ericadawn16 | Friends to the End: The One with the Proposal, Part Two

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Title: Friends to the End: The One with the Proposal, Part One
Author: Ericadawn16
Prompt: The wonderful mash-up of Friends and Avengers
Character/Pairing(s): Loki/Amora (Past), Pepper/Tony, Tasha/Loki, Tony/Steve (Past), James/Rae, Jessica/Luke, Victoria/Isabelle, Clint/Bobbi, Jess/Vange, Clint/Jess (Past)
Tony, Heimdall, Thor, Loki, Tasha, Jess, Amora, Frigga, Odin, Fenrir, Wanda, Agatha, Darcy, Kate, Clint, Cassie, Vange, Phil, Ava, Jessica, Sam Alexander, Sleipnir, Pepper, Steve, Sam Wilson, Jasper, Sif, Bobbi, Lance, Bruce, James, Jennifer
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Slash, mild language, CHARACTER DEATH, reference to sexual abuse and animal cruelty, MPREG (past)
Spoilers: a few references here and there, nothing big..I definitely diverge from Thor: Ragnarok
Summary: The heroes convene on Asgard to confront Amora.

Beta: HUGE Thanks to i_llbedammned and lavendergaia and Valoscope and thespian15

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<lj-cut text="The One with the Proposal, Part Two">The One with the Proposal, Part Two

May 12, 2018

Tony popped into Asgard and spotted Heimdall. He had a vacant stare, or was he supposed to be that way? All-seeing and everything? Under better conditions, he would have enjoyed finally seeing Asgard. Unfortunately, there was the smell of burning in the air with a little bit of barbecue.

"Is she with your party? She said she would be just a moment. I'm staying here for her," Heimdall explained and Tony had enough experience to know he wasn't himself.

"Yep, you should stay here," he agreed.

"That's what Lorelei does," Thor spoke in an angry tone. Then, his attention was turned elsewhere. A man lay on the ground in a pool of blood. He looked familiar. Thor hurried to his side and Tony followed. With a sigh, Thor closed the man's blue eyes.

"Fandral," he explained when he finally looked back at the rest of them. Loki was already gone and so was Tasha.

******************************************************************************

Thor wanted to run after Loki and Natasha but Frost Giants were battering his land. His people were in danger. It would be a miracle if Fandral was the only casualty from this. Did he worry more about his parents or his people?
His torment must have been visible.

"Thor, Thor, Thor!" yelled Jess until he turned around. She nodded over at her wife, Evangeline. "We got this. Go!"
He stepped onto the rainbow bridge and started whipping Mjolnir.

*******************************************************************************

Tasha was running when a blade was thrown towards her head. She ducked and didn't recognize her opponent. They were masked and obviously not Frost Giants.

"Amora has employed marauders," Loki explained as he forced one opponent close enough to steal his sword. Tasha maneuvered one into the path of a Frost Giant...no allies there. However, another soon took its place. She flipped and was able to wrap her arms around its neck so she could activate her Widow's Bite. It had almost no effect and doubtful that her batons would be any better. She replaced her arms with her legs to send the marauder to the ground. At the last moment, the marauder turned so that Tasha was slammed into the ground. Her vision spun. Loki tossed her an extra sword and she stabbed, hoping to stab something vital enough to slow the marauder down. She landed again among hard rubble from the ruined city. Her success was temporary as the marauder rose again. Tasha kicked her foot, striking at a vulnerable ankle. The marauder howled in pain and Tasha smiled. She picked up one of the large pieces of rubble and it connected with the other's head. The marauder went down, dropping its weapon. Tasha retrieved her sword and held it steady.

"Good, now you can finish him," suggested Loki. For a moment, she wanted to so much. She could imagine how the blood would look coming out, assuming it was red. Then, she remembered. No, she was an Avenger. She was better than that.

"No," she said. "We're wasting time."

Although her steps were unsteady, she continued through rubbled streets towards the palace. Vange's dragon flew in the sky.

**********************************************************************

Loki knew Natasha was capable of killing that marauder and it confused him that she didn't. Was she still that perturbed by the red in her ledger?

Her limp was nearly gone by the time they arrived at the palace. This was still part of Amora's game since the castle was clear of anyone until they reached the throne room itself. Loki led the way. Frigga had been tied up with a gag. Odin was in Lorelei's thrall; following her around and mirroring her positions. Despite everything, there was still part of him disgusted by it all especially Frigga's treatment.

"Only a blood relative of Odin can rule Asgard," he hissed.

Amora shrugged and retorted, "I haven't had Freyja stop me."

Then, she noticed Natasha.

"Oh, you bought her...of course...perfect Natasha Romanoff who is written down in history. Her name matters for centuries, maybe even longer but not mine. Everyone should know my name, not your's. I deserve that recognition. You're just a mere mortal," Amora spat, making her way closer to Natasha. Earlier, he had noticed that it was almost as if Natasha had seen Amora before. Loki would have dismissed it except Barton had noticed it, too.

