Awakening

Hi all! Look, it wasn't a super long wait! This took longer than I thought it would to write, so sorry. Thanks to Lifelong Potterhead who's reviews really helped motivate me to push through this chapter.

Enjoy the chapter!

Pepper's POV

Dinner had been nice, and I finally let Tony and Penny off of the hook when pie came out. The both had been right; the diner was quaint, nice, with spectacular food and service. I had been rather impressed, and Mrs. Turner's kind nature only added to the experience.

After dessert Penny took us back to the Tower. I had tried to convince the two to take me to a movie or something but it was like they didn't hear me at all. We weren't supposed to go home yet, and I found myself having to improvise on the spot.

What Tony and Penny didn't know was that Barton, Bruce and the others were all planning a party celebrating Penny's existence being known. After they found out that Penny and Tony had kidnapped me, I had been given the task to keep the two out of the Tower till they were ready.

Bruce had texted me during pie and informed me that they needed another few hours. Apparently Thor sat on the cake or something. (I didn't feel the need to ask.) Well, I failed on that task, but that didn't mean that the surprise party was ruined.

With a few subtle words on my part, the two geniuses were in the lab faster than you could blink. Instructing Jarvis to keep the two occupied for a while and to let me know if they emerged, I went upstairs and joined the preparations.

Two hours later, and everything was ready. We had a cake in the shape of the Stark Logo, decorations everywhere, tons of snacks, and if I knew Barton, prank booby-traps everywhere as well.

I thought things were looking good, almost perfect, or as close as we were going to get.

"You sure that's everything?" I asked, glancing around at the heavily decorated room.

It was obvious that they all went all out. There was barely any wall left uncovered, and all of Tony's little helper bots had fled, least their wheels ended up jammed in all of the streamers and confetti.

"Well," Barton said in thought as he glanced around the room. He opened his mouth to say something else but Natasha covered it with her hand and glared at him.

"Yes," The rather frightening red haired assassin said sternly. "We're good."

"Alright…now, who wants to go drag Thing 1 and Thing 2 out of the twilight zone?" Darcy asked, clapping her hands together and looking around at everyone gathered there.

"Not it." Barton almost immediately cried, looking almost afraid of going down to the lab.

Then again, he did end up getting pranked every time he ventured down there, so I wasn't surprised.

"Not it." Jane echoed, as Thor looked curiously around at everyone.

"I do not wish to disturb Anthony or E're." The god of thunder claimed as everyone else voiced their agreement.

"Just nominate Pepper and get it over with." Selvig stated simply from his place on the couch. "She's probably the only one here who won't end up pink."

I blinked as I realized that the older astrophysicist was eating pudding, but didn't comment.

Mentally shrugging I nodded and sighed, "Alright, I'll go get them."

I left everyone muttering to themselves as Barton fretted about, trying to make everything perfect. I rounded the corner just as Rogers grabbed onto the archer and held him still, obviously done with his antics.

As I entered the elevator, I thought about asking Jarvis if they were too immerged in whatever project they were doing to be roused, but thought better of it. They had only been down there two hours, and I was usually pretty successful from pulling the pair away from the holograms and experiments.

However, as I exited the elevator and saw the lab's lights out, I grew concerned.

"Jarvis, are Tony and Penny in the lab?" I asked as I walked forward and unlocked the lab door, similarly to the Malibu lab except with my thumbprint instead of a passcode. Tony's gotten a lot more paranoid since then; for obvious reasons.

"They are," Jarvis responded quietly as I entered the space and started looking around. Everything was dead quite. The bots were all in their charging stations, and no holograms floated in the air.

If it wasn't for the fact that I knew Jarvis wouldn't lie to me, I wouldn't have believed the AI.

"But…" I started to say but the AI cut me off softly and swiftly.

"Please Miss Potts, speak quieter. Sir and Miss Penny are sleeping." Jarvis hushed me and my eyes widened as I finally caught sight of the father daughter duo.

They were both passed out on the lab couch, Penny leaning against Tony's side with one of Tony's arms draped around her shoulders while the other one dangled over the arm of the sofa. Penny's tablet, upgraded to mostly holographic months ago, sat in her lap and there was a blanket draped clumsily over the two. Obviously one of the bots, probably at Jarvis' instruction, had decided to cover up the two. As I stepped closer I realized why I hadn't spotted them soon. The blanket hid the glow of their Arcs, Penny's illusion on the Arcs having faded when Penny fell asleep.

I smiled softly at the two, and shook my head. Of course they fell asleep when everyone had gone to such lengths to set up a party.

"Make sure they aren't disturbed." I told Jarvis as I turned on my heel and walked out of the lab.

"Of course, Miss Potts." Jarvis told me, speaking louder as he no longer feared waking the two. "Shall I also inform everyone that the party shall have to be postponed?"

I almost laughed as I realized that Jarvis could've told us when the two had fallen asleep. The AI probably had wanted me to see the two of them curled up like that. It was a cute sight.

"Yes, if you please, Jarvis." I replied with a chuckle.

Barton was going to throw a fit.

10/29/12
The Baxter Building, New York
Penny's POV

I sighed as I looked around at all of the well-dressed people around me. The room practically screamed wealth, and that was ignoring all of the people in it. I wasn't particularly pleased to be here but Dad had been determined to bring me, especially when Reed had sent a personalized invitation to me (it was one of the things we had ignored yesterday) practically begging Dad and Pepper to bring me along.

So, here I was. At my first official social event as Penella Stark; and while galas such as this was nothing new to me, I couldn't say I was overly impressed.

I mean, I had never had high expectations. This was a fundraiser luncheon for the Fantastic Four after all, and I had been to plenty of fancy tea parties in my numerous lifetimes. But I thought this one might be…a bit different.

I'd been wrong. The only thing separating this gala from every single other one I had been to over the millennia was that Dad was here with me. The fact that reporters had swarmed me as soon as Dad and I had appeared in a swirl of sparks – Dad had said that my teleportation was classier than any of his cars; which I was surprised to hear but didn't argue – wasn't surprising at all. In fact, it was something that happened to me in many of my life times. Press was almost always something I had to worry about; though I liked it just as much as I did in my first life, which is to say, not at all. Thankfully, the press in this world wasn't nearly as bad as some of the reporters from the Daily Prophet. They still tended to haunt my nightmares.

Well, my more mild ones at least.

"Penella!"

The call of my name caused me to blink and refocus. Pushing past the surprise at being called my full name and plastering the charming Stark smile onto my face I gracefully turned onto my heel; only to blink in shock as I came face to face with Justen Hammer.

It was hard to keep a straight face. Hammer looked just as stuck up and irritating as the last time I saw him, which had been through a camera, and I had to resist the urge to punch him in the face.

"Mr. Hammer," I said with as much of a smile as I could. "What a surprise to see you here."

Hammer practically beamed and I made a mental note to talk to Fury and find out how the hell this man had gotten out of prison, and why we hadn't known about it.

"The real surprise is seeing you here!" Hummer exclaimed, trying and failing to hide the hate in his eyes. It looked like his dislike of my father had bled over to myself. Good, because I liked him even less. I could see his soul, and it was just as slimy as the rest of his personality.

"I mean, you look simply ravishing and are handling the spot light like an old pro! You must be so nervous, being out in front of so many people like this. I just want you to know that if you ever need any advice regarding how to handle the press, I'd be more than happy to help you!" Hammer babbled on and I really had to resist the urge to puke. He seriously did not just call me, an apparent sixteen year old, ravishing!

I mean, I knew I looked extremely good in the knee length dark blue glittering dress I was wearing. Helped by the silver stilettos, the dangling diamond earrings that Dad had bought me, the fact that I was actually wearing makeup, and of course the Hallows ring and choker. But still!

I couldn't help the weird look that passed across my face as I tried to figure out if Hammer was trying to flirt with me or not. But the look passed in a moment and then I smiled with just a bit too much teeth.

"Oh, I really don't know what you're talking about Mr. Hammer. Though I'm sure if I ever need help with the press my father would be more than happy to assist me." I gave him another grin, my eyes flashing with power that reflected my irritation.

Hammer took a step back, but before he could say anything I continued. "Now, if you'll excuse me I just spotted a fresh tray of sparkling cider."

With that, I turned on my heel once again, my hair swaying against my shoulders. However, before I continued on, I paused and looked over my shoulder.

"It would be wise, Mr. Hammer, to remember that I am quite aware of the events leading up to the Expo incident at the beginning of the summer. It would also be wise, to remember just who the Starks are friends with now." I said coldly, my aura manifesting for just a nanosecond as I glanced meaningfully over at Reed, who was chatting with Coulson.

On that lovely note, I strode away from the irritating man before I did something I wouldn't necessarily regret, like snagging his Soul for Mortem to collect.

I conveniently ignored the fact that my Duties wouldn't allow that to happen in the first place. It was much too pleasant of a thought to rationalize away.

Sending a smile at a passing waiter, I grabbed the mentioned glass of sparkling cider (probably only being served because I was here, being the only person present under twenty five) and sipped at it daintily. I gave passersby nods in greeting as I mentally calculated just how much longer I would have to be here. Not that it was god awful or anything, just…political and boring.

I'd never been a fan of politics. Not even that one time I'd been king! Of course, it was ghost politics, but still. Undead politics weren't much different than normal politics. Just with a lot more actual death threats and attempts on your afterlife. Or rather, more than most politics in this world anyway; I'd actually seen a lot of politics with a large amount of death threats and murder attempts.

It really just depended on the world I was in.

"Enjoying yourself?"

Dad's voice dragged me out of my musing and I almost laughed in relief as I realized that he was standing right next to me. Dressed as impressively as always, his suit only a few shades darker than my dress and his tie silver, we practically matched.

"Ha." I snorted faintly, before arching an eyebrow at my father. "Have you seen who's in attendance?"

"Come now," Dad scolded me lightly with a smile. "It's not that bad. At least Hammer isn't here."

I gave him a deadpanned look that caused him to pale drastically before I turned and looked pointedly at Hammer, who was now trying to flirt with Susan Richards. I could see Reed heading their way, and almost cackled gleefully. The git deserved everything he was about to get and more.

