No Limits (An Avengers Fanfic)

Learning to Cope

Chapter Three

Loki's P. o. V:

My body feels weak; drained, even, after Odin's visit. My belly sticks out from between my hips, and I can feel everyone's eyes on me. My cheeks burn a bright red, and Bruce squeezes me. "It'll be okay," he whispers in my ear. I snuggle against his warm body, allowing myself to relax. Suddenly, Natasha gasps and runs out of the room. I look her way, but she is already gone. I quietly get up and follow her to the bathroom. The door is locked, so I knock gently.

"Natasha? It's me. Please open the door," I say. The door cracks open, and Natasha's tear stained face appears.

"Hurry up," she commands, pulling me inside. I hurriedly shut the door behind me.

"What's the matter?" I ask, curious. Natasha uncrossed her arms and clasps her hands around her swollen belly.

"How am I supposed to hide it now?!" she sobs. I stare at her in shock.

"How are you pregnant? I was just pulling a prank on you!" Now, it's Natasha turn to look shocked.

"But-What's going on?!"

"I guess S. H. I. E. L. D. lied to you. You are capable of becoming pregnant," I offer in way of explanation. Natasha sinks to the floor, sobbing once again. I unlock the door and let myself out. Clint is waiting outside.

"What's the matter with her?"

"Just go talk to her. She'll explain," I tell him, walking off. Before I know it, my feet have carried me to Bruce's room. He is sitting on his bed, talking to Thor. Thor doesn't look happy. You can almost see the thunderclouds forming over his head. When I enter the room, he whips around.

"Brother!" he yells angrily. "You used magic to seduce this man?!" I raise my hand, trying to wave him down, but Thor doesn't listen. "You seduced Bruce?" I open my mouth to explain, but Thor slams me against the wall. I cry out in agony as I feel some ribs break. Bruce springs up off of the bed and rushes over. He pulls Thor off of me, and I sink to the ground, sobbing. Bruce is staring at my belly. I glance down, only to start hyperventilating. My belly is swelling and moving, as if something under the skin is trying to break out. A wave of nausea hits me, but I can't move.

"Loki, you need to get the baby's heart rate down! Breathe deeply, close your eyes, and relax." I follow his instructions, allowing my mind to wander. I hear Bruce and Thor let out a sigh of relief, and I gently crack open my eyes. My belly has returned to it's naturally swollen state. I try to move, but quickly stop when my ribs protest. A small whimper escapes my lips.

"What hurts?" Thor asks, looking guilty.

"You broke a few ribs, you big lug!" I hiss angrily. Bruce rushes out of the room, only to reappear a few minutes later with medical tape. He helps me sit up, then proceeds to wrap my ribs tightly. I wince every once in a while, but the pain is bearable. At last, he finishes. Bruce shoots Thor a stern look.

"You have to remember that Loki is more fragile now. He can't deal with as much strength as he once was able to. You're lucky he didn't die!" Bruce exclaims. Thor looks sheepish.

"I did not know that he would be so breakable. I shall refrain from touching him in the future," Thor says, exiting the room. I gingerly stand up, being careful of my ribs and belly.

"Are you okay?" Bruce wonders. I nod.

"I just need to remember that I cannot be stressed. It would seem that she has your strength and power," I groan, massaging my swollen belly.

"I'm sorry," Bruce apologizes. "I wish our child wasn't forced to carry my curse." I walk over to the bed and wrap my arms around Bruce's shoulders.