Hey! Thank you for your support. Honestly, whether it's another person favoriting my story or reviewing, it inspires me to keep going. But, it's kind of hard to know how I'm doing without feedback. Last chapter about 6 people unfollowed the story and I'm not sure why. If I did anything wrong or if there's a problem, so please tell me. I can't improve without knowing what I need to get better at.

I love all of you no matter what 3

Two Months Ago

She raised the hammer above her head with the full intention of shattering the crystal.

It sat in front of her, mocking her. It had to be destroyed.

But, she couldn't bring herself to smash it. Something was stopping her.

"We both want power, just different ways of achieving it." Loki's voice was as clear in her mind as the day he had said that to her. The words still made her shiver.

He was wrong. He was completely wrong. Saniya raised the hammer again but faltered. If he was wrong, then why was it so hard to break the only path to him? Why couldn't she do it?

Maybe he knew how to find Frimia. Not likely, considering that he has been in a cell since the invasion, but he might have an idea of where she went. Without Loki, she had no other idea of how to find her. Saniya tried to tell herself that that was the only reason she was considering going back.

That Frimia was the only reason she stole the crystal from Thor.

Tony had suspected her the moment it disappeared. Saniya had recently moved back into her apartment and Thor was preparing to leave for Asgard. The day she moved out, the crystal had mysteriously "disappeared". Tony promised he would keep an eye out for it. The whole time he was staring at her. She was almost certain he knew that she had taken it. Why he hadn't told anyone, she didn't know.

Maybe he had faith that she would get rid of it. Sure, he was just as interested as Jane and Bruce to recreate astral projection on earth. He could have asked her to hand it over to the scientists for study. But he hadn't.

Point was, she didn't know his reasons and she wasn't sure of her own motives for stealing the crystal. She dropped the hammer, letting it fall to her side.

Saniya blew several strands of hair out of her face. The crystal was beautiful. When she turned her head, the color seemed to change. Without much thought, she was reaching out to hold it.

It glittered in the dull kitchen light, radiating pure magic. Saniya could feel it breathing like the grass in Italy. Her eyes fluttered shut as she stroked her fingers over the smooth edges. The tips of her fingers began to feel numb.

Then, it stopped. Needles pricked every bit of her skin before she could even take her next breath. Saniya opened her eyes, seeing that she was no longer in her apartment kitchen.

Loki looked the same though his cheeks were more hollow than she remembered. He seemed almost surprised to see her. "Hello," he said softly, as if not to startle her. The god looked behind her and narrowed his eyes when he didn't see Thor.

She pulled herself from the floor, silently willing the crystal to take her back. "This was sort of a mistake. I didn't mean to come here."

"You must have had the intention. The crystal does not work against your will." He walked towards the glass. Saniya had learned her lesson and kept her distance from the enclosure. "Why have you come?"

Saniya squeezed her eyes shut, trying to concentrate on going back home. "I don't know," she forced out. A headache began to form as she attempted to tap into the seiðr inside her. When she found herself holding the crystal so tightly that her fingers were beginning to bleed, she realized that getting home wouldn't be so easy.

"I apologize for my earlier behavior. I was out of line."

Her eyes snapped open with suspicion. "You what?

Loki sighed, the space around his eyes tensing. "I have forgotten how to act properly during my imprisonment. My thoughts had been muddled by not seeing another living being for weeks." The snake of a man walked up to the glass, piercing her with his green eyes. "I'm sure you have heard stories of what solitary confinement does to the mind."

"I... uh... Okay?"

"What do you want from me? I'm sure you didn't come because you wanted to see me."

Saniya shrugged, still stunned by his apology. He had to be trying to manipulate her again. Considering his superiority complex, it was unlikely that he was apologizing to a 'mortal' out of the goodness of his heart. "Nothing, I guess." She kicked at the ground with her socks. "Like I said, this was an accident. I really don't want to see you."

"I see." His lips tightened like he was making a huge effort to be courteous. "Well, I have something I want from you."

"No. Nope. I am doing nothing for you," she spat out. She shook the crystal, hoping that it'd take her home faster.

He placed his hand on the glass, barely holding himself back from slamming it. "It is something you can manage," he gritted through his teeth. "For the foreseeable future, I will be in here. It is a struggle to keep my mind sharp. All I want is company."