"Oh god." Dad whispered in horror. "How the hell did that annoying dumbass get out of prison?"

"I haven't a clue." I said, though I figured it had something to do with a very large check to the right people. "And I have already had the extreme pleasure of conversing with the man. If Mortem was here, he would've ripped his Soul to pieces for calling me ravishing."

"He. Did. What!?" Dad hissed narrowing his eyes in fury as a smirk spread across my face.

"Hmhmm. He also offered to help me handle the press." I continued nonchalantly, as if I was commenting on Dad's tie or the weather outside.

Dad literally growled, and for a moment I was worried that Dad was going to physically charge at the man his fists were clenched so hard. But then his face smoothed over and his lips spread into his predatory smile that would send lesser mortals running for the hills. His dark eyes practically glittered in malicious glee as he stalked towards Hammer. His back was straight, and his head held high.

Personally, I thought that he looked more terrifying in that moment than he ever had in the suit.

Setting down my glass I gracefully followed my father, tapping into my Immortal Core just enough to look like I was practically floating through the crowd.

"Justen!" Dad exclaimed in a loud voice, his smile spreading even farther. To most, Dad looked almost happy to see the man. However, anyone who paid even the tiniest bit of attention to my father's voice could hear the cold hard steel that echoed beneath his joyous tone.

"A…Anthony!" Justen gasped, trying and failing to spread his lips into a welcoming smile. "It's so good to see you, my friend."

Dad merely smiled wider as his words as I chuckled lightly. He came to a stop next to the two Richards and Justen, the two heroes looking more than happy to see the billionaire.

"It has been a while, hasn't it?" Dad asked, ignoring the friend comment. Hammer was being slightly louder than necessary. Obviously either wanting to gain the attention of speaking with my Dad, or thinking that with so many people around Dad wouldn't try anything.

He would be wrong on both accounts, but he didn't need to know that. Otherwise we wouldn't be able to have any fun!

"Everything alright love? I can sense your vindictiveness oozing through the Bond." Mortem projected to me with a small touch of worry, and I was quick to sooth my Bonded. As much fun as it would be to watch Hammer's mind and/or Soul get shredded, I wanted to deal with the man myself. After I let Dad play with him first, of course.

"Yeah, yeah…everything's fine." I told him, refocusing on the conversation as I came to stand at Dad's elbow. If it was possible, Hammer paled even further as he realized that Dad wasn't alone.

"Where was it we last saw each other?" Dad asked softly, as if talking to himself. He even brought his hand up to his chin as if he was deep in thought.

"Oh yeah," He exclaimed, snapping his fingers and turning towards Hammer who was now deathly pale and trying to subtly back away. "Now I remember. The last time we spoke was during court, when you were sentenced for faking a terrorist's death, breaking said terrorist out of prison, and then conspiring with the terrorist. Which led, of course, to several million dollars in property damage to my Expo, multiple civilian casualties – though no fatalities thank god – and yet another attempt on my life."

Dad paused in apparent thought, as if everything he just said held as much significance as the dust on the floor, before continuing. "Oh, and I forget. Did the charge as an accessory to my attempted murder go through or not? I must not be remembering well enough because I swear you weren't supposed to be released for…oh, what was it Pen?"

Smirking now, I replied, "I believe it was at least twenty years, Daddy."

At this point, Hammer was as pale as a sheet and sweating up a storm.

"Yes, well….I really must be going…" He cleared his throat before fleeing as fast as his feet could carry him.

Dad and I shared a triumphant look before chuckling softly.

"That," Reed said slowly as he blinked, still processing, "was brilliant."

"Thank you," I said with a smile.

"We do try." Dad finished as he carelessly reached out and grabbed a small glass of champagne off of a passing tray.

"So," Sue said breaking the silence. "You must be the famous Penella Stark we've been hearing so much about the last few days."

She smiled at me and we both shook hands, I liked her already. I returned her smile, and was about to tell her to call me Penny when the male Richards cut in.

"You mean day," Reed corrected as he offered his own hand. "Your existence has only been in the air a little over twenty four hours and still heads are rolling."

"Oh, really?" I drawled in typical Stark fashion. "I thought everyone was just being over enthusiastic about Halloween."

Ok, so maybe sarcasm wasn't the best response but I really couldn't bring myself to care. Besides, I still didn't like the spotlight.

Reed seemed to freeze at my words, unsure how to respond as Sue snickered and Dad barked out in laughter.

"Please, just call me Penny." I smiled warmly at the two and that seemed to break the ice. Silence stretched out between us for a moment as we just listened to the music playing faintly in the background and the light chatter around us.

Then Reed just had to ask.

"So, I understand why you didn't tell the general public Stark. But why couldn't you've let us know?"

I blinked as I realized that Richards was practically whining. Susan smacked her husband on the arm as I raised my eyebrow. Dad then turned his attention towards the fellow scientist with a look of carefully masked disbelief.

"Richards, let me ask you this. I barely know you, why on earth would I tell you about Penny?"

Reed opened his mouth to ask, when suddenly my Duties flared painfully just as the building shook violently.

"What on earth is that?!" Someone nearby yelled as Dad reached out and grabbed my elbow.

My eyes narrowed as I sensed the large multi-dimensional portal blooming into existence practically on top of the building. My Duties twitched again and I sighed, it looked like the Four wasn't suiting up.

Glancing over at Reed and Sue, who were unwrapping themselves from each other as the shaking stopped; I shook my head and closed my eyes.

"This is what happens when you mix superheroes." I muttered under my breath as I reached out with my senses, found and latched onto the Souls of the Four and my father.

We all vanished and reappeared on the roof in a large storm of sparks.

"Wow." Ben grunted as he caught himself and looked around in curiosity.

"Did we just teleport?" Johnny asked slowly before a grin spread across his face. "Because that was wicked awesome."

"Not now Johnny." Scolded Sue as I tapped the now visible com in my ear and Dad brought out his phone.

"Energy readings Jarvis?" Dad asked as I looked at the turquois colored wormhole barely ten feet above us.

"Similar to the Tesseract Sir, but inherently different." Jarvis' voice echoed out from multiple sources. "Insignificant data to perform a thorough analysis at the current time."

"Keep trying, Jar." Dad muttered as Johnny moved closer to Reed as he asked,

"If that thing stays open, what do you think the chances are of us fighting whatever comes out?"

"High." Ben stated plainly before Reed could even respond.

My Duties screamed again as I realized that this wasn't just a multidimensional portal, but a real one. It didn't connect the sub dimensions in the world, but literally connected this world to another. No wonder my duties were yelling at me. This thing shouldn't even exist.

"That won't be necessary." I stated simply as the portal seemed to ripple and then barfed out a large bright yellow beast with way too many teeth and arms.

"Wow!" Johnny exclaimed as Dad cursed and everyone ducked.

I, however, just tossed a bolt of lightning at the thing, causing it to tumble back into the wormhole. As soon as the creature passed back through the event horizon I channeled a mixture of my powers into my hands before swiping at the air.

The air around the portal rippled just slightly, before the whole wormhole collapsed inward, closing and then vanishing.

Duties now calmed, I turned and gave the four shocked (and one rather surprised) figures behind me a dull look.

"Only time I'm handling one of your dimensional mishaps." I told the Four sternly as my sparks faded.

"What the hell?" Johnny asked, recovering the quickest, Reed following not far behind.

"How on earth did you manage that?" The scientist demanded and I shrugged as Dad came to my defense.

"Didn't you know?" He asked as the Four looked between the two of us in question. "Starks accomplish the impossible daily."

We both grinned before Dad continued, "This was just another day."

I chuckled, at the looks on the groups' faces before I looked up at my father.

"Let's go home, comfort charm or not these shoes are starting to irritate my feet."

Quite a few hours later and I was happily back in jeans. Most of the Tower's inhabitants were currently passed out somewhere in the main common room. After listening to Barton rant about how we had ruined their party the night before by falling asleep, for the tenth time, we had actually had said party. Total hilarity and fun ensued until we all started drugging each other to get some peace and quiet. Ok, not everyone had been knocked out by drugs. Almost everyone was currently passed out drunk. I just had to spell Dad, Thor, Loki, and Adayna asleep along with Rogers because they just wouldn't shut up. (Especially so in Thor and Loki's case since they had both gotten totally wasted.) Coulson had been drugged somehow, as had Pepper and Jane. Romanoff, who had caught Barton drugging Bruce, decided her partner needed another dose of cranial recalibration and smashed his head into the table. The archer had yet to wake up, and Romanoff had passed out not long afterwards. Darcy and Selvig were also out because of the alcohol, and as for me…I was just glad that Hel had decided to watch her younger siblings for the night so the kids weren't here.

Fury had called about an hour ago, it was currently about ten something, and had instantly hung up at the sound of the chaos. I would call him back in the morning if I had time. He probably had news regarding how Hammer was no longer imprisoned.

A sudden spike in Immortal energy and I sensed Insania's arrival to the Tower, but she wasn't alone. My eyes widened as I realized that Musices and Laetitia were with her. I barely knew the low level Music Immortal, having only met him a handful of times; but I knew Laetitia rather well. Not as well as Vitam or Infinitas of course, but well enough.

What on earth were they doing in the Tower?

Teleporting down a floor to where my Brother and Sisters were I was almost thankful that Mortem appeared behind me.

My eyes widened as I realized that Insania and Musices had redecorated the movie room. There was now a stage, and the walls were all decorated with fairy lights and splashes of random color. A whole band set up was on stage, with extremely large speakers.

Musices was lounging on the drums, swirling a drumstick between his fingers. His dark purple hair was in short spikes in the back and fell over his right eye in the front. His eyes were a bright but soft yellow, and his skin rather pale. He was dressed in one might call punk rock clothes, and had a guitar strapped to his back. But I had to admire the thick black combat boots he was wearing.

"Hey, little Sis, what's up?" He asked with a wave as Insania appeared next to me.

"Doesn't it all just look fantastically amazing!?" She gushed, her voice sounding more solid than usual.

I raised an eyebrow at my Sister before turning the look on everyone else.