"Romanoff is no mere mortal. No mere mortal would be able to best me more than once," Loki argued, flexing his fingers even if his powers were gone.

"That doesn't speak well of you then, does it? And that was before your loss of magic," she retorted before clucking her tongue. Then, she said something low to Natasha. Loki could only make out that it was in Russian. He was pleased that she wasn't playing Amora's game. Natasha answered in English, "I don't know what you're talking about."

Amora tried again in Russian but she seemed to be making sure that Loki couldn't hear her.

"I can't so your information is wrong," Natasha argued. Amora chuckled.

"You're a very skilled liar," the Enchantress commented. "Thirty months is an awful long time. Perhaps it's already begun. Loki, has Romanova told you about our first meeting?"

He didn't want to give her any satisfaction after his weakness in New York.

"I'm sure she was waiting for the opportune moment," Loki answered. She laughed. Her dirty blonde waves shook.
"When I first started out in changing the future and saw how important she would become, I tracked down Romanova; a snotty, pale creature that seemed destined to die early like her brother. I decided to help that along. I gave her just enough strength and ability that her comrades were impressed. I felt sure that the extra attention would give her a mission or activity beyond her skill level. She would be killed and the future...my future would be safe," Amora explained. She wasn't lying. Loki could tell if she was lying. Still, he looked over at Natasha. She wore the look she wore when her past pained her.

"See, she doesn't deny it but it didn't work out the way I wanted to, did it? She excelled! They even deemed her worthy of their own magic! Heightened physicality, heightened intelligence and heightened healing. My guess would be that the limp you entered this room with is all gone now," she said with a sneer.

It made sense and to refute it would give Amora pleasure. He never wanted to give her that again. Instead, he wanted to direct the conversation in a different direction.

"Because it was her destiny. It's taken me centuries and multiple deaths to accept but the universe has its own logic. Thus, there are events that no one can change. The universe will always correct itself," Loki spoke in a calm manner that surprised himself a little bit.

"Are you hearing this?" Amora asked and turned her head to Frigga; still tied up and with a gag in her mouth. Tears ran down her face. "You sound like her or Odin right now, Loki! All that potential and you're no different than Thor."

The last words spewed from Amora's tongue like poison. He had to work at calming himself and could feel Natasha's stare.

"You claim to have done this all for our sons so how many times have you visited them?" Loki retorted.

"I couldn't find Jormugand," she admitted. Her blue eyes almost looked shaken about it. What wonderful acting. "He's lost."

Loki felt sure if their oldest son was dead that he'd know...somehow. Still, he hated that she had no better luck than he in finding him.

"But Fenrir...Fenrir's here. Lorelei, retrieve your nephew from the next room."

"Yes, sister," the other complied and strolled into an adjoining room. Fenrir had been this close the whole time? The last time that Loki had seen him, Fenrir was still locked up in those monstrous chains that Odin insisted on. Would Fenrir even recognize him this way? In his previous visits, Loki had never truly disguised himself. Instead, he had relied on cloaks or a more feminine version of himself. Now, he had blond curls and blue eyes ever since his last death.

A few minutes passed and Fenrir came into the room. The mortals described him as a monstrous wolf. He supposed he was larger than most. Fenrir was about the size of a river horse with black fur all over.

"Now Fenrir, come to father!" Amora spoke with her pale arms outstretched. The wolf stepped closer before stopping and sniffing the air. His head turned towards Loki.

<mamma? mamma,="Mamma," is="is" that="that" you?="you?"> Fenrir whined. He knew Natasha only heard wolf sounds.

"Yes, son, it's me. It's really me. I'm sorry I haven't been here. I've been...sick," Loki explained. He wanted so badly to just run to Fenrir and throw his arms around him but in present company, it couldn't be done.

"Fenrir, don't you recall what I told you? How I'm going to make you a prince?" Amora asked in a sickly sweet voice.

It was then that Thor arrived with his usual stealth. His footsteps were so loud that Loki felt only his excitement over Fenrir could have masked them.

"Amora, you let our parents go!" Thor demanded. Amora laughed. Then, she nodded at Lorelei. Her sister slinked over to Thor. Loki knew Thor had two choices before him; hit a woman or possibly become her thrall.

Natasha made the choice for him. She did her signature move; running before throwing her legs around the other woman and trying to use the leverage to flip her over. Lorelei countered by becoming dead weight and dropping to the floor, landing on Natasha who took the full brunt of the crash into the heavy stone making up the room. She was clearly dazed as Lorelei pinned her to the floor. Thor raised Mjolnir. Loki thought about a distraction until Natasha recovered. However, Fenrir was backing away from Thor and whining softly, scared.

"No, baby, no one's going to hurt you. I'll not allow it," he uttered in a soft voice.

"I think you mean I won't allow it. You don't even have your magic," Amora spat.