That hit her harder than she expected it would. All he wanted, so he claimed, was someone to talk to. If this was true, then Loki, the man who had attempted to enslave the human race, had won her sympathy. The large ball of hate for him didn't shrink, but a more powerful feeling of pity began to grow next to it. She couldn't imagine how terrible it was to not see anyone for weeks. Saniya had heard stories of what happened to prisoners who were left in solitary confinement for too long. That was a punishment she didn't wish on anyone.

"I can teach you how to use your gift." For a moment, she found herself entranced by his bright eyes. "You have so much to learn."

She crossed her arms, turning herself away from him. "I won't use it for you."

Loki folded his hands together. "I expected as such. You gift can only expand so much with your mortal limitations, but you can become more powerful on your own. In return, I wish to simply talk." His eyes fell to the floor in a rare moment of vulnerability. "Perhaps you can tell me about Maria."

"Maria Hill?"

The disgust on his face almost made her burst out laughing. "No. I believe you know her as Signora Arlotti." Loki met her gaze. The skin around his mouth was taut as if he was stopping himself from scowling at her. "You have been kind to her. I am trying to return the favor."

Saniya found herself stepping closer to the glass. "Why do you care? She's human. Don't you think you're better than us?"

He glared at her. "Maria and her sister were more than worthy," he snarled.

She turned away from him. This was a trap. A manipulation. He was the god of lies and trickery. Of course he was using her for some greater scheme. But, was there really any harm from learning some tricks from him? From telling him about Signora Arlotti? It seemed harmless enough. Despite what common sense was telling her, she was considering his proposal.

"Okay. I'll tell you about her as long as you promise to teach me about my gift and aren't using me for evil or an escape or… whatever you can come up with. I also reserved the right of backing out at any moment."

"I give you my word." Her toes curled as he gave her a mischievous smirk.

She pulled her phone out of her pocket and dialed the now familiar number. It was unsurprising when it went to voicemail. And like always, she hid her disappointment behind a thin veil of cheerfulness.

"Hey, mom. Dad. I'm... I'm in the airport in California. So, if... ah... if you ever decide to call me back to make plans, I can't do it this week." She winced. "Call me back. Please. I know that if you haven't picked up by the thirteenth call, you're probably never planning to pick up. But, I want to talk to you two."

Saniya exhaled heavily. "I just... I can't believe I'm saying this, but I want my parents back. Okay? I've just recently discovered the importance of family and I want that back. So can you for once in my life stop ignoring me?" She tapped end and stared at the phone. Her nails dug into the case and she was suddenly considering chucking it across the airport.

What was the point in still calling them? They never answered. They didn't care. Even at twenty-seven years old, she was begging for their attention.

The phone was slid carelessly into her back pocket, nestled next to her SHIELD badge. She rolled her suitcase behind her as she passed restaurants and coffee shops in the airport. And when she reached the exit and looked out at the parking lot, she wondered if Happy had forgotten about her.

Just as she was about to call him, a black car pulled up to the curb. Happy got out of the driver's seat, looking spiffy in his new suit. He held his arms out for a hug, which she responded by lightly patting his arms. "Pepper's glad you're staying at the mansion," he said. "I think she sees this as her redemption for the incident at the tower. She partly blames herself, y'know."

Saniya managed a small smile. "She's the one who offered. Who am I to turn down staying in a mansion for a week?" She watched him hastily carry her luggage to the trunk. "How are you? I haven't seen you in a long time."

He puffed out his chest before slamming the trunk shut. "It's been awhile, hasn't it?" Happy held open her door. She slipped into the car and he ran around to the driver's side. "I, uh, we never got that coffee you promised."

She pushed a stray piece of hair behind her ear while simultaneously texting Natasha that she was on her way to the mansion. "Do you still want to?" Happy grinned. His answer was clear. Still, her stomach turned in a way that made her uneasy. "Just as friends, though," she said quickly. "I don't want you to get the wrong idea."

Though he had deflated slightly, he still was chipper. "No, I understand. Just as friends." His thumb began rubbing circles on the steering wheel.

Saniya shielded her eyes after being temporarily blinded. "Is it always this sunny in California? Isn't it supposed to be winter?"