"Not that it isn't nice to see all of you, but what on earth are you doing here?" I asked slowly. I couldn't actually remember a time when so many Immortals were together in one place outside of Cor.

Not that I've actually ever been to Cor, the downside of still being partially human. Even now that I was fully Awakened and free of Fati's manipulations I was still partially human. I couldn't remember now why I had chosen to remain that way, but I assumed that I would discover the reason eventually.

Mortem and Musices shrugged before pointing at Insania, who in turn just smiled at me mysteriously.

"We thought you deserved some family fun!" Laetitia exclaimed cheerfully. "Besides, we rarely get to see you Sister dear so we gathered up a few of our Sibling who weren't busy and decided that a good old family music fest was just what the doctor ordered!"

"Besides," Another voice interrupted and I turned to see Amor sliding into view. "I think it is a lovely opportunity to strengthen our family bonds. Not to mention an amazing celebration for your Bonding Anniversary."

The Love Immortal smiled charmingly at me and I found myself rather surprised. I had only run into Amor a few times over the millennia, one of those times being when he led my Bonding ceremony.

I blinked and I also sensed Mortem's surprise through the Bond. Sure, we celebrated our anniversary every October 30th, which was when Mortem had basically proposed to me. (We hadn't been in an actual time or human realm for the Bonding ceremony.) But I had no idea that it was our actual anniversary.

But I decided to trust the curly, pink haired immortal with the cream colored eyes as he smiled again. You didn't question an Immortal on their Realm. They were the experts on them after all.

"Ok, so you all decided that it would be a good idea to have an Immortal music festival in the Tower, which in case you don't remember is in the human world, currently filled with sleeping Mortals and Asgardians?!" I asked slightly in disbelief as all of my Siblings shrugged.

"Your Realm isn't protesting is it?" Musices asked with a raised eyebrow. I blinked but slowly shook my head. No, it seemed like Balance was perfectly fine with all of the Immortals being here.

"Then I don't see what the problem is." He continued as he threw the drumstick into the air with a flick of his fingers.

"Oh yes!" Laetitia exclaimed. "Relax and have some fun, Sister dear! You deserve to have some fun!"

"Besides, I doubt your dad would mind, if he wasn't currently passed out upstairs." Mortem pointed out as Insania blinked back into view. I was surprised because I hadn't even realized that she had been gone, but then I was slightly more surprised as I realized that she had dragged Hel here as well.

"So," Hel said clapping her hands together, acting like she was perfectly at ease with so many Immortals in the room, a large smile on her face. "Let's get this party started!"

"I couldn't agree more!" Musices exclaimed as his guitar appeared in his hands and he struck a chord.

Insania giggled happily as Laetitia jumped up onto the stage with our Brother.

"I wanna sing first!" She exclaimed, summoning the microphone to her. "I wanna sing first."

I shook my head, before just accepting the insanity that was my Family. Mortal or Immortal, I had the strangest relatives ever.

11:30pm
Tony's POV

"Tony….Tony!"

"Wah?" I mumbled as the person shaking my shoulder finally stopped. I blinked sleep out of my eyes and rolled over as I realized that I was facing the carpet. I couldn't remember how I got on the floor. In fact, I didn't remember falling asleep either.

"Tony, you've got to come see this." I focused on the person who and woke me up and realized that it was Bruce.

"Brucie?" I asked as I tried to get my rather sleep addled brain into motion. My thoughts seemed slower than usual, and I was having a hard time waking up.

"Come on Tony." Bruce sighed as he hauled me to my feet. Suddenly finding myself in an upright position seemed to be the jumpstart my brain needed and I was finally fully awake.

"What's going on?" I asked my fellow scientist as I was dragged towards the elevator.

"Let's just say Barton's party wasn't the only one happening tonight." Bruce said simply and I sent him a questioning look that he ignored.

"Where is everyone?" I asked as Bruce pulled me into the elevator and I finally realized that I could hear the faint sound of music humming in the background.

"Everyone but you, me, Thor, Loki, Adayna, Rogers and Romanoff are still sleep. Whatever the drug was that Barton was using on everyone sure was strong. Even Hulk had a hard time fighting it off." Bruce told me as the elevator came to a stop. I could hear the music louder now, though I couldn't really tell what was playing. I definitely heard drums, a guitar, and a violin. But who on earth was playing? I figured that Penny was the one playing the violin I could hear, but otherwise I hadn't a clue.

"Why'd you wait to get me up?" I asked as Bruce led me towards the movie room, the music steadily getting louder as we got closer.

Bruce gave me a slightly irritated look and I shut up.

"Tony, I've been trying to wake you for almost a half hour."

Well, I wasn't about to saying anything about that. I wondered if Barton had managed to drug me too, but I hadn't drank or eaten anything the archer had given me. The most likely thing I could think of was that Pen put me to sleep. It wasn't like she hadn't done so before, and would've explained my slow waking.

Bruce pulled open the door and I found myself almost deafened by the loud music that was blasting in the air.

Walking in, I wondered who had messed with my movie room, because it certainly hadn't been this colorful or decorated the last time I had been in there; and it definitely hadn't had a stage.

"Hiya Tony! Brucie!" A whispy voice chirped and I turned to see Insania at my elbow. Well, that explained the colors at least.

"Insania." I greeted, and looking around I realized that I didn't recognize all of the faces in the room.

A small blonde child was sitting on the backs of a few seats, in the middle of the room. She was smiling widely and although I couldn't see the color of her eyes though I did notice her rather purple flowery dress and rose anklet.

Mortem was seated not too far away from the small girl, though I could only see the back of his head. At least there was someone I knew.

Finally looking at the stage I realized that I actually knew a good half of the people up there, just not all of them.

Penny, Hel and Insania I knew of course, though I had no idea who the drummer with the purple hair was, or the guitarist with the pink hair was. The purple haired boy seemed to be dressed in dark clothes that I couldn't really identify from where I was. The pink haired kid though was much easier to see. Perhaps it was because the pink hair was quite curly and clashed a bit with his red jeans, white Tshirt, and red vest. I guess he had wanted to balance his look because he also had pink shoes on. All in all, the guitarist was rather bright.

They played the last note to a song I didn't recognize and I finally caught sight of the rest of my group.

Thor, Loki, Adayna, Romanoff and Rogers were all seated in the high seats towards the back of the room. Loki and Thor were talking amongst themselves in Norse, while the other three were focused entirely on the stage. I was relieved to see them, and Bruce and I almost immediately went to go sit with them.

"Hey guys." I greeted with a small wave as they smiled at me.

"Tony." Loki greeted with a nod. It had taken me about a week to convince the Asgardian not to call me Anthony, but at least it had paid off.

"Hey Bruce, I see you managed to wake him up." Rogers greeted and I rolled my eyes before flopping down in a seat.

"Yeah, only took me forever." Bruce responded as he too took a seat.

Down on the stage Hel and Penny were speaking swiftly to the two boys. I guessed that they were talking about what song to do next, but I couldn't hear them from where we were sitting.

"How long have you all been up?" I asked as I kept my gaze on Pen. She seemed familiar with everyone on stage and even sent a small glare at the little girl. I assumed it was for a comment I couldn't hear, you tended to pick up these things after a while.

"Not too long, a little under forty minutes." Rogers replied as Natasha shrugged.

"I've actually only been up fifteen. But then, I wasn't under a sleeping spell or whatever." The Russian spy stated and I hummed in thought.

"So that's what put me to sleep." I mused to myself as everyone but Bruce and Natasha nodded.

"We were affected as well." Thor spoke up, and then Adayna continued for him. "We assumed that it was the work of E're."

Romanoff and Rogers glanced at Adayna out of the corners of their eyes but didn't say anything. Everyone not in the know about Pen's many lives and Immortal status had been curious regarding the Asgardians' nickname for my daughter.

Me? I just tried not to think about it.

"Oh," Bruce said, leaning forward in his seat. "It looks like Penny and Hel are going to sing."

The two girls were ginning happily as the purple haired boy waved his hand and the instruments on stage changed, a few just floating in the air.

Hel and Penny both raised their violins as Insania walked over to the conjured piano.

"Ready?" Penny called out before she counted down to three and a very familiar tune started to play.

I chuckled, finding it funny that the two of them would play this song. It practically described how Pen had gained her violin from Hel. (She had told me the story not long after the New York Incident.)

Penny started off the lyrics,

The Devil went down to Georgia. He was lookin' for a soul to steal.

He was in a bind 'cause he was way behind. He was willing to make a deal

When he came across this young man sawin' on a fiddle and playin' it hot.

And the Devil jumped upon a hickory stump and said "Boy, let me tell you what."

"I guess you didn't know it, but I'm a fiddle player, too.

And if you'd care to take a dare I'll make a bet with you.

Now you play a pretty good fiddle, boy, but give the Devil his due.

I'll bet a fiddle of gold against your soul 'cause I think I'm better than you."

I chuckled softly before humming along. Sure, I wasn't very fond of country but this was more bluegrass than country; and besides, it was a classic!

Penny continued on her own,

The boy said, "My name's Johnny, and it might be a sin,

But I'll take your bet; and you're gonna regret 'cause I'm the best there's ever been."

I had to wonder if Pen's name had been Johnny when she had gotten the violin. That'd be hilarious!

Then Insania, Hel, and the purple haired boy jumped in for the chorus. The pink haired boy staying quiet for this song apparently.

Johnny, rosin up your bow and play your fiddle hard.

'Cause Hell's broke loose in Georgia and the Devil deals it hard.

And if you win you get this shiny fiddle made of gold,

But if you lose the devil gets your soul.

The others started nodding along to the instrumental part before Penny continued; and I couldn't help but smile at the sight of Pen and Hel starting to dance around each other with grins on their faces.

The Devil opened up his case and he said, "I'll start this show."

And fire flew from his fingertips as he rosined up his bow.

And he pulled the bow across the strings and it made an evil hiss.

And a band of demons joined in and it sounded something like this.

The next instrumental part showed up and for some reason it was only then that I noticed that the pink haired kid was playing an instrument I couldn't even recognize.

