instead you get one short chapter that will leave you having good feels. I also apologize for the lack of Loki in this chapter. Just believe me when I tell you he makes one hell of an appearance in the next.

The song that goes with this chapter is Sigur Ros "Untitled 3".

"So let me get this straight." Heather was obviously trying very hard to sound patient, but failing rather miserably. "You've been having dreams about Loki where he says very non-dreamlike things and you're just now telling us?"

Alice shrugged. When Heather put it like that it sounded like she was withholding valuable information. It didn't feel like valuable information to Alice… just bad dreams. "I didn't think about it. Before you guys started freaking out, it didn't seem like a big deal."

"You have to remember that Loki is sort of like a God," Bruce put in. "I wouldn't put it past him to get in your head like that."

Heather beamed at him and he sort of blushed when he smiled back.

It amazed Alice that in 24 hours the two of them had somehow become thick as thieves. They kept exchanging these little looks and if Alice didn't know better, she would be convinced the two of them had been secretly fucking in one of Tony's storage closets or some shit. Obviously there hadn't really been time for that, what with Bruce helping Tony with some project down in the lab and Heather trying to get in the way of Alice and her alcohol consumption. But if there had been, Alice was pretty sure it might have happened.

Of course, there was Bruce's condition to take into account. Could he even have sex without turning into the Hulk? She almost voiced this question, but decided that now really wasn't the time.

"Well," Alice said eventually. "I don't exactly see him as Loki in my dreams. At least, I didn't at first."

"Maybe he isn't getting into her subconscious," Tony put in.

The sound of his voice put Alice slightly at ease. He was the only one who had continued to treat her like a human being through all of this. Sure, he was kind of an asshole most of the time. Sure he was just treating her the way he treated everyone else. But it felt good to be treated like everyone else. Ever since the night at the club, everyone had acted like Alice was a sick dog and they were just giving her special treatment because they didn't think she would last through the night. Tony's snark and sarcasm was a welcome reprieve from the sad looks and condescension. Plus, right now he was pouring them all coffee. Alice loved coffee.

"After all," he went on. "She did just break up with the guy. My exes show up in my dreams too."

There he went again, treating her like a normal human being. Alice liked Tony.

"But he said that he was coming for her!" Heather sounded a little desperate in her argument.

"And he kept asking her where she was," Bruce added.

Again with the awkward beaming. She really needed to get to the bottom of whatever was going on between them. That is, if they ever stopped badgering her long enough for Alice to talk to Heather in private.

Tony brought them all coffee, handing Alice her cup with a wink. As subtly as she could, Alice smelled the steaming liquid. Was that whiskey?

"Irish cream," Tony mouthed.

Alice really liked Tony.

She took a sip, smiling over the rim of her cup. It was strong and still very warm, but it felt good on her throat and the alcohol warmed her stomach in the most pleasant way possible.

"Of course, he very well could be getting into her dreams. I mean, I don't see why he wouldn't try to find out where we're keeping her."

Nearly choking on her coffee, Alice fixed Tony with a glare. He just sort of shrugged in response.

Maybe she didn't like Tony as much as she thought.

"Why would he be trying to find me?" Alice demanded.

The question was met by Tony's calm little smirk as he plopped down on the couch next to her.

"Explain to me again what happened in that last dream you had."

Though he made the request sound innocent, Alice knew Tony would turn the story on her. Still, she felt she had no choice but to cooperate.

"We were standing on Michigan Avenue talking, he asked where I was, and then got all angry when I wouldn't tell him."

She rushed the last bit, trying not to admit defeat so easily. Still, she knew he had a point. All of them did.

"And then the one after that. You said you were here and he said he was coming for you?" Tony was all but rubbing this in her face.

"Yeah."

It was suddenly very obvious where this was going.

"And that didn't seem suspicious to you?" Heather prodded.

"Well I wasn't really thinking about it, was I?"