Happy shrugged. "You sound a lot like Dr. Banner. He stays in his lab so long I think he forgets what the sun looks like."

The flinch that followed his name was unavoidable. "Bruce isn't staying at the mansion right?"

"No, he's renting out a condo several miles away. Why?"

When she didn't answer quickly enough, Happy looked at her in alarm. "He hasn't hurt you or anything. Right? If he has—"

"Just hurt my pride," she waved off. "I don't care where he's living," Saniya lied. "Only wondering."

Happy shuddered. "Good, 'cause he can be pretty frightening. Honestly, I wouldn't be so keen on living with him either. Just the fact that one day he could snap and flatten the whole place at any time would make me paranoid." He let out a nervous laugh. "Know what I mean?" His smile faltered when he saw the less than impressed expression on Saniya's face.

He cleared his throat. "Sorry, I didn't—"

She chose to look out the window to save Happy from her glare. "Bruce has more control than that. He wouldn't just snap."

"Of course not," he said with a placating tone.

Saniya dropped her hands to her lap. "You know what? I don't want to talk about Bruce. Radio?"

Happy gestured towards it. "Be my guest." He raised an eyebrow when she switched it to AM and fiddled with the dials until she came to a random station.

"—Mandarin attacks. Is he the newest threat to America's safety? What is the government doing to stop the terrors? This afternoon we will be answering these questions and more if you stayed tuned."

Her hand reached for the dial, turning to another station. "There has to be something better than hearing about the Mandarin," she muttered.

The whole drive was spent listening to a radio broadcast about a conservation site in Brazil. Much better than hearing about the Mandarin.

Bruce shook his head. "I won't do it." He turned towards his fellow scientist. "This is becoming unhealthy."

Tony pointed the drill at him, letting it buzz in the air. "I thought you said you weren't that type of doctor."

"I'm not, but anyone can see this is becoming an obsession. Tony, you already surround yourself with the suits. It's disconcerting. The last thing you need is to make it a part of your body."

He held up his finger. "Not a part of my body, my dear Bruce. Just able to come to my location anytime I command. It's smart. Dare I say, genius."

He sighed, watching his friend carefully. When had been the last time he'd slept? Pepper had cornered Bruce during the first week in Malibu to convince Tony to go to bed every once in a while. Even Jarvis had made his concerns known by commenting on his creator's health.

"I'm concerned about you." Bruce scanned the wall of suits. Tony had to have more hidden from plain sight. "When was the last time you've eaten? Taken a shower?"

The corners of his mouth drooped. Tony turned away to tinker with his newest invention. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're my mother," he quipped.

"Tony—"

"Saniya's living with me and Pepper for a while," Tony interrupted. "Staying for a week to do something for SHIELD. I hope that isn't going to bother you." The billionaire lifted his eyebrows comically.

Bruce blinked at the name. He hadn't heard about Saniya in a long time. How long had it been exactly? It was difficult remembering when exactly he had last seen her. The moments they shared seemed like they had happened only a few weeks ago. Bruce, for a moment, wondered how she had been, then returned his focus to Tony.

"Don't try to distract me," he sighed.

"She's different. I think. She seems lonelier. Every time I talk to her she gets this sad little undertone. Been that way since Marsha moved back with her parents."

He placed a hand on Tony's shoulder. "We're talking about you. Not Saniya. Not Marsha. You." Tony finally met his gaze. "Promise me you'll at least try to sleep. Pepper says you haven't been sleeping well the last few months."

Tony pursed his lips. "Well, to be accurate, it's been since the battle, but that's irrelevant." It didn't seem very irrelevant to Bruce. "She's arriving today. Happy picked her up from the airport. He was too overeager about it, in my opinion. Do you think he's got the hots for her?"

The frustration softly boiled under the surface. Tony had no idea how close he was to making Bruce angry. He lifted two fingers to his pulse point. "Tony. Stop."

"What? It's been three months. Do you really have the right to be bothered anymore?"

"That isn't what's bothering me," he said. "You have people who depend on you. Pepper for instance."

Tony paused in his tinkerings then pretended to be very interested in a small scratch on the metal.

"I depend on you. The rest of our teammates do. If you aren't going to take care of yourself for your own good, then do it for us."