When the Devil finished, Johnny said, "Well, you're pretty good ol' son,

But sit down in that chair right there and let me show you how it's done."

Penny finished the lines herself before the others jumped back in for the chorus.

"Fire on the Mountain." Run, boys, run!

The Devil's in the house of the rising sun;

Chicken's in the bread pan picking out dough.

Granny, does your dog bite? No, child, no.

Pen continued on her own after the still impressive instrumental bit, the bow going crazy.

The Devil bowed his head because he knew that he'd been beat.

And he laid that golden fiddle on the ground at Johnny's feet.

Johnny said, "Devil, just come on back if you ever wanna try again,

I done told you once—you son of a bitch—I'm the best that's ever been."

And he played:

Everyone jumped back in for the last chorus, as Pen and Hel now played back to back, still grinning widely.

"Fire on the Mountain." Run, boys, run!

The Devil's in the house of the rising sun;

The chicken's in the bread pan picking out dough.

Granny, will your dog bite? No, child, no.

As they finished off the last few chords strongly, we all started clapping as they bowed. They played together very well. It made me wonder if they had ever something like that before or if they were just that good.

Or if they had a mental connection and kept in sync that way. That was possible too.

"They're very talented." Adayna praised the group as Rogers nodded in agreement.

"That they are." Cap said as he studied the group, which was probably discussing their next song.

"Brother, you may not remember, but Musices played at your naming ceremony." Thor said suddenly, his eyes lighting up in a certain way that made me think that Thor had only just recalled this.

"Ah," Loki nodded slowly. "I thought he looked familiar."

Adayna's head tilted before she too nodded in agreement. "Aye, it is he; though his hair was different then."

Rogers and Romanoff shared a look of confusion and speculation at this information. Having put together that the rest of the unknowns in the room were Immortals, I opened my mouth to cover for the odd haired boy, but I was beat to it.

"He's one of Mortem's brothers." We all turned to see Penny and Hel walking towards us. "Actually, both boys up there are his brothers; and that's his little sister." Pen pointed as the small girl who, sensing our conversation turned and gave us a large smile.

I blinked as I realized that the girl had bright pink eyes, before shaking my head fondly. It seemed liked most Immortals were oddly colored.

"Oh?" Bruce asked, leaning forward in interest. He couldn't really ask his question openly with the others here, but I had no doubt Pen would get what he was saying.

I was curious too. Mortem's siblings meant Pen's siblings after all; even if I tried not to think about that as well.

Hel walked passed Penny and with a wave of his hand Loki conjured another seat for her, and the young Asgardian sat down in between her parents who instantly started talking to her in Norse. I briefly wondered if they were grilling her about the boys since she was supposed to be watching them. But I decided that it wasn't any of my business.

Pen nodded, regaining my attention, before continuing her explanation. "The one with the pink hair is Amor, the purple punk down there is Musices, and the little angle who's currently jumping up and down is Laetitia."

I glanced over at the girl and realized that she was bouncing, from chair to chair along the row while giggling the whole time. Shaking my head, I once again mused on the fact that all Immortals were just odd.

"Love, music and joy." Romanoff stated, translating the rough Latin, "the siblings of Death; who also has a sister named Insanity."

Rogers blinked as he processes that (he of course already knew Mortem was Death) and then said, "I bet Mortem has a rather large family."

Hel snorted, leaning forward to give Steve a deadpanned look as Penny tried and failed to hide her snickers and I rolled my eyes at my daughter.

"You don't know the half of it." Penny said, extremely amused at the same time Hel drawled, "You think so?"

I ignored Hel's biting remark and though on Pen's amused one. Then again, I guess that it would be amusing if your whole race considered themselves family and were basically entities.

I stopped that thought in its tracks; again, really trying not to think about it.

"Are you singing the next song?" Adayna asked as Penny flopped into the seat besides mine, the Asgardians continuing their conversation.

"Nope!" She said cheerfully. "Mortem and Amor have this one."

I looked at my daughter curiously, but she just winked with a smile before turning her attention back towards the stage. Glancing there myself, I saw that Mortem and Amor were now the only two on stage besides Musices who was still behind the drums. All of the girls were off stage, and most of the instruments were floating in the air.

"What could Love and Death sing about together?" Romanoff muttered under her breath in thought and I had to bite back my retort that they could sing a lot of different songs.

Now wasn't time for petty arguments. I still wasn't sure why this was happening in the middle of the night, but judging from Pen's smile, she was having fun. That was enough for me to keep my snarky comments to myself.

"Who has enchanted the other instruments?" Thor asked, first looking towards his brother, but after receiving the evil eye from the younger god he turned towards Penny for an answer.

"Musices controls them of course." She said with a shrug, as if it was common sense.

Which in our world, I supposed that it was.

Romanoff looked like she wanted to comment again, but Penny shushed everyone and pointed towards the stage with an excited grin.

"Quiet now," My daughter commanded, her eyes not leaving Mortem's form as he walked up to the microphone.

I glanced at her with a raised eyebrow and Pen caught the look out of the corner of her eye. Rolling her eyes, Penny defended her behavior with, "Mortem rarely ever sings so shush."

I hummed in acknowledgement as I settled back down. I had heard Pen sing numerous times, hearing Mortem sing would be interesting. I hadn't even known that the entity could sing.

Everyone held their breaths as a low solemn tune started out. I sorted through my long mental collection of different songs, but couldn't place it. This surprised me; I knew a lot of music.

Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah…

Musices started singing softly and I blinked as I noticed how soft and light his voice was. Glancing at Penny, who was snickering, I narrowed my eyes at her Brother and wondered if he could control his voice like he could the instruments.

From what little I knew of Immortals, I wouldn't be surprised. In fact, I suspected that I was right. I was a genius after all.

I'm an angel with a shotgun, shotgun, shotgun,
An angel with a shotgun, shotgun, shotgun.

Amor joined Musices singing, and I was proven right when the latter's voice got deeper almost instantly, though it was still soft. Trying to hide my happy smirk, I blinked as suddenly their voices faded and Mortem jumped in.

Get out your guns, battle's begun.

Are you a saint or a sinner?

If love's a fight then I shall die

With my heart on a trigger.

I blinked, and then blinked again. Who knew that my son-in-law could sing?

Suddenly realizing what I had just thought, I shook my head. Nope, not going there.

They say before you start a war,

You better know what you're fighting for.

Well, baby, you are all that I adore.

If love is what you need, a soldier I will be.

My brain froze as my other thoughts vanished and I realized just what the hell Mortem was singing. I suddenly felt extremely uncomfortable and looking behind me at the others, I saw that they were the same. Though Thor and Loki looked the least uncomfortable, I guess that out of everyone, those two were the most used to Pen and Mortem's relationship.

Which I also tried really hard not to think about.

I was saved by these thoughts as Amor and Musices jumping back in, echoing Mortem as he sung what I assumed was the chorus.

I'm an angel with a shotgun,

Fighting 'til the war's won,

I don't care if heaven won't take me back.

I'll throw away my faith, babe, just to keep you safe.

Don't you know you're everything I have?

And I…wanna live, not just survive…tonight.

There was a brief, half second pause and I heard Penny mutter something about Bellum needing to be there to sing before Mortem continued on his own.

Sometimes to win, you've got to sin.

Don't mean I'm not a believer.

And Major Tom will sing along.

Yeah, they still say I'm a dreamer.

I blinked, and had to hold back a chuckle. I'd love to meet someone who said Death's a dreamer.

Penny glared at me with a cute little pout, and I shot back a teasing glare. I hope she wasn't poking around in my head again.

"Nope, I just know you too well, Daddy." This time I really did glare at Penny as her voice echoed around in my head. But she just chuckled and turned her attention back towards the stage as Musices and Amor started echoing Mortem again.

They say before you start a war,

You better know what you're fighting for.

Well, baby, you are all that I adore.

If love is what you need, a soldier I will be.

I squirmed in my seat as Mortem shot Pen a smile before continuing passionately. This was realy quite awkward.

I'm an angel with a shotgun,

Fighting 'til the war's won,

I don't care if heaven won't take me back.

I'll throw away my faith, babe, just to keep you safe.

Don't you know you're everything I have?

And I … wanna live, not just survive… tonight.

Mortem continued on his own as the others sang in the background, Musices voice changing again.

Oh, oh whoa whoa oh whoa

Oh, oh whoa whoa oh whoa*
(Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah)

Oh, oh whoa whoa oh whoa
(Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah)

Oh, oh whoa whoa oh whoa
(Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah)
I'm an angle with a shot gun

"Just what on earth can't he do?" I muttered to myself as suddenly it sounded like Musices was carrying the back chorus by himself as Amor started up another line behind Mortem and Musices.

"Music's his realm Daddy; don't tell me you're surprised." Pen muttered back to me, that large grin still on her face.

I wasn't sure how to reply, so I didn't. I just turned back towards the stage.

Oh, oh whoa whoa oh whoa
(Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah)
Shot gun, yeah

Oh, oh whoa whoa oh whoa
(Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah)
I'm an angle with a shot gun

Oh, oh whoa whoa oh whoa
(Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah)
Shot gun, yeah

The colorful haired Immortals fell quiet and the music toned down as Mortem continued on alone.

I'm an angel with a shotgun.

Fighting 'til the war's won.

I don't care if heaven won't take me back.

Then the music picked back up and the others joined in again.

I'm an angel with a shotgun,

Fighting 'til the war's won,

I don't care if heaven won't take me back.

I'll throw away my faith, babe, just to keep you safe.

Don't you know you're everything I have?

(I'm an angel with a shotgun)

And I want to live, not just survive

(Live, not just survive)

And I'm gonna hide, hide, hide my wings tonight.

(Hide, hide)

Then the music slowed down once again as it got to the ending of the song, and Mortem continued on alone.

They say before you start a war,

You better know what you're fighting for.

Well, baby, you are all that I adore.

If love is what you need, a soldier I will be.

The last note was strung out just a tough longer before everyone started clapping. Whether it was awkward or not to listen to Mortem practically pouring his heart out to my daughter, he still did a damn good job.