There was the crack of other magic users and he saw Wanda Frank arrive with Agatha Harkness. Frank created a hex bolt and it hit Lorelei who was passionately kissing Natasha. Loki couldn't see what happened next because Fenrir had jumped at him, cowering in fear. He hugged him close and spoke softly in his ear, "I'm here. I'm here. Everything's going to be fine."

Loki hugged him again and kissed his furry cheek.

"You STILL choose him? After everything I promised? Everything I did?" Amora complained and blasted Thor into the nearest wall. The surprise made him drop Mjolnir which lay in the middle of the floor.

<daddy, don't="don't" be="be" mad.="mad." i="I" love="love" mamma.="mamma." i="I" love="love" you,="you,"> Fenrir growled. Loki hated seeing him so upset.

******************************************************************************

Wanda eased Lorelei's thrall from Natasha's mind. They'd need her. There was a dazed look on the other woman's face from the multiple intrusions but Wanda was sure she would be fine. Since she wasn't winded, she could do the same to Odin. He was protectively wielding his magic staff to protect Amora. She looked at Agatha and saw that she was undoing Frigga's bonds. Wanda may have never seen the royal couple before but there was no one else they could possibly be. Both radiated in magic.

She approached Odin, prepared to stun if necessary. Wanda was afraid at how Amora might use him. This enchantress was someone Wanda was unfamiliar with and that made her very dangerous. Right now, Odin was alive...probably to have power over Thor. However, once she decided his part was no longer necessary...his staff was too dangerous to have fall into her hands.

Wanda made her move and Amora countered it immediately. She felt magic push back against her and returned it. Even though Wanda wasn't thrown into the wall, her heels dragged against the stone floor like nails on a chalkboard.

"Stop it!" cried Agatha, shoving Amora through magic. It was only enough to make her lose her balance for a moment and her green battle armor to clank but it was enough for Wanda to stop moving.

Amora wore a smile that made Wanda want to break something.

"Oh Aggie, time hasn't been the best to either of us, has it?" she asked with a fake sweetness. Wanda had never heard anyone call Agatha Aggie. It felt wrong. Agatha was the one who had trained Wanda in magic. She should be respected.

Agatha's eyes were narrowed. Did they know each other? Was that why Amora called her Aggie? Agatha didn't like to talk about her past. Wanda had heard the rumors people were saying. They claimed she was from Salem, that she was either hundreds of years or could travel through time or both. Maybe there was some truth to that.
"Do they know?" Amora asked. Footsteps came behind them. Wanda turned to see Kate, Darcy and Clint. He shouldn't have come. His arm was still in a cast from her brother's doing. She still didn't understand why Agatha had insisted Kate come either.

Amora wasn't done with her questions.

"Do they know who you really are?" she asked and for a brief moment, Wanda saw Agatha as a much younger woman with blonde hair done up into her bun. "Do they know they're here for your personal revenge?"

Amora was trying to make eye contact but Wanda wouldn't let her. Still, what was Amora trying to say? She was making Agatha sound like her father and his crusades.

"You have hurt my family enough," Agatha hissed. Amora chuckled, pleased. The enchantress argued, "It was your actions that caused your mother's death."

There was a gasp that sounded like Darcy. Loki was still comforting the wolf that seemed to be his son. Natasha was pacing. Agatha was avoiding looking at anyone but Amora. She definitely didn't look at Clint and Kate. Amora shook her head.

"And to think, some call you a great sorceress. Great sorceress, indeed," she said and chuckled. "Your father had the right idea. He left before you were even born. You couldn't save your grandparents either but at least, your grandfather didn't live to see you kill his daughter. That's a small consolation."

They needed to stop Amora from talking.

"How dare you!" Agatha cried. Magic crackled in the air. Somehow, Wanda knew what Agatha was going to do.

"No!" she cried and used magic to push Agatha away. It only worked because her mentor was surprised. No matter what had happened between them, Wanda didn't want Agatha to be a murderer. Surely, her family wouldn't have wanted that either.

"Thanks," Amora said with a grin. "You realized I was telling the truth?"

Wanda didn't know how Loki had done it to Sybil, but she had to try. She attempted to pry into Amora's brain and switch her magic off. There was barely time to register that Odin had directed his staff at her. She jumped and the shot missed, sending a bolt that scorched a tapestry behind them. Amora was laughing as blood ran from her nose but Wanda knew she hadn't succeeded.

<i>Wanda...Wanda...please hear me...I have a plan</i>

The voice in her head was faint but she could hear it. Jean had helped her with that.

********************************************************************

Natasha had tried so hard to be a different person. She and Clint had both agreed that their pasts were unconscionable. That the marauder earlier still lived when she left him was proof that she was trying to live up to her Avenger status.

But Amora...Amora made her question that decision. She had said things that should never have been said but it was true that they had met before. It was true that Natasha was just a little girl the first time she had met Amora. She had hoped they would never meet again. The things she had done to Loki and the way she angered Agatha who had always been so calm before...