Suddenly Bruce's brow furrowed and he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.

"It's not really the dreaming or the weird questions that bother me. It's the fact that he wants to know in the first place. It's almost as if…"

He trailed off suddenly, his brow knitting together even further as he thought.

"As if he can't leave," Tony finished.

"Exactly! Like his subconscious won't let him leave here. Like…"

"Like there really is a part of him that's still human." The realization gave Alice hope, though not enough to make her feel better about the situation.

"I'm not sure if I'd go that far. More like his subconscious has residual memories of you and it's keeping him from leaving."

"Is that even a thing?" Heather asked.

"I don't actually know. I'm not that kind of doctor."

Alice took a huge swig of coffee, ignoring the pain as it burned her tongue. It didn't matter. Nothing fucking mattered anymore. John had been replaced by some sort of monster that was trying to find her, probably to kill her. She knew damn well that whatever he was now really didn't like her, didn't remember her. The only reason he could possibly want her was to find a way to get her out of his head.

"I think I need to go lay down," she mumbled, getting up from the couch and starting out of the room.

"Hey, wait!" Tony insisted. "We have to decide what to do about this."

"I already know what I want to do."

"And what is that?"

"Sleep."

"I don't really think that's good idea right now," Bruce warned.

"I don't really give a shit what you think, doctor."

"Alice…" Heather began, but was cut off by JARVIS.

"I hate to interrupt," the computer said, almost sounding sheepish. "But Thor has just arrived. Should I let him in?"

Tony gave a nod and Alice felt her stomach turn at the mention of the man who had caused John's death. Replaced him with that thing. Called that thing his brother.

The elevator door opened and the God of Thunder entered looking a bit worse for the wear. He set his hammer on the floor beside the door and looked Alice squarely in the face, but didn't say a word.

And that was the first time she got a proper look at him. She knew him. The man from the Subway in New Mexico; the man who had been telling his girlfriend that she had smelled of Asgard…of Loki.

"Son of a bitch," she breathed as realization stampeded over her mind. "Fuck. This is…this is fucked up."

"Excuse me?" Thor asked in his booming voice.

It seemed as though her feet were operating of their own fruition and she stumbled forward. Came to stand face to face with the Asgardian. He towered over her, but she looked him straight in the eyes.

"This is all your fault," she hissed. "You could have stopped this. If you had just…"

"Alice…" Suddenly Tony's hand was on her shoulder, pulling her back and trying to lead her back to the couch.

"Don't," she growled, twitching out of his grasp.

"Alice." This time it was Heather trying to calm her, but she was having none of it.

"I'm so sick of hearing my fucking name," she shrieked, feeling the first few tears roll off her cheeks. She ignored them. There was no stopping the flood now. "Just let me finish I fucking sentence without talking to me like a misbehaving five year old. I have lost so much, and it's all because this fucker here and his stupid ass hammer."

"How dare you speak to me like this!" Thor said through gritted teeth. "You have worn out my patience. Who do you think you are?"

"I was his wife!"

The room went completely silent, save Alice's quiet sobs. She seemed to collapse in on herself, shrink and become frail. There was still a fire burning in her eyes, though. A fire that wanted to escape and burn everything around her, consume her and leave her to rot.

"His wife?" Thor repeated, voice suddenly much softer. "More brother was…"

"Engaged." Alice shrugged.

"You were to marry my brother?"

"No. I was to marry his mortal self. I don't know your brother."

"Then you were betrothed to a lie. Loki…"

It was unclear to Alice how exactly she had come to stand so close to the Norse God. In fact, the sharp sound of her hand striking him across the face was the only thing that really brought her back to herself. Though he didn't appear hurt, he looked surprised, which was enough to make her feel some amount of pride. That pride, however, was soon buried under a fresh wave of rage.

"Your brother was happy." The words spilled out of her mouth before she could stop them. "He may have been mortal and may have forgotten you, but he had me and that was enough. And, call me crazy, but your so-called brother didn't seem too excited to see you."