Mortem and the others bowed, and I must've blinked because one moment Pen was sitting beside me, and the next she had her arms locked around Mortem's neck and I had to look away as they kissed deeply.

Someone coughed behind me, and turning in my seat I realized it was Rogers who had a bright blush on his face.

"Well, Death seems to have a few hidden talents." Bruce said with a chuckle and soon I was chuckling along with him. Bruce was still somewhat uneasy around the Immortal but that was just because Hulk wasn't overly fond of the being; which considering he was Death wasn't all that surprising.

But they both had improved leaps and bounds recently, so hey, that was good.

"I thought it was quite romantic." Adayna commented, eyeing her husband out of the corner of her eye, over her pouting daughter's head and we both winced. Apparently I wasn't the only one who recognized the look on her face.

"I didn't recognize the song though." Romanoff muttered to herself and Hel stopped pouting long enough to answer.

"Course you didn't, it's not from this world." The young Asgardian said, but fell silent again from the look Adayna directed at her.

I knew that look, someone had gotten in trouble.

"Oi!" We all looked down as Insania's stern cry echoed through the room to see the Immortal literally pulling the couple apart, finally.

"Either get a room you two or shoo!" The usually lofty Immortal said and I was surprised to hear such a harsh tone in her voice. "I'm gonna sing now!" Her whispy cheerful voice returned and everyone relaxed.

"That was scary." I muttered under my breath as Mortem and Penny both appeared next to me.

"Yeah," Pen said slowly as she scratched the back of her next and I pointedly ignored Mortem. "Trust me…never ever piss off Insania."

Both she and Mortem shivered, and I realized that I really didn't want to know.

"That was a great song!" A voice chirped and as I blinked I realized that another of the Immortals appeared, the little pink eyed girl that Pen had called Latia?

"Laetitia." Penny's voice echoed in my mind and I narrowed my eyes at my daughter.

"It would've been better if Bellum was here." Mortem shrugged and I briefly wondered who that was, this being the second time I had heard the name, before dismissing the random thought.

"Stop poking around in my head." I scolded her, or at least tried it. It was rude! She shouldn't be poking around in people head's especially not mine! I was her father for crying out loud!

"Then stop projecting." She rebutted with a teasing smile and I blinked. I had no idea how to do that.

"Eh," Penny waved her hand at me in dismissal as Laetitia giggled. "I'll teach you later."

"O…k?" I said slowly, not sure if that was a good or bad thing.

"Oi! If you could herd your wandering trains…" Insania practically barked into the microphone, though her voice was still whimsy and I really didn't like how those two mixed together.

Everyone – including Thor and Loki who had been whispering together in the back – stopped talking.

Insania giggled and I noticed that it was only Musices and her on stage. Amor was now sitting by himself in the front row.

"The song I'm gonna sing I'm dedicating to the lovely Hulkie and Brucie-poo!" She giggled again as we all stared wide eyed at the girl.

"Hulkie?!" Bruce squeaked in disbelief, as Rogers shuddered and Hel fake gagged.

"Brucie-poo?" He asked in horror.

I had to fight down the urge to puke as Penny shivered in disgust and then rubbed her temples.

"Oh Merlin, she's channeling Parkinson." She muttered under her breath and I decided that I really didn't want to know who Parkinson was.

"Or Petunia." Mortem muttered and going by Pen's shiver I didn't want to know who that was either.

I realized with surprise that Musices wasn't behind the drums anymore, the drums were playing themselves and he was now playing a flaming red and purple electric guitar. As Insania took a deep breath and began I realized that I actually knew the song.

I'm friends with the monster that's under my bed
Get along with the voices inside of my head
You're trying to save me, stop holding your breath
And you think I'm crazy, yeah, you think I'm crazy

Penny, Mortem, and Bruce all groaned at the song as I started snickering. In a very abstract way, it worked; though truthfully the song suited Insania more than Bruce.

Musices jumped in, his voice once again different; though I thought the rapper voice suited him rather well.

I wanted the fame, but not the cover of Newsweek
Oh, well, guess beggars can't be choosey
Wanted to receive attention for my music
Wanted to be left alone in public. Excuse me
For wanting my cake and eat it too, and wanting it both ways
Fame made me a balloon 'cause my ego inflated
When I blew; see, but it was confusing
'Cause all I wanted to do is be the Bruce Lee of loose leaf
Abused ink, used it as a tool when I blew steam (wooh!)
Hit the lottery, oh wee
But with what I gave up to get it was bittersweet
It was like winning a used mink
Ironic 'cause I think I'm getting so huge I need a shrink
I'm beginning to lose sleep: one sheep, two sheep
Going cuckoo and cooky as Kool Keith
But I'm actually weirder than you think
'Cause I'm

"You know," I whispered to Penny, "there are a lot of songs that would've fit Bruce better."

"True," Pen whispered back. "But its Insania and she's always like this song."

I blinked, that actually made a lot of sense, for Insania.

The unstable immortal jumped back in.

I'm friends with the monster that's under my bed
Get along with the voices inside of my head
You're trying to save me, stop holding your breath
And you think I'm crazy, yeah, you think I'm crazy

Well, that's nothing
Well, that's nothing

"I can't tell, is she saying not fair or nothing?" Rogers asked Romanoff who shrugged.

"The lyric site said it was "nothing" but it sounds like "not fair" to me." Penny shrugged, ignoring the weird look everyone, including Mortem, shot her.

Musices picked it back up and I closed my eyes in thought. What on earth had Penny been talking about?

Now, I ain't much of a poet but I know somebody once told me
To seize the moment and don't squander it
'Cause you never know when it all could be over tomorrow
So I keep conjuring, sometimes I wonder where these thoughts spawn from
(Yeah, pondering'll do you wonders.
No wonder you're losing your mind the way it wanders.)
Yoda-loda-le-hee-hoo
I think it went wandering off down yonder
And stumbled on 'ta Jeff VanVonderen
'Cause I need an interventionist
To intervene between me and this monster
And save me from myself and all this conflict
'Cause the very thing that I love's killing me and I can't conquer it
My OCD's conking me in the head
Keep knocking, nobody's home, I'm sleepwalking
I'm just relaying what the voice in my head's saying
Don't shoot the messenger, I'm just friends with the…

"Yeah, totally more Insania than Brucie." Laetitia giggled and I glanced at the small girl. How on earth did she even know Bruce?

Insania picked it back up almost before Musices even finished.

I'm friends with the monster that's under my bed
Get along with the voices inside of my head
You're trying to save me, stop holding your breath
And you think I'm crazy, yeah, you think I'm crazy

Well, that's nothing
Well, that's nothing

"Still swear it's "not fair"." Pen muttered to herself, but we all just ignored her while Musices continued.

Call me crazy but I have this vision
One day that I'd walk amongst you a regular civilian
But until then drums get killed and I'm coming straight at
MC's, blood get spilled and I'll
Take you back to the days that I'd get on a Dre track
Give every kid who got played that
Pumped up feeling and shit to say back
To the kids who played him
I ain't here to save the fucking children
But if one kid out of a hundred million
Who are going through a struggle feels it and then relates that's great
It's payback, Russell Wilson falling way back
In the draft, turn nothing into something, still can make that
Straw into gold chump, I will spin Rumpelstiltskin in a haystack
Maybe I need a straightjacket, face facts
I am nuts for real, but I'm okay with that
It's nothing, I'm still friends with the

"Oh Rumple…" Penny muttered and I decided that it would be best to just ignore my daughter. It really would.

Insania jumped back in, but then Musices joined her, finishing off the song.

I'm friends with the monster that's under my bed
Get along with the voices inside of my head
You're trying to save me, stop holding your breath
And you think I'm crazy, yeah, you think I'm crazy

I'm friends with the monster that's under my bed
Get along with the voices inside of my head
You're trying to save me, stop holding your breath
And you think I'm crazy, yeah, you think I'm crazy

Well, that's nothing
Well, that's nothing

We all still clapped at the end as Insania did a strange twirling bow before vanishing in a puff of purple smoke.

"Well," Rogers said slowly.

"That happened." Romanoff stated as Adayna sighed and nodded. Hel rolled her eyes and opened her mouth, but a stern look from her mother stopped her from commenting.

"It is always interesting with Insania around." Loki commented, ignoring the semi-irritated females by her, and no one could disagree with his statement. It was just too true.

"So, who's next?" Laetitia giggled while clapping her hands. "Can I sing?"

"NO!" Every single Immortal in the room (and Hel) shouted and the rest of us mortals and Asgardians jumped at the volume and looked at them in shock.

"We let you sing once tonight, and once is more than enough." Mortem told the smaller girl, who pouted and glared at the taller Immortal.

The glare that Adayna was giving Hel was scarier though. I was sorta curious what she had gotten in trouble over. Probably leaving her brothers alone, now that I thought about it.

Pen chuckled, rubbing the back of her neck, and I refocused.

"Trust us, you don't want Laetitia singing. You'll have the worst songs in your head forever."

"Hey!" The small Immortal protested. "My songs are not that bad!"

"Yes, yes they are." Mortem, Amor, Penny, Hel and Musices all intoned at the exact same time. Laetitia pouted, but finally dropped it. Hel actually looked apologetically at her mother, who was still glaring.

Again, I decided that I was better off not knowing what they were talking about. If I actually took the time to think about it, there was a lot of my daughter's life that I just didn't want to know, or ignored.

Sometimes, ignorance can save your sanity. Or what little I had left of it at least.

"Well, if I can't sing," Laetitia pipped up again, drawing me out of my thoughts. I glanced up at her and was instantly concerned by the mischievous grin on her face. "Then the Captain should!"

There was silence as everyone pretty much just sat there and blinked in shock.

"Wait, what?!" Steve exclaimed, blinking rapidly and jumping to his feet. "Why on earth would I do that!? And what makes you think I even want to?"

I couldn't help but snicker; the blonde just looked so confused. It was hilarious! Penny apparently thought so too because she was giggling. Even Hel's lips were twitching. Thor and Loki were whispering in Norse again, though I had a feeling it was about our resident Capsicle from the looks they were giving him.

Laetitia just beamed at him, literally glowing as she clapped her hands together and somehow twirled on the back of the seat she was standing on.