Natasha wanted to make an exception to that rule. Natasha wanted to kill Amora and the desire scared her.

"Amora. perhaps you're right. Perhaps we were hasty. Tell us more about your rule," Loki spoke. He held a handkerchief and slowly made his way to her side. Amora watched him but Loki's weapons were lying on the floor by Fenrir. He dabbed at the blood from her nose. "It's not right for Fenrir to see us fight."

"What about Romanova?"

"What about her?" Loki asked, putting a hand on her waist and gently turning her away. Wanda bought Clint, Kate and Darcy closer to her. It could have been for protection but Natasha felt like something was up.

"You can't fool me that-"

Amora's words were interrupted by Kate's arrow in her foot. Odin tried to retaliate but was stopped by Agatha. Darcy seemed to see an opportunity and used her taser on Amora, hitting her in the face. Natasha's pleasure was interrupted when Amora looked at Clint.

************************************************************

Clint didn't like the way Amora was looking at him.

"I was going to leave Midgard alone but I've changed my mind. They should be our slaves just as the Frost Giants intended. I'll need a boy as my servant; someone fair to look at. Your boy should do nicely...if he's willing. If not, I suppose I'll have to kill him."

No one was ever going to touch his son. There was a strange calm as he picked up whatever that was on the floor and threw it at her. He wasn't looking. He wasn't thinking. He just picked it up with his good arm and threw it. The item crashed into her chest with a thud, took her off her feet and crashing through the window. Fenrir barked and Loki ran to put his arms around him.

Clint blinked.

Amora was really gone. Wanda and Agatha were with Odin. Frigga had a pleased look on her face. Everyone else was staring at him with amazement. Why were they staring at him like that?

Thor held up his hand and Mjolnir popped into it. The hammer had traveled from the same window that Amora and the object had flown out of.

He hadn't...no...that couldn't be.

"It's quite the privilege for Mjolnir to deem you worthy," Thor spoke before clasping him on the back.
He had picked up Mjolnir? It still didn't make sense.

"Did we win?" Darcy asked, still holding her taser to use again.

"Yes and no, the fall wouldn't have killed her, but her pride is wounded and that will be enough to keep her away for now," Loki explained.

Wanda and Agatha were binding up Lorelei.

"I think my son is right, but at least the threat is over for now. We will be forever indebted to you," Frigga spoke. Clint felt funny. He wasn't a god. He wasn't a mutant. He didn't have special powers and his past...
He didn't deserve any of this. He just wanted his family and friends safe. The burning smell seemed thicker than ever. His legs felt weak.

"Let us join the recovery efforts and this evening, we shall have a feast to celebrate those we lost!" Odin declared.

**********************************************************************

"Kate, Kate, pick up!" Cassie demanded. Although her voice was insistent, she was using her best indoor voice. Otherwise, the librarian would take the phone away and might not let her use it again. Even her mom couldn't afford for her to have her own phone. She groaned as it went to voice mail.

"I'm just worried. Avengers Tower is ice cream. It's everywhere for like five blocks. I know you're over there a lot and you know Stark and them and..."

Cassie realized something else.

"And you know all those moves like the Black Widow and you always have your bow with you and..."

Holy shit, should she even say this aloud?

"Kate, are you an Avenger? Like that new Hawkeye?" she asked. "Kate, call me back. Use my dad's cell."

She hung up and the annoyed librarian took it back like she'd steal a phone with the handset still attached and everything.

It all made sense though. Why had it taken her this long to notice? She shook her head and went towards the Agatha Christie section.

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"All this time I complained about your shit, how you couldn't let it go and I'm...I'm just as bad," Clint complained as he and Natasha sat on her bed. They had all been given rooms at the palace.

"You picked up Mjolnir. We've spent years having to listen to Thor bragging about how he alone could wield it. Only he was worthy but you did it."

"I know but...why?" he asked. She sighed and made him lock eye contact with her.

"Because you're a good person and a good father who was trying to protect his son, what could be more worthy than that?"

He nodded and tried to believe it but it still felt like more he had to live up to.

"Now a more pressing concern...where are we all going to live?" Natasha asked and he hadn't thought about that. Amora had ruined Avengers tower. It would take at least a year to rebuild and that was with the full extent of Tony's contacts.

"I know Stark has other places in New York-"

"If anyone still wants to live with him after all this-"

"Right, but...it is easier. We could do SHIELD housing again for the moment. I'd have to ask Bobbi what she wants," Clint said, playing with his wedding ring.

"When you weren't there, Amora spoke to me in Russian-"

"You two knew each other before, didn't you?"

She nodded and continued, "It got me thinking. I've been running from my past for a long time like it would infect my present but it's a part of me. It always will be and maybe...maybe I need to finally face it."
Tasha was serious. He wondered how far she would go. Parts of Russia could still be dangerous for her. Still, he'd been thinking the same thing lately.

"I think I have some ghosts to face, too."