"Loki is not of his right mind…"

"No, she's got a point." This time it was Tony who interrupted, holding up a hand and shaking his head. "Even in New York a couple of years ago, you guys weren't on the best of terms. And that is what started this, isn't it? Pretty sure you guys didn't have time to really patch things up before he got banished from Asgard."

The God of Thunder deflated. His shoulders sagged and he hung his head, thinking his words over carefully before speaking.

"It is true," he admitted. "He still held hatred for me when he was banished."

"Then why were you in such a hurry to get him back?" Heather inquired. Sometimes it was creepy how she could read Alice's mind like that.

"Because he is my brother. I love him and I missed him terribly."

"So, you took away his happiness because you missed him?"

"I admit it was foolish of me. I did not realize the consequences of my actions."

"Obviously," Alice muttered and was glad when it went unnoticed.

Thor looked down at her and she tried to pretend like she didn't see the regret in his eyes.

"I am truly sorry," he said. Damn it, he even sounded genuine and the hand he rested on her shoulder felt warm and comforting. "Had I known what my selfishness would do to both of you, I would not have done it."

There was a tug on her heart. She wanted to hug him, telling him it was okay. It wasn't okay, not by a long shot, but he was genuinely sorry. And maybe if she forgave him he could fix what had been done.

Instead, she opened her mouth and spat venom. "Fuck you."

The Asgardian looked taken aback and she used the momentary shock as an escape. She turned and stormed off to her room and locked the door behind her. It was childish, she knew it was, but she felt like a child. Her feelings were hurt, she was angry, and really just wanted to be left alone with her thoughts.

There were knocks on the door, desperate pleas for her to come back and talk. She ignored them. Refused to speak. Even when Tony and Heather accused her of being unreasonable. Finally, after what felt like hours, they stopped, left her alone with just her thoughts for company. As it should have been.

It wasn't until late that night that she finally emerged. The knocks and pleas for her to come back out and talk had long since stopped, but she instinctively checked the hallway to make sure no one was waiting for her. Thankfully, they weren't. Apparently acting like a spoiled brat had really gotten the point across.

Tiptoeing down the hall, she snuck onto the balcony and lit a cigarette. Smoke burned her lungs and she reveled in it. It hurt, hurt so fucking good. The nicotine entered her system and she felt better than she had all day.

And then there were footsteps behind her and she had to make an effort to keep from jumping off the fucking roof.

"Are you calm now?" The voice of the Thunder God made her bristle.

Another drag on the cigarette to keep from losing her cool. He came to stand beside her, leaning his tall frame against the railing. She ignored him at first, but when he stayed she rolled her eyes and took another drag.

"You really don't know when to quit, do you?" she snorted, letting the smoke pour from her mouth.

"I have been known to be persistent," he replied.

Without even looking at him she could tell he was smiling. The asshole was trying to joke with her.

Silence stretched between them, the tension almost tangible. She gave it some time, waited to see if he crawled in his own skin. If he did, he was good at hiding it.

"I can see why my brother was fond of you," he said after a while, sounding amused.

"Is it my charming personality?" Her voice was sharp, dangerous.

It didn't seem to phase him in the slightest. Hell, he even chuckled a little.

"What's so funny?" she demanded.

Smiling, he shook his head. "You and Loki are very much alike. When you are angry no amount of sweetness can placate you."

For the first time since he had joined her on the balcony she looked him properly in the eyes. She didn't want to give in, didn't want to take the bait, but she found herself speaking regardless. "Did you really come out here just to see if I was a good match for your brother?"

This earned her a good, hearty laugh. Even as the laughter faded, the smile took time to fall from his face. His eyes left hers, swept across the balcony to the bright lights of the city. Slowly his face became solemn again and only then did he address her.