"Because it'll make you happy, silly." She said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world; which, to the Immortal of Happiness…or Joy, or whatever…it probably was.

Rogers opened his mouth to reply, but froze trying to think of something to say. Even Natasha was chuckling now and pushed Cap towards the isle.

"If you don't have a good enough argument not to do it, just go for it." She stated simply and I found myself agreeing with her. Her statement really made me realize just how much the assassin/spy had relaxed around all of us. I could hardly imagine her saying something like that a month ago!

"Go for it Cap!" I called out, and Steve gave me a wide eyed, terrified look. Like a puppy, a blonde, very tall puppy. But I didn't care. I really, really wanted to know what the Caps singing sounded like! It would make for such great blackmail opportunities!

"Well…" He said slowly as he gazed about uncertainly, realizing that no one was going to help him get out of his. "I suppose I do have a song in mind…"

"Good enough for me!" Laetitia exclaimed, vanishing and reappearing on Steve's shoulders. Steve made a face as the Immortal appeared but didn't comment. "Come on! It'll be fun!"

"That's what you keep saying," The Captain said, sounding faintly amused as he sighed and made his way down to the stage.

"I wonder what he's going to sing." Bruce wondered, breaking the small silence that had fallen.

"Hmm," I said thoughtfully before shrugging. "No idea. I'm just curious if the man can sing. Who knows, maybe the serum did affected his voice too."

"Didn't think about that." Pen said as she leaned back in thought. Bruce nodded in agreement as Romanoff hummed. Now we all were thinking about the possibility the Super Soldier serum messing with Steve's voice.

"Well, we have no idea if it's happened…" Bruce began but I cut in.

"Yet." I pointed out; we really didn't know what the serum really did to Steve.

"Yet," Bruce agreed, nodding to me. "So anything's possible really."

"No one's ever been 100% sure what all of the side effects of the serum were." Romanoff stated, and I almost laughed as I realized that the SHIELD scientists had probably ranted about it enough.

My attention was drawn back to the stage as I saw Musices nodding to whatever Rogers was telling him, before the Immortal waved his hand. All of the instruments cleared the stage, and a large wooden guitar appeared in Rogers arms.

"Well, it looks like it is beginning." Loki pointed out needlessly, but no one said a word. We were all too curious.

Laetitia clambered off of Rogers shoulders just as he sat down on a bar stool that suddenly appeared in the middle of the stage. The lights onstage dimmed, and Steve strummed the thing experimentally and I was impressed at how well the sound traveled. It was probably Musices' doing.

Taking a deep breath, Rogers closed his eyes and actually started playing. It was a simple tune, with no other instruments backing him up, and after a moment I recognized it.

Well I won't back down, no I won't back down
You can stand me up at the gates of hell
But I won't back down

"That really suits him." Penny muttered to herself, but we all heard her and agreed. It really, really did.

Gonna stand my ground, won't be turned around
And I'll keep this world from draggin' me down
Gonna stand my ground and I won't back down

Steve's eyes were still closed in concentration, but you could hear the raw emotion in his voice as he sang. I knew without a doubt that Steve was reliving all those times in his life where he did just that. You could hear it in his voice and see it on his face.

Hey… baby, there ain't no easy way out
Hey… I will stand my ground and I won't back down

At the brief pause in the lyrics, I was able to hear a sniffle coming from behind me. But I didn't turn around; allowing whomever it was their privacy. I wasn't always an asshole. Being a father had taught me some manners and common courtesy at the very least.

Or at least according to Pepper it had.

Well I know what's right, I got just one life

Penny chuckled bitterly at this, and I wrapped my arm around her shoulder as Mortem put his hand on her knee.

In a world that keeps on pushin' me around
But I stand my ground and I won't back down

This was extremely true for Steve, but in honesty, didn't it apply to all of us? None of us would be in this Tower if we had bowed to the hand that Fate (or Fati) had handed us. We were all stubborn and dedicated, and that was probably why we were all still alive.

At least, that applied to all of us who lived in the Tower. I didn't know enough about the Immortals besides Pen to say for them.

Hey… baby, there ain't no easy way out
Hey I will stand my ground and I won't back down
No I won't back down.

Everyone in the room stood up and clapped as Steve played the last note and opened his eyes.

No one said anything about the tears they saw glistening, or the way that Steve's lips trembled as he tried to smile at us. He just ducked his head and handed the instrument back to Musices. But the Immortal wouldn't take it. Giving Rogers a smile and whispering something into his ear, the Music Immortal just waved him off while re-conjuring all of the instruments.

Once Steve reached us, the girls pulled him into a group hug, practically smothering him.

"That was beautiful, Steve." Penny told the man softly, Romanoff and Adayna nodding as they broke apart.

A blush spread across the blonde's cheeks as he nodded his thanks. Bruce and Thor clapped the man on his shoulder as he walked passed, Loki merely nodding at him.

Just as he passed behind my seat I reached out and snagged hold of his shoulder.

He turned towards me, and before he had a chance to say anything I nodded and said, "Good job."

Steve returned my nod with one of his own and sat down in his own seat silently. I had a feeling that he wouldn't be speaking for a bit, the man looked a touch overwhelmed.

Everyone else also returned to their seats, and I was glad I only had to sit down as I saw Hel trip on one of her uncles legs. Thor chuckled apologetically, while Hel stuck her tongue out at him.

It seemed like no one was really in the mood to break the silence.

"I'll be back," Mortem said and I realized that I had jinxed it. He pressed a kiss to my daughter's temple and I looked away. "Rogers gave me an idea."

Penny nodded, and watched with open curiosity as her boyfriend/Bonded walked down to the stage.

"You think he's going to sing again?" Romanoff asked softly, and Penny shrugged.

"Possibly." She replied, just as softly and Hel whistled.

"I have never, ever seen Boss sing this much." She commented and Pen turned around and stared at her in question with a raised eyebrow.

"Have you ever even heard him sing before tonight?" My daughter asked her friend, who blushed and looked down at her feet.

"Once or twice." The young Asgardian muttered as Loki and Adayna chuckled at their daughter.

"Hmmm," Was all Penny said in response and the attention once again returned to the stage.

I saw that Mortem was talking rapidly but quietly to his Brothers, Laetitia twirling around them.

"Looks like he is singing again." Bruce observed as the three nodded and Mortem took the front of the stage as the other two situated themselves behind him. Amor was holding a pink electric guitar, while Musices was once again on the drums. Even more instruments were floating around them on stage, including a piano, a bass guitar, and a few stringed instruments.

"This is going to be interesting." Loki pointed out needlessly.

"Brother, I believe this whole experience has been interesting." Thor replied calmly, but there was a touch of a teasing tone in his voice, and I wasn't the only one to catch it, if Loki's red cheeks were anything to go by.

"Oh shush you blundering fool." Loki muttered under his breath as Hel and Adayna giggled.

"Whatever you say, Brother." Thor replied with a chuckle, before turning back towards the stage just as the music started.

Huh, I didn't know this one. But judging from the look on Penny's face, she did.

I thoughtfully listened to the tune, though I wasn't surprised that when Mortem started singing, he was staring right at Pen.

As a child you would wait
And watch from far away.
But you always knew that you'd be the one that work while they all play

I wanted to be irritated at Mortem as I saw Penny sniffing and nodding along in agreement but I couldn't. The song was obviously dedicated to my daughter again, and no matter how hard I tried, I could never seriously be angry at Mortem.

He cares about my daughter just as much as I do.

In youth, you'd lay awake at night and scheme
Of all the things that you would change, but it was just a dream!

A small giggle escaped Penny's lips, part of me really wanted to know what she was thinking about, the other part of me really didn't want to know.

Whispered voices started echoing Mortem's and I realized that it wasn't just the two Immortals on the stage that were singing.

Here we are, don't turn away now (don't turn away)
We are the warriors that built this town.
Here we are, don't turn away now (don't turn away)
We are the warriors that built this town.
From Dust.

All of the Immortals were singing or nodding along now, their eyes closed and practically swaying.

I guess if your entities who take care of everything that exist…yeah, I could see the relation.

Mortem continued on alone, and I guessed that the others would join back up for the chorus.

Will come, when you'll have to rise
Above the best, improve yourself
Your spirit never dies
Farewell, I've gone, to take my throne
Above, don't weep for me
Cause this will be the labor of my love (my love)

I wrapped my arm around Pen's shoulder when I noticed a lone tear going down her cheek, I would've said something, but I couldn't think of anything to say.

Of course it was now my brain was going to fail me.

At least I had been right; the Immortals (including Pen) continued softly whispering the chorus behind Mortem. Not that really made me feel better.

Here we are, don't turn away now (don't turn away)
We are the warriors that built this town
Here we are, don't turn away now (don't turn away)
We are the warriors that built this town
From Dust.

Penny leaned into the embrace, through the instrumental part, but when the lyrics started up again, she sang just as loudly as the other Immortals; which was just as loud as Mortem.

Here we are, don't turn away now (don't turn away)
We are the warriors that built this town
Here we are, don't turn away now (don't turn away)
We are the warriors that built this town
From Dust

There was another heavy silence in the air as the song ended. I could tell that not as many people in the room understood this song as well as Steve's but everyone in the know (meaning everyone other than Natasha and Steve) had made the connection.

Besides, it was the meaning behind the words that really mattered anyway.

Mortem reappeared next to Penny as the other two messed around on stage. Breaking the tension in the air, and the silence, Pen slipped out of my one armed embrace, kissed Mortem lightly, and then said,

"That was lovely, thank you."

With that, everyone else relaxed.

"Well, that was sure something." Hel said, Adayna sighing and obviously giving up on her daughter.

"I agree." I spoke up, not feeling like talking a whole lot as Rogers and Natasha both nodded in agreement.

"You guys are being all pouty." Laetitia piped up, appearing out of nowhere and I tried to remember where the girl had been a second ago.

Bruce blinked in shock but it quickly turned into amusement as Loki raised an eyebrow.

"Pouty?" Bruce echoed in question as chuckles echoed across the room.

"Pouty." Laetitia confirmed as Thor and Loki shared an amused look while Adayna and Hel did the same.