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The others seemed excited about the feast. Well, most of the others, Jess amended her thoughts because she had seen Clint with Nat but they were so wrapped up in their own thoughts that they had never noticed Jess. They'd have Clint and Bobbi for a meal as soon as possible. It would be a nice family meal with all five of them.
First, they had to find...

"Wanda!" Vange greeted and hugged her. Well, Vange had known her longer as an ally of the X-Men than Jess had known her as an Avenger.

"We'd like to go home, please," Jess announced. Wanda smiled.

"You'd like to be with Ben, of course," she guessed and both women nodded. She hoped their hosts would understand as she took Vange's hand.

"It's hard to have your child so far away," Frigga spoke, nearly making Jess jump out of her skin. As it was, her wife had to pull her back down as she flew up a little bit. "I fully understand your position. It's been far too long since I've had my oldest sons so close to me and working together. I'll pass your regards onto Odin. I only have one favor to ask in return."

****************************************************************************

Phil was relieved. The damage on Earth was a lot less catastrophic than they first feared. The biggest damage was the loss of Avenger's Tower. However, he was going crazy with worry about what was happening in Asgard. He had just laid down for a quick five minute nap in his New York office. Then, Wanda popped in.

"You're invited to a feast."

"Did we win?" he asked, jerking into a sitting position so fast that the pillow crashed to the floor.
Something about that question made her smirk.

"Yes, a victory feast. Frigga insisted on you personally attending," Wanda explained. Phil thought that was strange. They had barely interacted even if he was her son's roommate. Still, he wasn't going to disappoint a goddess and he would find out quicker about injuries or other problems. He tried to push the idea of casualties out of his mind.

********************************************************************

Ava righted herself in the snow, only to be pelted by yet another snowball.

"Still feeling too grown up?" Jessica asked before hitting her again. Ava shook her head and tried to keep up in the fight but it wasn't a fair fight. Luke and Jessica could make huge snowballs took you off your feet. Danny punched his snowballs to make them harder and Peter used his webbing to keep them more intact. Well, in that case...

She slipped on her amulet and used its power to dodge the snowballs. Then, she noticed Sam was by himself, just watching on a picnic table. They were just outside their motel for the night.

"Como estas?" she asked, sitting down beside him. Peter had taken out his phone and was now filming the fight.

*I missed hearing that,* he continued in Spanish with a smile. *The universal translator uses English.*

They both laughed but his laugh was short.

*The things I've seen...* he said before shaking his head.

*I thought you worked with the Nova Group-*

*Nova Corp...everyone's scared, there's a man who slaughters planets on a whim.*

Ava thought she must not have heard him right. Who would do that? Sam's face was too serious though. He had meant what he said.

*What can we do?*

Sam hugged himself. His brown shaggy hair almost hid his face.

*Pray he never comes here.*

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"Sleipnir, do you recognize mama?" Loki asked, nearing his stall in the stables. The ceiling was high above him and painted with the glories of Asgard similar to the palace. There was sniffing and an inquisitive eye looking through the bars. Then, he neighed happily and Loki sighed in relief. "I have a surprise for you. You've never met your youngest brother, Fenrir."

He beckoned for Fenrir to come closer. Fenrir made a slow plodding step. Sleipnir walked back and forth. All three were nervous. Fenrir whined and offered a paw against the bars. Sleipnir sniffed before nuzzling it. He hated the tears that came to his eyes.

*******************************************************************************

After the feast, there was a period of dancing. Most were too tired but Tony wasn't going to pass up a dance with Pepper.

"Earlier, you were going to ask me a question," she purred into his ear.

"Yeah, but...it's not like I can ask it now-"

"Why not?" Pepper interrupted.

Tony had wanted it to be special; fireworks, champagne, in their home, not away on some foreign planet. Plus...

"I don't have a ring with me."

"Then, it's a good thing that I approve of your union. I have a ring if you so desire," Frigga spoke, seemingly appearing out of nowhere but Tony was probably too preoccupied to notice her walking towards them. She was holding a ring of metal and gems like nothing on Earth.

"Your highness, that's too kind," Pepper told her.

Tony loved being the center of attention unless it was the stuff that really mattered like this. However, he had his girl and a ring. This was going to have to happen now.

He sank down to one knee. Pepper was starting to cry. The others had stopped what they were doing.

"Pepper...Pep, will you marry me?" he asked as fast as possible before he screwed anything up.

"Yes, of course," she replied. He took the ring from Frigga and put it on her finger. It fit perfectly. They hugged.

"How much do I owe you?" Tony asked Frigga. Nothing was ever free. He learned that a long time ago.

"I only require that I be put on the guest list."

"Of course," he said with a nod. That was an easy thing. Then, he saw her smile. It was almost like she was up to something. In a flash, it was gone and he wondered whether he had imagined the whole thing.

**************************************************************************

"The food was okay but after something like that, what I really wanted was either pizza or little chocolate-"

"Donuts," she finished as Coulson finished with her. "So you like them, too?"