"I must admit my intention was somewhat selfish," he sighed. "You do not need to indulge me if you do not so choose. However, I would very much appreciate it if you did."

"Just tell me what you want."

"Tell me about him. His mortal self, that is. The one called Heather, she told me you and he were lovers for most of his stay on Earth. Is that true?"

Alice met his eyes. Stared at him for a long moment to gauge his intentions. It was almost annoying how transparent he was.

"Yeah," she finally replied. "John and I dated for almost a year. We got engaged almost a week ago today."

This seemed to please her conversation partner and he gave an approving nod. "What was he like?"

"What do you mean?"

"Was he a gentleman?"

She couldn't help laughing. The mere thought of John not being a gentleman bordered on hilarious.

"The man was a saint," she snickered. "Absolutely...just beyond polite. He opened doors for me, constantly told me how beautiful I was. He was obnoxiously kind. I'd never met a man like him."

"Was he...happy?"

With a defeated quirk of the lip, Alice nodded. "I think so. I certainly was."

Her eyes drifted to the city lights and she was reminded of the nights spent on John's balcony. She couldn't help smiling, even if it was a little bittersweet.

"He had a balcony kind of like this," she continued, momentarily forgetting the man standing beside her. "Not quite this big, but big enough and he would try to get me to dance with him on it all the time. God, that man was suave. And he always smiled. Just...radiated this positive energy. He could talk me into anything. Hell, he made me go see Shakespeare in the park. I don't even like Shakespeare most of the time. But with him...he made it magical. I understood the story and everything."

A glance at the man beside her made her realize he had no idea what she was talking about, or who Shakespeare even was. But he was smiling like she had just given him exactly what he wanted for Christmas.

"You are lucky," he told her placing a warm hand on her shoulder. This time she didn't back away, even let herself enjoy the comfort. "I have not seen that side of my brother in a long time."

"Why not?"

He took his hand off her shoulder, the memory of what happened between he and his brother weighing heavily on his shoulders. Arms crossed, he leaned against the railing.

"We...had a fight, to put it lightly," he explained. "Our father, Odin, he brought us up to believe that we were both equally matched for his throne. However, as I am the eldest it was mine to inherit. Loki was jealous, likely more fit to rule than I at the time of my coronation. I was a rash young lad, and when my coronation was interrupted by a small band of frost giants..."

"Frost giants?"

"Yes. Frost giants. They are large blue creatures with glowing red eyes. Terrifying creatures. My father defeated them in many a battle, but...well...we'll get to that."

"Get to what?"

"Nothing. It's...not important. What is important is my father warned me against acting against them for what they had done. Being the young fool I was, I didn't listen. I tried to start a war between Asgard and Jotunheim and I was banished here. In my absence, father fell into the Odinsleep and Loki inherited the throne. The power corrupted him. And when I was allowed to return to Asgard we fought for the throne. He lost and it drove him to madness. He has hated me since."

"I'm sorry." Much to Alice's surprise, she truly was.

Again, he turned to face her and his warm hand returned to her shoulder.

"It is I who should truly be sorry. I took away your happiness and my brother's in a futile attempt to repair our damaged relationship. I should not have been so selfish."

Looking at her feet, Alice shrugged. "You didn't know. I…I'm sorry that I yelled at you."

"You had every right to." The smile he offered her was warm and inviting. It reminded her of the way John used to look at her after a fight. The realization hurt, but the wound wasn't as deep as the others had been. "I was bullheaded and took from you more than I realized."

He kissed the top of her head. The gesture took her by surprise, as did the sudden feeling of warmth that it gave her. It was the most secure she had felt in days. And when he leaned down to whisper in her ear, she didn't feel the urge to push him away.

"For what it's worth, it would have been my honor to have you in my family. I swear I will do everything in my power to repair the damage I have caused."

Alice didn't dare reply. Didn't have the right words to thank him. So she simply smiled back at him. Small, but genuine. It seemed to get the message across just fine.