"Fine, fine." Penny said, waving her hands in the air, stepping away from Mortem and moving towards the stage.

"Hel, ya wanna help me break the tension in here?" Penny asked over her shoulder as she strolled down the aisle.

"Hell yes!" The young Asgardian exclaimed excitedly, causing most of us to chuckle. The black haired girl vaulted over a few rows of seats before dashing down to join my daughter at the foot of the stage.

"Well, they seem excited." I stated needlessly just for the sake of saying something as Pen, Hel, Amor and Musices all started chatting about the next song.

"Why wouldn't the chipperness be around them?"

We all jumped as Insania appeared right smack in the middle of our little group. Ok, all of us except Laetitia and Mortem jumped, but that wasn't important.

"Where on earth did you go?" Mortem asked his Sister, who just shrugged before giggling and spinning.

"Finny and Ma send their happy opinions on the floating verbal notes**!" She exclaimed happily before skipping down a few rows and plopping down into a seat sideways.

"Finny and Ma?" Mortem echoed in confusion, his silver eyes wide. He shared a glance with Laetitia, who shrugged. He then glanced at the rest of us, as if asking us to explain his Sister to him.

"I have no idea what she just said." Loki shrugged, as Hel and Romanoff nodded in agreement. Adayna, Bruce and Thor just looked confused.

My brain was whirling with all of the possible meanings to her words, but I decided that I was better off not trying to understand the unstable girl.

Otherwise I might lose that little bit of sanity I had managed to cling to.

Stand on the bar, stomp your feet, start clapping
Got a real good feeling something bad about to happen

I almost jumped as the song randomly started; I hadn't even noticed them getting ready. The two were singing together, and I noticed that it was faster pace than the last few songs.

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh

Hel took a step forward, sharing a grin with Penny as she continued on alone.

Pulled up to the church but I got so nervous
Had to back it on up, couldn't make it to the service
Grabbed all the cash underneath my mattress
Got a real good feelin' something bad about to happen

I chuckled, but at the same time I couldn't ignore the strange twinge in my gut. Out of all of the songs they could've chosen, why'd they do this one?

I banished the thought, why couldn't it have been rock?

Penny took over.

Ran into a girl in a pretty white dress
Rolled down a window, where you heading to next?
Said I'm heading to the bar with my money out the mattress
Got a real good feeling something bad about to happen…

Hel and Penny sung the chorus together as Amor and Musices played the guitar and drums respectively. It was only then that I noticed Laetitia was now on stage clapping along to the song.

Stand on the bar, stomp your feet, start clapping
Got a real good feeling something bad about to happen
Drinks keep coming, throw my head back laughing
Wake up in the morning' don't know what happened
Whoa… Something bad
Whoa… Something bad

Then it was only Pen singing, though they were both dancing around each other with enthusiasm.

Now me and that girl that I met on the street
We're rollin' down the road, down to New Orleans
Got a full tank of gas and the money out the mattress
Got a real good feelin' something bad about to happen

Hel took over, her arm now wrapped around Pen's shoulders, and I had to chuckle. They both looked like they were having a blast.

Bout to tear it up down in New Orleans
Just like a real-life Thelma & Louise
If the cops catch up, they're gonna call it Kidnapping
Got a real good feelin' something bad about to happen

They both jumped in together, singing with spirit and actually mimicking what they were singing.

Stand on the bar, stomp your feet, start clapping
Got a real good feeling something bad about to happen
Drinks keep coming, throw my head back laughing
Wake up in the morning' don't know what happened
Whoa… Something bad
Whoa… Something bad

I couldn't help it, I laughed. The two were just being that comical. They were doing it on purpose, but still. It was funny; and I wasn't the only one laughing. Mortem was chuckling as was Loki, Rogers and Bruce.

Stand on the bar, stomp your feet, start clapping
Got a real good feeling something bad about to happen
Now the drinks keep coming, throw my head back laughing
Wake up in the morning' don't know what happened
(yeah, yeah, yeah)
Whoa… Something bad
Whoa… Something bad

I shook my head fondly as the music stopped. I sure hoped that Jarvis had been recording all of this, whether or not it was for blackmail, it was simply brilliant and hilarious!

"Yay!" Laetitia cheered as soon as the song finished and the two girls gave us a bow. We started clapping, most of us still laughing at their display as Musices shook his head slowly and some of the instruments faded from view.

"That was quite good." Loki commented as we all finished clapping.

"Aye, though tis not a song I am familiar with." Thor commented and I laughed.

"Point break, I'd be concerned if you did recognize that song!" I told the blonde thunder god, who simply shrugged.

"Hel likes bringing mortal music home, so you'd be surprised at how much of it we actually know." Adayna explained as Hel and Pen walked towards us.

Seeing everyone glancing at her, Hel raised an eyebrow in question until we all looked away.

"Well, I think we have time for one or two more songs." Amor said, speaking up and appearing right besides Pen and Hel. The two rolled their eyes and no one jumped. We were rather used to people appearing out of thin air around here by now.

"Two more?" Pen asked as she shared a look with Mortem. However, before either of them could say anything the lighting in the room dimmed even farther and turned a touch pink.

We all turned our attention back towards the stage to see Insania standing in the middle of it and Musices conjuring a few more instruments.

"What's she doing?" Penny asked, glancing over at Mortem who shrugged, and then at Laetitia who also shrugged.

"When does anyone know what that girl is doing." Hel pointed out and we all had to admit that the young Asgardian was right.

"Even Infinitas has a hard time keeping track of her." Mortem reasoned as Amor's face lit up in understanding.

"Ah, I see." He muttered, though we all heard him.

"Amor?" Penny asked, but the pink haired Immortal just shook his head, causing his curls to bounce lightly.

"I suggest that we all listen." He said simply before settling down in a seat.

The Immortals all shared a worried look while we regular mortals and Asgardians shared looks of confusion.

"Everything alright?" I asked quietly as Penny retook her seat next to me. She just gave me a halfhearted grin and shrugged.

"I really have no idea."

I didn't know what else to do except shrug. Almost as if it was timed, music started to play. I didn't recognize the song, but apparently Penny did as she stiffened.

I blinked as a few more notes played, and realized just how composed and present Insania looked as she closed her eyes. Her whole aura had changed. It if wasn't for her physical appearance, I wouldn't be able to recognize her. She was holding herself completely different, and for a brief moment, she seemed completely sane.

Flashing lights and we
Took a wrong turn and we
Fell down a rabbit hole.

Her voice was soft and light, but it wasn't her typical whimsical and distant voice. It was a kind of softness that spoke of pain, and I realized that I knew very little about the Immortal.

Or any of the Immortals to be honest.

You held on tight to me
'Cause nothing's as it seems
I'm spinning out of control.

The music and her tone suddenly changed, and her eyes flashed open. I had never seen them so focused before, even if they were focused on something only she could see.

Didn't they tell us don't rush into things?
Didn't you flash your green eyes at me?
Haven't you heard what becomes of curious minds?

Oh…

I glanced over at Penny, only to see her staring wide eyed at the Immortal. I could see that she was focused on her sister, and yet at the same time trying to find the meaning behind the song. She was playing with puzzle pieces that I could only imagine.

Didn't it all seem new and exciting?
I felt your arms twisting around me
I should have slept with one eye open at night.

Insania shook her head, pausing long enough to take a deep breath before continuing, her voice almost trembling.

We found wonderland
You and I got lost in it
And we pretended it could last forever
Eh (eh)
We found wonderland
You and I got lost in it
And life was never worse but never better
Eh eh

I almost gasped, as I saw a lone tear now traveling down Insania's face. My heart went out to the girl. I couldn't even begin to imagine what had happened to her to cause to her look so…broken.

Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh
In wonderland
Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh,
In wonderland
Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh,
In wonderland
Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh,
In wonderland

Actually, I was wrong. I realized as she continued. I recognized the look on her face; it was the same look that had stared back at me in the mirror for years after Evanna left.

It was the look of someone with a broken heart.

So we went on our way
Too in love to think straight
All alone or so it seemed.

She seemed to chuckle to herself for a brief moment, before continuing, sounding almost bitter.

But there were strangers watching
And whispers turned to talking
And talking turned to screams.

Oh…

Didn't they tell us don't rush into things?
Didn't you flash your green eyes at me?
Didn't you calm my fears with a Cheshire cat smile?

Her lips twitched, almost recreating the smile. Insania was obviously lost in memories, was she even aware that she was singing?

Oh…

Didn't it all seem new and exciting?
I felt your arms twisting around me
It's all fun and games 'til somebody loses their mind.

"Oh Insania…" Penny said slowly, her voice practically vibrating with pain and understanding, and I wondered what it was that my daughter had figured out.

But it wasn't my place to ask, especially not now.

But darling, we found wonderland
You and I got lost in it
And we pretended it could last forever
Eh (eh)
We found wonderland
You and I got lost in it
And life was never worse but never better
Eh eh

Insania wasn't the only one who had tears running down her face, I noticed as I glanced over and saw that my daughter's cheeks were wet as well.

I didn't say a word, and since Mortem's arm was already around Pen's shoulder, I just laid my hand comfortingly on top of her own; and hoped that it was enough.

Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh
In wonderland
Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh,
In wonderland
Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh,
In wonderland
Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh,
In wonderland

Insania shook her head slowly as her voice changed tone again, sounding as if she was on the edge of sobbing hysterically.

I reached for you but you were gone
I knew I had to go back home
You search the world for something else to make you feel like what we had
And in the end in wonderland we both went mad.

That word, that one word seemed to echo through the air as Insania closed her eyes and her voice broke.

"By Father…" Mortem whispered in horror and realization. He glanced over at Penny, and I watched out of the corner of my eye as she nodded slowly.

Mortem's face, which had been unreadable a few moments ago, was now a canvas of sympathy for his Sister.

This time, it was the look of pain on Insania's face, and the anguish and sadness on the other Immortals' faces that made me realize, that I really didn't want to know.