"There's a whole shelf with frosted and chocolate little donuts just for me," Coulson explained. She knew he meant the Avengers Tower. She also knew something he didn't.

"I've been eating them, too."

"I know. JARVIS told me," Coulson told her with a smile. She didn't realize that computer program was such a tattle-tale. "And you're okay?"

"Yes," she told him for what felt like the fifth or sixth time. "Amora did her best to talk us all to death, which was about it."

"Good."

"But it was fun, being with the grownups for a change," she added. He frowned. If it was up to him, she wondered if she'd be able to do anything.

********************************************************

Steve was a bit confused.

"If you're taking me to a restaurant, why did you have us eat at the other place?"

Sam just wore that grin he always did when he knew something Steve didn't.

"The food is...awful, simply awful. It's better this way," Sam told him.

"Why go to a restaurant that serves bad food?"

"Nobody goes for the food," Sam said with a laugh. It was all very mysterious but he trusted Sam. So far, they had gone unrecognized, too. Lots of people had come up to them for photos but they only wanted Sam. He'd explained that African-Americans were rare so they liked being photographed with them. They had no idea he was Falcon. It seemed weird to Steve but if Sam was okay with it...

Steve was reminded of that first time he had escaped from SHIELD into Times Square. However, this made Times Square look quaint. It felt like the buildings were nothing but neon.

Sam pointed at one with a childish sign across the entrance.

"Robot restaurant?" Steve asked from the sign. Somehow, Sam was able to grin even more.

Then. Steve noticed the two robotic females in very little clothing. He gave him a look. Was this just a way of taking him to a gentleman's club.

"Come on," Sam said and nodded to go inside, taking off his usual shades.

***************************************************************************

"I'm so happy for you!" Phil told Pepper before hugging her. She held up new engagement ring that couldn't possibly be mistaken for anything from Earth.

"I mean I kind of hoped but I don't think I seriously thought-"

"Tony can be full of surprises," Phil spoke when she cut herself off.

"That's a nice way of putting it," she retorted and they both laughed. Still, she was beaming and her eyes kept glancing towards Tony with various guests. Frigga was talking with Kate.

"Were you in the throne room battle?"

Pepper shook her head.

"Tony and I were trying to lessen the civilian damage outside but the snippets I've heard...they must be quite a tale. I heard Clint picked up Mjolnir?" she asked.

"And threw it according to Kate. She's the only version I've heard so far. Everyone will need a debrief tomorrow," he spoke. He couldn't help looking at Kate as he said, "It could have been so much worse."

********************************************************************

This was definitely not what Steve was expecting. There were plenty of women wearing very little but there was a lot more than just that. A lot of the show seemed to make the room into a canvass they painted with various lights. There were robots and dinosaurs and robots and...a lot of robots, it was aptly named.

Then, a float came out with a familiar red, white and blue theme. He smiled at the thought of home. Thus, he was caught off guard by the woman strolling out in a variation of his uniform complete with her own shield.
He turned to Sam and asked, "Did you know about this?"

"I might have heard things," he said with a shrug. It was more about lip reading than actually hearing each other in the noisy environment.

**************************************************************************

Jasper nursed his beer. Everyone else was celebrating in the large hotel room. He kept thinking about what Ward had told him and the offer that was made. There could be a better way of protecting people. Well, not just people, Jasper thought. Of course, people were nice. They were important. They made the world run but by people, he really wanted to protect his family.

On one hand, it felt like he'd betray everything SHIELD had meant to him.

On the other hand, what if there was a better way than SHIELD of keeping everyone safe?

************************************************************************

Darcy decided to call it an early night. It had been a long weird day and she just wanted sleep. However, she became lost on the way to her room.

"I'd almost swear the staircases moved," she whispered to herself and made the wrong turn into a large corridor. Large wooden doors stood at either side and she felt like she should leave but curiosity got the better of her. It was a treasure room. Lots of items were displayed all over, around practically every crevice.

Something glowed purple not too far from her. She felt drawn to it. Under normal conditions, that would have been a warning but she was so tired that reason wasn't working. The purple was encased in a partial black metal globe but there were also spears poking out of it. It looked even more medieval than usual for Asgard. She inspected it closer and noticed something stuck to the bottom. It was fabric which intrigued her more. However, as she touched it, the piece came off.

"Oh shit," she said at the piece in her hand. Then, she noticed steps coming up behind her. "Shit."

She might as well get this over with.

"I'm sorry I broke your globe," she said and held up the fabric.

"It's a sphere actually and would take much more force than that," Odin explained although it felt like chastisement. "What you hold is a patch, probably from those hired to steal the sphere for Loki. This was one of his acquisitions when he had such authority but such power should be protected."

"It looks Canadian," Darcy mused aloud since it almost looked like a maple leaf.

"They're from a whole other galaxy. It's a flame within a flame to denote some meaning among clans. I've tried not to have dealings with them myself," Odin spoke. "Your kind would probably call them space pirates."

