The Captain and The Asgardian

Chapter Thirteen

Gem had been at her new home for a little over two weeks. Thor had been to see her nearly every day. She had cried alot for the first few days, her uncle had not really known where to put himself. Gem had felt ill since she had arrived but had put it down to heartbreak. Thor had finally talked her into going to see one of the healers after the third day.

"Well," The old woman spoke. "it appears you are pregnant, your highness. About 8 weeks along."

Gem was shocked, pregnant. she hadn't seen that coming.

She was sitting on the cliff top looking out over the sea when someone appeared next to her. She lay her head on her uncle's shoulder.

"So, you are going to make me a great uncle." Gem started crying, then Thor pulled her into his arms. "You could always go back to him now. Say his name and he would remember you and you guys can do this together."

"I can't. I still want to find father."

There was movement behind them, someone hands Gem a note, she was still learning everyone's names. She knew this writing; it was from Bucky.

"Hi Gem, I hope this letter finds you safe and well.

Steve is fine, it's been weird adjusting to life without you. Steve doesn't remember you at all and I think that is the hardest thing to watch.

I am writing to you now, to let you know that the machine is ready. Steve is making the trip to take all the stones back. I'm worried about him. I think he's going to do something when he takes them back. I know you love him, but can you just be there that day, even if it's just hidden in the trees. I understand if you find it too difficult.

We remember that you miss us all greatly. love Bucky."

Gem saw Bucky had written the date at the bottom of the letter; tomorrow would be the day the stones would be returned. She left Thor and went home. What was she to do?

By the following morning she had decided to go, she used her magic to take her to the woods after being assured it would not harm the child, she was hidden from view. She saw Steve, Bucky, Sam and Bruce. She watched Steve disappear, he didn't come back, she could hear the panic in Bruce and Sam's voices. Bucky turned and was looking towards the lake. Gem followed his graze, there was someone sitting on the bench. Gem moved and watched as Sam and Bucky approached. It was an old man, it was then she saw Bucky's face, heard the voice and saw the shield. Gem stepped out of the woods; she made her way over as she heard Sam say. "You wanna tell me about her?"

"No. no, I don't think I will."

Gem spoke then, it caught both Sam and Bucky by surprise. "Will you tell me about her Steve?"

At the mention of his name, he rose and turned to Gem. He smiled at her, his memories had all come back. There she stood, still as beautiful as ever and she looked even more like the Asgardian princess she was meant to be. He took her hands in his. "I'll tell you everything you want to know." He kissed her hand.

Gem undid the chain round her neck and his wedding ring, lay in her hand. Steve picked it up, it was far too big for his old fingers now, he gave it back to Gem.

"Keep it on the chain. It always belonged to you."

"Will you come to New Asgard with me? I have things to tell you and I want to hear about your life."

Steve nods at her. Gem kisses both Bucky and Sam on the cheek, and then uses her magic to take her and Steve to New Asgard.

They sit in her house and Steve tells her all about his life with Peggy. It was everything Gem had wanted for him, she smiled and laughed and was happy he had had a good life.

"So, it's only been 3 weeks for you. Nothing could have changed that much?"

"You will be surprised." She said worrying her lip.

"Tell me."

"I'm not sure how too. I never thought I would see you again. Let me start by telling you. I did what I did because I love you so much. But I have to find my father and be here for my people. I don't think I will ever stop loving you."

Steve took her hand. He did understand. She had done what she had thought best for them both, and he couldn't be mad at her, he had gone and had an amazing life.

"Though the fates have had other ideas." She sighed. "Father always said that fate and destiny were like jealous old hags, never wanting any of us to ever be completely happy, and though I agree with him in many ways I'm glad they have tried to ruin my plans." Gem could see that Steve was rather confused and so now spoke plainly. "Turns out I'm pregnant."

A look of shock flashed over Steve's face, but after a moment he leant in and kissed her cheek. "I have had my life with Peggy just like I wanted to have a life with you. You made the right choice for both of us. This child that has got caught up in this. Is a gift to both of us. this way when I am long gone, I will know there will be someone looking out for you who loves you just as much as I do."

Gem's eyes welled up with tears. Steve brought her into a hug and slowly moved them onto other things. They talked for about an hour before Gem got up and made them some food. She showed Steve to the spare room and as she was closing the door, he spoke.

"You will be an amazing mother."

.......................

Many years later, Gem sits on the ruff grass of the cliff top looking out over the ocean. To her left sits a gravestone on newly made sacred ground. It was here Gem had chosen to bury Steve. She came up here every day and would chat to Steve and tell him about her day. Gem had just finished ranting about Thor's lack of being able to clean up after himself when she heard someone walking up behind her, people knew to leave her alone when she was here. Looking at the man in front of her now as she turned, she smiled, it always shocked her to see him. Their son, he looked so much like his father. They had called him Steven Anthony Rogers. Steve had wanted to name him after the bravest man he had ever known, and she could only agree. Tony could be a sarcastic sod at times, but there was no denying that he was one of the most good-hearted men she had ever known and only wished he had lived to know it.

"I came to tell you. Uncle is back." He said smiling down at her. He put his hand on his mother's shoulder. He knew she missed his father greatly; she had told him stories about him growing up.

Saying her goodbyes and promising to visit as usual tomorrow the pair left the cliff and headed towards the small fishing port. Thor was just heading down the lane towards them as they rounded the corner. Steve took his uncle's hand and accepted the hug that followed with a smile. "It's good to see you Uncle."

"And you lad."

There was a cough from behind her Uncle and Gem looked round him to see her father standing there with a smile on his face. "No hug for your Grandfather?" Looking towards the young lanky teen. "Or am I out of favour?"

"Never Grandfather." He said laughing and hugging Loki. Steve jr loved his grandfather. He had inherited the mischief they carried. Gem smiled and moved away from greeting her uncle and towards her father and hugged him tightly.

"How long are you here for?" She asked.

"Get me for a whole week." He smirked. Loki kissed her forehead. As they started back towards the house, Loki put his arm around his grandson and quickened their pace a little. "Has she told you about the time I found her in one of your father shirts?"

"Father really?" Gem tutted.

"No, she hasn't."

When they reach the front door Gem lets the others in before looking back towards the cliff one more time you could still see the grave from here, and she could have sworn she could see Steve standing there watching her. If her life had taught her anything it was that nothing and no one was ever truly gone. She would see Steve again one day and she knew he was watching over her and their son.

the end

"ta dar" - Loki Laufeyson, rightful king of joandenhem, prince of Asgard and burdened with glorious purpose.