There was a brief moment where Bruce was sure that his words had gotten through to him, a short burst of hope, but, Tony only shrugged. "I know my limits and I'm nowhere close to them." As if to prove his point, he took a large swig of coffee that Bruce had switched out with decaf a while ago. He held out his arms. "See? Perfectly fine."

Arguing was useless. Tony never listened. Bruce knew he would crash eventually, whether from physical or mental exhaustion. Maybe both. Bruce was rightly concerned. Neither he nor Pepper wanted that moment to come. Tony was on a downward spiral.

Still, if anything, he was efficient. Even more so these days. His suits were being built quicker every time. His list of ideas had more than doubled in that month alone. It was incredible, Bruce had to admit.

So, in no time, (even after expressing his displeasure over the idea), Tony was pulling up diagrams of his body's nervous system, acting like nothing had happened.

Tony waved his hand over the display. "What about in my spine? I can find a way to embed them in my vertebrae."

Bruce shook his head. "No. There's too much risk for permanent damage."

"There's risk for permanent damage no matter where I put these babies."

"This is considerably more." He tapped on the screen. A whole new set of data shot up as he moved the image to another part of the body. "If this were to work, implant one in each arm, along those nerves. It'd... be less disastrous if this turns out not to work." Bruce took in Tony's determined expression. Whether he disapproved of it or not, it didn't matter. He'd go through with it either way. "Listen, maybe you should consult a neurologist."

He clicked his fingers. "I'll consider it."

"Tony."

"Fine! I'll track a neurologist down before I do anything. Cross my heart." He smirked. "Maybe I was right about you being my nother."

The relief Bruce felt was near tangible. He patted Tony on the shoulder before moving over to his computer. There were several unanswered emails from Jane Foster, most likely wondering if the crystal had been found. And for the last three months, the answer had been a constant "no". He wondered why she even bothered asking anymore.

"You're okay with Saniya coming here, right?" He looked up to see Tony watching him with observant eyes.

His eyebrows drew closer together. "Of course it's okay. We're friends. It'll be nice to see her again."

For once, Tony seemed to be biting his tongue. "That was three months ago," he said slowly.

Bruce nodded. "I know."

"Three months."

He closed the lid to his laptop, giving Tony his full attention. "I know how long it has been."

"Bruce, my sweet, ignorant Bruce." That made him frown. "Three months to us geezers doesn't seem like much. But, especially to Saniya, that's a long time to go without saying a word." Tony clapped his hands together. "I took the liberty of looking through your phone, emails. Nothing. You've said literally nothing to her the past few months."

"That... Why...," he started, "you shouldn't be looking through my things."

Tony, acting as the guru of relationships, shook his head like Bruce was a whining child. "I'm looking out for you. Now, let's look at it from her perspective. You make out with her then disappear to Malibu without so much as a word. You remember what she's like, right?" Before he could reply, Tony was telling him the answer. "She's going to be pissed. She probably hates you or at least thinks you hate her."

Bruce was fidgeting in his seat. What Tony was saying didn't sit right with him. "I'm sure she understands. I was busy."

The snort that came out of Tony's mouth didn't make him feel any more confident. "Sure. Saniya's very understanding." Another large swig of decaf coffee. "Listen, the way I see it, if you want some sort of relationship with her, your time has passed. You screwed up."

Had he? Had he really screwed up that bad by not speaking to her in the three months?

Bruce at least wanted to be friends with her. Saniya was good company and he felt that they had bonded the first few weeks she was in the tower. They were friends, despite what Tony thought had happened (or didn't happen) in the last three months.

But, whenever he thought about Saniya, he always remembered the way her lips first brushed against his. He tugged at his collar. Did he want that?

He didn't know. Saniya was beautiful, but would they be compatible? Would he even be able to have a relationship with someone?

Ever since the Hulk came into the picture, that had been a big no. Over the years, however, he had come a long way with his self-control. Saniya already knew about the Other Guy. She was involved in SHIELD and the Avenger's world. There weren't many secrets between them because of that. Plus, she had a better idea of the dangers of being around him than any of the general public.

If he could manage the Other Guy, would it really be that bad to try and date someone for the first time since Betty?

He sighed to himself. Bruce hoped Tony was wrong when he said that his chances with her were nonexistent.