Darcy wondered if these space pirates were more like Jack Sparrow or Blackbeard. She held the patch out to Odin.

"No, you keep it, just rubbish to me," he said and seemed to study her face. "I'm aware your father's dead, but what of your mother?"

Tact was not an Asgardian trait at all. She supposed Thor had told him; advertently or inadvertently.

"Well, she married my dad, took his name so it'd be mine and then...I guess the domestic life got boring and she took off, left me behind."

Odin just nodded but she hated the expression on his face. What did her mom have to do with anything?

"Come, you're tired," he said in a more gentle tone and offered his hand. The sounds of Fandral's life celebration echoed even here. She hadn't known him well but he seemed like a good guy. Even though she was tired, the thought struck her that she had Odin all to herself. She could ask him anything. He'd probably refuse to answer but why not try? After all, she did major in Political Science.

"Your kingship sir, I know a lot of the myths are different than what it's really like, like Hela is totally different-"

"Hela doesn't exist," Odin argued. Maybe Odin hadn't met her yet either. She wasn't about to mention what his wife had told her. Darcy skipped to what she wanted to ask.

"The Norse mythology tells of Valkyrie, powerful women that protected Asgard but Sif appears to be a rarity and there are no Valkyrie," she spoke. She almost regretted it immediately. His hand shook.

"Long ago, before Thor and Loki were even born, Asgard's most precious treasure was stolen and extinguished. The fault was with the Valkyries but I was merciful. I banished them."

His voice shook as badly as his hand. Darcy was scared. After seeing the treasures in the hall, what would be the "most precious" one? She wanted sleep more than ever and to leave this planet.

*******************************************************************************

Phil hadn't seen Loki during the feast or dancing. Just before sunrise, he saw why. From his balcony, Phil could see Loki and an enormous dog sleeping together. It must be his son, Fenrir. He hoped he had been able to see Sleipnir, too. Loki's arm was cradled against the large black stomach. Phil had an idea and ran down as soon as he had dressed. By that time, others were waking up as well. He saw Sif reach Loki first and hung back to see what she had to say.

***********************************************************************************

"It was fun, a little weird. Frigga was asking me about my father. The guy's a jerk who hasn't been home in months, what else is there to say?" Kate asked without wanting an answer.

"Odin was asking about my mom. What is their obsession with parents?"

"Maybe they want to adopt us?" Kate suggested and they both laughed. "It's way too early. I wanna sleep for a million years."

"Tell me about it," Darcy agreed. "But we shouldn't overstay our welcome. Odin likes humans as long as he doesn't have to be around them."

"It was fun though. Do you think I'll get to do more missions now?"

"Umm, let me think," Darcy started. Then, after a long dramatic pause, she added, "No."

Kate pouted.

"You're 13, almost 14 but still, you're too young. Most of the group don't want you on missions. No one wants to be responsible for getting a 13 year old killed. It was Phil that insisted you be made an Avenger," she explained and immediately regretted what she said but it was too late. Kate had heard.

"Phil? You mean Coulson? But he never lets me do anything."

"He didn't have to let you come today no matter what Agatha Harkness insisted on. Clint's mentoring you on his own but Tasha's lessons? They were Phil's idea. We've even been discussing whether Clint should teach you other weapons, like guns."

"Really?"

There was a nod from Darcy.

"Okay, I sort of take back what I said," Kate told her. Darcy took out her iPod but not the patch. She wasn't sure why she didn't want to share it yet.

**************************************************************************

"Thank you for coming to our aid," Sif spoke.

Phil could hear her clearly although he hid behind a tree.

"I'm sorry about Fandral," Loki told her.

"He died as he would have wanted," she answered and Loki chuckled, a bit strange.

"We both know that's not true. The Fandral we knew would have preferred his heart failing under the hips of a naked woman after hours of similar positions," Loki spoke. Phil could hear the smile on his face. Sif's laugh turned into a cry and back into a laugh.

"Come to his sendoff," she spoke.

"Would I really be that wanted?"

"Asgard has you in its debt. Amora would still be queen if not for your actions-"

"Yes, I can still be useful," said Loki in a dejected tone. Fenrir whined.

"Whatever do you mean?"

"Oh, you didn't hear? Amora knew so I assumed the whole of Asgard knew. I am without my magic," Loki admitted. "That's why I haven't been able to see my sons all this time."

Fenrir's whines were louder and longer, matching Loki's even more dejected tone.

"Oh, Loki, I'm...sorry."

"That almost sounded like you meant it."

"Your sons shouldn't be punished for your deeds," she spoke.

"Then, I do have a favor to ask. I must leave when everyone else does but please look after Fenrir and Sleipnir so they won't forget me-"

He was interrupted by Fenrir's angry barking. Phil couldn't take any more. He stepped from behind the tree and came closer to them. Loki gave him a look which he deserved for intruding on this private moment. Fenrir cowered against Loki.

