Author's Note: OMG so sorry for not updating in so long. Just got my computer privileges back. Then I had to read four books for school and a reading challenge thing. Took me a few weeks. I think reading Barack Obama's book Dreams of My Father in a four days is quite the accomplishment.
Also, for the rest of this fic some things may seem a bit off. Sorry in advance. Had to change a few things when I got a new idea for a plot twist.
ENJOY!
:)
Thor allowed himself to be led to the conference room to wait for Director Fury. It hadn't taken much to get in touch with S.H.I.E.L.D. since Jane was now employed by them.
When he had told her of his plan to bring Loki back to live on earth, she had been hesitant. As he waited, he thought back on their conversation. It had gone better than he had expected. Still, he worried.
"Thor, he's a war criminal," she said simply. The god sighed.
"My brother has paid for his crimes tenfold, Jane. He is no longer serving a prison sentence," he told her. She crossed her arms, pulling away from him. She walked around the back of the couch.
"He killed over 80 people. Usually, you tend to get life sentences for killing one person," she said. Thor sat down, forcing himself not to become angry with her. Of course, she would be upset.
Loki had attacked her planet and slaughtered many of her people. In earlier days, Thor would have been most likely to go and retaliate, wanting to start a war. He looked up at her, realizing her fear and understanding.
"Loki has suffered enough. No man should go through what he has endured. The Allfather has provided him with a safe place in the castle with armed guards but, we fear it may not be enough." he admitted.
"Aren't there other realms?" she asked. He nodded silently.
"Then why does he have to come here? S.H.I.E.L.D. isn't going to be very happy. Neither is the rest of the world if they find out."
"There are still those who wish Loki ill. The only way to protect him is to bring him here. Your realm has very few people who could do him harm. His location must remain a secret. In his weakened state, he cannot defend himself." Jane paused.
"What do you mean by 'weakened state'?" she asked.
"Do you remember when I told you of the Other?" he asked. Jane nodded, coming to sit beside him.
"Loki has refused to tell me of his time with him. He has not spoken to anyone as far as I know." Thor said.
"I fear Loki may have been hurt more than we realized. I believe that perhaps by bringing him here, it will help him. He will not have to fear for anything." he told his girlfriend. Jane nodded, taking his hand.
"Alright, Thor. I'll talk to Director Fury. But, the choice isn't up to me. The higher ups can still say no." Thor hugged her gratefully.
"Thank you, Jane. Whatever the outcome, I appreciate your efforts."
Thor turned his head as Fury entered the room, closing the door firmly behind him. Fury gestured for the god to sit, doing the same across the table from him. He folded his hands in front of himself, sitting in perfect silence for several moments.
"Thor, I'm curious to know why you asked to meet with me so urgently. This isn't about another alien invasion coming our way is it?" Thor took a breath, choosing his next words carefully.
"Director Fury, I hope both you and the Council will see reason in granting my brother immunity from his crimes against you and your people while also allowing him to stay on Midgard for his own safety."
Fury crossed his arms, leaning back in his chair. The man was instantly suspicious, realizing the situation was about Loki.
"Thor, are you telling me you expect me to let Loki, your insane, homicidal brother return to the planet he attacked two years ago and let him off without proper punishment?" Thor shifted uncomfortably, fingering the shaft of Mjolnir.
"I can assure you that my brother has been punished enough," the god insisted. Fury studied him, his eye roaming over the god's face slowly.
"Really? To whose standards?" he asked. He didn't even flinch as Thor's face hardened with anger.
"He was tortured by the Other and his allies for several months before I went to rescue him after he willingly sacrificed his own life to save Anthony Stark's when said man almost perished from a poisoned dagger. I believe that to be sufficient enough punishment. So does the Allfather." Thor said heatedly. Fury remained unconvinced.
"How do you know it wasn't a trick? You said yourself that he's a master illusionist. He could be faking his injuries." Fury asked. Thor sighed heavily.
"I know my brother. If it had been a trick, he would have found a way to escape in the last few months since we brought him back to Asgard. I can assure you, he is a changed man. But he cannot stay on Asgard. There are those that wish to harm him. Kill him even. I cannot allow that. So I come to you, and I implore you to listen to my words without prejudice and allow Loki a fair chance." the god told him. Fury frowned.