Oh…

We found wonderland
You and I got lost in it
And we pretended it could last forever (last forever)
Eh (eh)

We found wonderland
You and I got lost in it (got lost in it)
And life was never worse but never better (never better)
Eh eh

We found wonderland
You and I got lost in it (wonderland)
And we pretended it could last forever (in wonderland)

We found wonderland
You and I got lost in it (wonderland)
And life was never worse but never better

There was a slight pause, barely long enough to be considered a pause where Insania smiled bitterly before finishing.

In wonderland

As soon as Insania finished her song, all of the Immortals were on stage hugging the life out of the girl, who instantly broken down into choked sobs.

We couldn't hear what they were saying, but it was obvious to everyone that they were doing their best to comfort the normally unstable Immortal.

"She needn't have done that." Hel's quiet but choked voice broke the tense silence in the air, and we all turned towards the Asgardian girl.

Her hands where over her mouth, her eyes were red from crying, and she had tears streaming down her face; it was a heart twisting sight, and it made my fatherly instincts cry out.

Almost immediately, Adayna pulled her daughter into her arms as Loki asked quietly, "You understood that?"

Well, that was a nicer way to ask if she knew what that was all about. But either way, everyone's eyes were on the girl as she nodded hesitantly before burying her face in her mother's arms.

"I don't think she's going to share." Bruce said softly, his gaze turning to each of us in turn. Thor and Loki were also staring at all of us, as if challenging us to ask the girl.

"We wouldn't push her for a story that isn't even her own to share." I jumped in, knowing that if this had been a month ago, everyone would've pushed for the reason behind all of the tears and pain.

Not to mention the fact that everyone would've flipped over what I just said.

But thankfully, we'd all grown a lot since then.

"You're right." We all turned to see Penny standing at the edge of aisle, a bland look on her face that told me a heavy mask was in place. "It's not her story."

No one bothered to say a word, though Steve squirmed under the intense emotion in the air. I glanced back down to the stage to see that Laetitia, Insania, and Amor had all vanished.

Mortem appeared behind Penny and wrapped his arms around her waist, tucking her shoulder beneath his chin.

"It's Insania's story," Pen continued after a deep breath, closing her eyes briefly before they flashed open. Her bright green eyes literally glowed with power as she said, "let's just say that once upon a time, Insania was known as Chaos…and you just saw her relive what it takes to make an Entity break."

No one knew how to respond to that, and I swallowed thickly before getting to my feet and pulling Penny into a hug, ignoring the fact that Mortem got pulled in as well.

Someone must've opened their mouth to ask a question for Musices was suddenly there as well and said coldly,

"The others have returned home with our Sister." Which shut anyone who had been about to talk right up.

Our hug broke apart as Musices turned towards Penny and Mortem and asked, "Do you two still wish to finish? It's almost midnight."

Mortem and Pen looked at each other as I stepped back, sensing that they were having a silent conversation that only they could hear.

Turning in unison back towards the Immortal, the two nodded.

"Aye," Pen said, the word sounding perfectly natural from her mouth. "We would."

"Alright then." Musices nodded before vanishing and moving some instruments around.

"You sure you want to continue on?" Natasha asked hesitantly, thinking about what had just happened. Hel had finally emerged, red eyed but without the tears adorning her face. Steve, Bruce, and Thor looked extremely uncomfortable, as Loki looked thoughtful.

"Yes," Pen said, and I was almost surprised by steel in her voice and the dedication in her eyes. "Insania set tonight up," the 'for me' went unsaid but heard by all, "and I'm not going to let her work go to waste."

With a nod, she grabbed Mortem's hand, twirled on her heel, and marched down to the stage.

Shaking my head at my daughter's stubbornness, I retook my seat. Realizing that the tension was slowly bleeding out of the air, I smiled softly.

Oh, what our world had become.

"What do you think they're going to sing now?" Adayna asked her daughter, who just smiled softly.

"Considering it's almost twelve, something special." Was Hel's vague reply.

My eyebrows furrowed together as I gazed down at the couple. They were singing something special because it was almost midnight? Why? Was there something special about tomorrow that I didn't know about?

The only thing that came to mind was the fact that tomorrow was the day before Halloween, but besides that, I came up with nothing.

"I suppose we're about to find out." Loki stated, Bruce humming in agreement as the couple picked up microphones and stood at opposite sides of the stage from each other.

Instead of being behind the drums, Musices was now at a large, black, grand piano, while many other instruments, including violins, floated around him.

It started off slow, and I tried to place it. But I wasn't surprised to find that I didn't recognize it. But judging from the gasp behind me, someone had.

Penny started off, singing softly with her eyes closed.

The day we met,***
Frozen I held my breath
Right from the start
I knew that I'd found a home for my heart...

"Ha!" I turned to see that it had been Hel who snorted. Adayna glared at her daughter though Loki and Thor also looked amused.

I vaguely remembered Pen mentioning that she had hated Mortem in the beginning, and had to hold back a chuckle. Maybe she had just been in denial or something.

... Beats fast
Colors and promises
How to be brave?
How can I love when I'm afraid to fall?
But watching you stand alone
All of my doubt suddenly goes away somehow

Penny's eyes snapped open and Mortem joined her in singing.

One step closer…

They had both moved closer, smiles on their lips and their eyes only for each other.

I have died everyday waiting for you
Darling don't be afraid I have loved you
For a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

I chuckled, and so did the Asgardians. That was a major understatement.

Pen's voice faded away and then it was only Mortem singing softly, a small smile on his face.

Time stands still
Beauty in all she is
I will be brave
I will not let anything take away
What's standing in front of me
Every breath
Every hour has come to this

Together the two sang and moved a step closer to each other, they were still smiling.

One step closer…

I have died everyday waiting for you
Darling don't be afraid I have loved you
For a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

I couldn't help the small smile that spread across my face, at least I knew that even long after I was gone, Penny would be taken care of.

I shook my head, don't think about that!

And all along I believed I would find you
Time has brought your heart to me
I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more...

Ooohhhh….
Oohhhh…

I'll love you for a thousand more...
Ooohhhh….
Oohhhh…

Ooohhhh….
Oohhhh…

One step closer

"Young love," I heard Rogers whispered, and had to literally bite back a laugh. If tonight hadn't given anything away then nothing would.

I was still smiling as they moved closer together again, only a foot apart, and Pen continued on her own.

I have died everyday waiting for you
Darling don't be afraid I have loved you
For a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

They took another step together until their foreheads were literally touching, and their eyes were closed. I knew that Jarvis was recording this, because the picture that the two made on stage…was perfect.

I might be Pen's father, but there was a real reason I couldn't pull the father card on Mortem more often than not. (There were actually several reasons, but I didn't care.) The two were perfect together, that was something I realized soon after meeting the Death Immortal.

My heart warmed as they finished the song practically in each other's arms, and as if they had only one voice.

And all along I believed I would find you
Time has brought your heart to me
I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

They just stood there holding each other as the music finished slowly. As the last note fell quiet, Mortem captured my daughter's lips and drew her into a long kiss.

I had to look away, she was still my daughter after all, but even I noticed when Mortem broke apart long enough to pull Penny into a dip. They smiled at each other and I couldn't help but feel like I was missing something when Hel clued me in.

"HAVE A GOOD ANIVERSARY YOU STUPID LOVEBIRDS!" Hel yelled gleefully. My eyes widened just as Pen flipped Hel the bird, and the couple vanished.

"It's their anniversary?!" I asked in shock, why on earth hadn't they told me?! I would've done something, or told Pepper and she would've…or something!

Great, now I sounded pathetic even in my mind.

"As of thirty seconds ago, yes. Yes it is." Hel smiled kindly at me before continuing. "Since the Boss'll be busy for the rest of the day, I gotta head to work. Sadly, the Reapers can't order themselves around!"

Hel waved at all of us before vanishing.

I shook my head slowly as the Asgardians fell into a conversation in Norse, while Steve, Natasha, and Bruce talked in whispers.

I sighed, catching sight of the stage and realizing that Musices was gone. Glancing around, I saw that the room was back to normal. Or rather, almost back to normal. Musices had left the large grand piano in the front of the room.

It was really a lovely instrument – of course it was, the Immortal of Music had conjured it – and it was then that I was hit by inspiration.

My eyes widened and a large grin split across as my mind whirled with the possibilities. I finally had my solution!

"I'll be in the lab if you need me!" I called out over my shoulder to the others before practically flying to the lab.

Thank you midnight music sessions! I mentally cheered, almost cackling with happiness.

If I had glanced at my watch, I would've noticed it was 12:01.

The day had begun.

(Disclaimer: I do not own The Devil Went Down to Georgia, Angel with a Shot Gun, The Monster, I Won't Back Down, Warriors, Somethin' Bad, Wonderland, or A Thousand Years. They belong to The Charlie Daniels Band, The Cab, Eminem, Tom Petty/Johnny Cash, Imagine Dragons, Miranda Lambert, Taylor Swift, and Christina Perri respectively.)

I didn't put that at the top because it would've been a spoiler. ^.-

Sooo, long flipping ass chapter or what?! You all better be happy this is now the longest chapter in Awakening! Over 17k words! (That's 48 pages on Microsoft Word so you know.)

I'm so proud of this chapter! I've been planning the music part of it for AGES now. Any time I hear any of those songs, I think of the characters singing them. That's now planned this thing has been.

To be honest this chapter would've been up within 48 hours of my last update, but then the musical section of it just did NOT want to get written. I blame the fact I did it in Tony's POV. *Shrugs*

*If you guys couldn't tell, normal bold was Mortem singing, italics was either Amor and Musices or just Musices and underline was just Amor in Angel with a Shotgun

** If you guys can figure out what on earth Insania said, you get virtual cookies and a chapter dedication!

*** It took me forever to decide which song I wanted Pen and Mortem to sing. I originally wasn't going to do A Thousand Years because of the Twilight association, but then realized that it just fit the two of them too well…more or less. Then I had to decide whether to do the original version or the part two version. I picked the part two version because it had already been separated into a duet, and that made it easier.

Anyway, I hope you liked the chapter, to be honest I have no idea where Hammer came from….he just jumped into the scene before I had even realized what happened!

I'll try to update as soon as I can! Thanks for reading! :)
Cp