"There is another option. Fenrir should come with you," Phil suggested. For a few seconds, Loki looked taken aback until he appeared to compose himself.

"Would that be allowed?"

"I can make it allowed. A child should be with his...his mother," he said, stumbling over how Loki referred to Amora as their father so he must be Fenrir's mother.

"But-"

"Okay, there is a small catch. When we return to Earth, Thor will be homeless and since the penthouse does have up to five bedrooms, maybe it could fit you, Fenrir, me and Thor," he said in a soft voice. He stepped from foot to foot. His usual bravado with demands was gone.

Loki looked from him to Fenrir.

"Would you be able to live with your uncle Thor?"

Fenrir whined and Loki touched his face.

"Yes, we would be together."

Fenrir licked him. Due to his size, that meant licking quite a bit of him. Some of Loki's blond tresses stood straight up.

"Yes, we agree to those terms."

"I'll still look after Sleipnir," said Sif.

*****************************************************************

Bobbi looked at the text message and had to laugh.

Sam's photo had him and Steve with their arms around a Japanese woman dressed in a variation of Steve's uniform but with a lot more skin showing.

"Ooh, what is it?" Lance asked and she handed over the phone.

"They should have taken Victoria with them," he commented without giving it back. At least he wasn't calling her "Vicky". Maybe he did just do that to annoy Isabelle. He looked at her and asked, "Anything from Clint?"

"'On Asgard, wish you were here'" she joked, not wanting to share their conversation. Asgard had pretty decent cellphone reception.

**************************************************************************

"What about what happened to Pip?" Loki asked. They were alone and he seemed less caring about his image.

"Have you seen Fenrir's size? He can defend himself. We'll probably need Wanda to magically expand some doorways and things for better access," Phil tried to assure him but it'd been a long day. Loki's puppy, Pip, had been murdered by Amora. Of course, he would be worried about his child being on Earth with him. "And once Thor knows him better, I'm sure he wouldn't let anyone near his nephew."

"I hope," Loki whispered. Fenrir nuzzled Loki's back. There were loud booms in the distance and Phil saw that ships had been ignited. There were so many ships, not just Fandral. He felt bad for being so relieved at the group from New York being unscathed. Loki watched for just a moment before burying his face in Fenrir's fur. Phil pretended not to notice.

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Bruce was out of his element. Once again, he was forced into a fancy dress party. This time, it was a celebration of success at driving out the Frost Giants. His loaned tuxedo felt even worse knowing they were in the Kremlin. Pierce and Garrett were talking with Putin as if they were old friends.

"You want to get out of here?" asked one of Garrett's men. After a second, he remembered his name was Tripp, or at least that's what everyone called him.

"Sure," Bruce agreed, hoping it wouldn't start some incident or something. Then, he noticed Abigail. They couldn't leave her behind. "She has to come with us."

***************************************************************

Odin shuddered at the exiting party. It was true they had saved Asgard but Fenrir...he was supposed to be locked up to ensure Ragnarok never happens. Those ignorant humans shouldn't be meddling in affairs they didn't understand. The one close to Loki, he reeked of hubris and it would be his downfall. Odin's wife just smiled, ignoring all the danger. Her gaze was on the betrothed couple. The trick she pulled last night could have gone very bad as well. How well did she even know Darcy?

"What provoked you to let someone like that walk into the treasure room alone?" he asked.

"You have your realm of expertise. I have mine," Frigga said with a smile.

****************************************************************************

Jennifer couldn't help smiling as Rhodey tried to call his wife. It probably did look a little callous.

"I don't understand it. I call them every morning when I'm away," he complained, throwing the phone on the table.

"But Rae can't use her phone on the plane," she said, enjoying every moment. Rhodey gave her a look and she continued, "When we arrived to a non-situation, I arranged for Rae and Nate to come here. You seem overdue for a family vacation, right?"

He looked at her, shook his head and threw his arms around her. She hugged him back.

"Thank you."

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"So, press conference-"

"Probably as soon as possible," Pepper agreed, cutting him off.

"Hey, maybe we could both eat Burger King this time?" Tony suggested. She laughed but didn't shoot down the idea so he called that a win.

He hadn't ridden a horse since he was a teenager and he was remembering why. At least he had Pepper's arms across his waist. Most of the group was paired up by those who could ride a horse and those who couldn't.

On one hand, he couldn't believe they hadn't come up with an easier way to travel. They had spaceships. On the other hand, making visitors travel miles and miles of the rainbow bridge? It was definitely impressive. Thor led the way with Darcy clutching his back. Clint and Tasha were close behind on their own horses. Fenrir galloped on all four paws in the midst of them. Was he really coming to Earth with them?

They reached Heimdall's citadel and disembarked.

"I apologize for my previous behavior, my prince," Heimdall said with a bow.

"We're all familiar with Lorelei's powers," Thor spoke.

"All right, beam us up, La Forge," Tony joked.
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