"Why do I have the feeling you're not really here for permission?" the Director asked. Thor sighed.
"Because, at the moment I am not asking for your permission to bring my brother to Midgard. Anthony Stark has agreed to house him at an undisclosed location until it is safe for Loki to return to Asgard, should he wish it.
"I only wished to inform you of my actions. It gives me no great pleasure to defy the will of you or your superiors but, Loki is still my brother and I will not stand by, allowing him to be hurt when I am able to prevent such things," the god told him.
Fury massaged his temples, feeling his blood pressure rise. He was a middle-aged African-American male. He didn't need this kind of stress in his life right now.
"I'll have to speak with the Council about this. It might take a while," he told the god. Thor nodded in understanding. The god rose to his feet, preparing to leave.
"Thank you, Director. I apologize for giving you this information so late but, things have been quite chaotic on Asgard. I will return on the morrow for your answer." he said. Fury frowned, getting the hint. 'Hurry it up' the god seemed to imply.
"For your sake, Thor, I sincerely do hope that Loki has indeed changed for the better. Otherwise, once he sets foot on earth, we will not hesitate to use all of our power to protect the inhabitants." Fury told him. Thor smiled sadly.
"Sometimes I become unsure whether getting the brother I once knew back is worth destroying the one that I see now. Or if it is even possible."
Tony watched quietly as Loki emerged from the bathroom, freshly washed and wearing a black wool shirt and pants. He grinned, eyeing the god's physique with a carnal interest he didn't even bother to hide.
"How come you don't dress up like that for me?" the engineer pouted playfully. Loki couldn't help but smile at the man currently giving him puppy dog eyes with his lip sticking out.
"Are you sure you're ok to do this?" Tony asked, standing as Loki tied his long hair back with a strip of leather. The god nodded, giving Tony a reassuring smile.
"Of course," the god replied, pushing Tony toward the door. The inventor sighed, digging his heels in. Feeling the resistance, Loki stopped moving, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Are you coming or not?" the god demanded. Tony raised an eyebrow.
"I'm just a little concerned," he admitted. Loki frowned.
"Why would you be concerned? We are going to see a child. I see no reason to fret over my well being since there are about a dozen guards coming with us." Loki told him heatedly.
"Come on Loki, you can't get mad at me for worrying. Especially after everything that's happened. The last time you saw her you had a seizure." Tony told him. Loki paused, beginning to see the inventor's cause of concern.
"I was surprised is all. I can assure you that I will be much calmer this time," the god assured him. Tony nodded slowly, relaxing a bit.
"Besides, I think that this will be good for me. My mother suggested it after all." Loki said. Tony groaned.
"Oh yes. The old 'mother always knows best'," he said, smiling. Loki smiled back, holding out his hand. The inventor gripped it firmly, following Loki's lead out of the door where they met a group of eight guards.
Frigga had insisted that there be four for each of them. Loki would never admit it but, without the use of his magic, he couldn't help but feel a lot safer.
Loki stared out from the balcony, listening to the soft footsteps of his mother's approach as he sent out the last raven he would send his wives, Sigyn and Angrboda. He knew they wouldn't reply to them, but he supposed it made him feel better for trying.
Loki felt Frigga's warmth at his side as she paused, waiting for him to speak. When it was evident that he wasn't going to, she realized she had to take the initiative.
"Did you speak with her?" she asked. Loki smiled sadly.
"I did. She is...a sweet girl," he told her. Frigga nodded, reaching for his hand. When he pulled away from her, she frowned.
"Loki, is there something wrong? I thought going to see the girl would make you happy, " she said. The god nodded silently.
"It has...but now I have come to realize..." He trailed off, going quiet. Loki bowed his head, refusing to look at her.
"I've done terrible things, mother. Things I can never be forgiven for. Things I can never forget." he whispered.
He could feel his face burning with the shame of the sudden revelation he had discovered a few nights before. He closed his eyes, forcing himself to continue.
Frigga remained quiet, knowing from experience that it was best not to pressure her son.
"Mother, I must show you something," he told her. Frigga stepped closer, straining to hear what was being said.
"What is it Loki?" she asked gently. At the sound of her voice, he slowly raised his head, giving her the harshest look he had ever given her.
"I..." Loki began shakily, closing his mouth as quickly as he had opened it.
"Loki please tell me what is wrong. You are beginning to worry me," she told him.
"Mother...please," he said, gesturing for her to come closer. As she took his hand in hers, Frigga watched as his other hand went to his tunic, pulling it up above his stomach.
Frigga's eyes widened as she took in the slight swelling of his belly, finally realizing the reason for Loki's discomfort.
"Oh Loki..." she breathed as she rested her hand against his skin. She smiled, feeling a slight joy in what she had discovered.
"Does Anthony know?" she asked. Loki froze, pushing her hand away and hurriedly pulling his shirt down.
"No," he told her quickly. Frigga sighed.
"Loki, you must tell him. He has a right as the father," she told him. Loki shook his head.
"No. He had no part in this, and please do not ask. I am not at liberty to say anything further on the matter," he told her. Frigga smoothed her robes as she sat. taking a moment to think.
"What are you planning to do?" she questioned. Loki sighed.
"I do not want the child, mother," he admitted.
"What do you mean Loki? What else can you plan to do with it?" she asked. Loki took a deep breath.
"I was hoping you would help me...get rid of it," he said slowly. Frigga couldn't help her harsh intake of breath.
"You wish to have an abortion?" she exclaimed. Loki winced as her voice rose suddenly.
"Mother please," he said, trying to keep her quiet.
"I do not have the resources to do it myself, and it would be highly suspicious of me to go and get them myself since I do not trust anyone else to bring me the needed materials," he told her. Frigga sighed.
"I remember when Odin brought you home from battle that day. You were so small for a Jotun. He told me that you had been left to die on the battlefield," she recalled. Loki frowned.
"Why are you telling me this?" he demanded.
"I do not wish for you to do something you will regret, so I will give you an alternative option," she told him. Loki turned to face her, feeling mildly interested in what she was saying.
"If you will allow it, I would be happy to raise the child in your place." Frigga offered.
Loki stared at her for several long moments before responding.
"Why?" he asked. She smiled reassuringly.
"Because I love you and any child you have, I will love also," she told him sternly. Loki forced himself to breathe, feeling himself become light headed from the shock.
"Are you sure?" he asked. Frigga nodded. Loki closed his eyes.
"Alright. When the child is born, I will probably need you to come to Midgard anyway, so that will probably be for the best," he told her.
Loki sat, burying his face into his hands.
"Are you sure you want to do this Loki?" she asked. Loki sat, staring down at the floor.
"I don't want it," he told her. The queen nodded, taking his face in her hands. She kissed his forehead, smiling down at him.
"I love you Loki," she told him, taking her leave. He took a shaky breath, his vision beginning to blur.
"I'm sorry," he told her.
Fury stood with his hands clasped behind his back, waiting for the Council's reaction. They hadn't been very happy with his request.
"How are we going to handle this situation?" he asked. At the sound of his voice, the Council took notice of him once again.
"The knowledge of Loki's return to earth may cause an uproar in the public. When Thor brings him, we will need to keep him hidden," the first Council member said. Fury nodded.
"We believe it would be most beneficial if you were to use one of the underground facilities for a thorough interrogation. We can't be certain if Loki is as stable as Thor claims him to be, or if he will even be allowed to stay." Fury sighed.
"I'm not sure about it either but, from Thor's words we don't have a choice in whether or not Loki stays here. It seems that Loki's gotten himself into a crisis and needs protection, and Thor won't take no for an answer," he told the Council.
After a brief debate, the Council finally agreed to watch Loki closely for signs of deceit.
Immediately after the meeting, the Director set to work, making preperations for the God of Mischief's arrival. He made sure to include extra precautions, should anything decide to backfire.
Author's Note: BOOOOOM! Yep. Loki is preggers. I know, I know. WTF! And there can only be one guess who the father is. *cue dramatic music* Also sorry again for not updating in so long. Been working on some new fics and I got a bit lost.