Frost & Fire

Chapter 6 (Abigail)

"Do not defend your father." Pepper said as soon as she saw me.

"Umm..okay? So how about I drink for the both of us and I'll withstand you bitching about whatever Dad is doing wrong?" I asked as I grabbed a bottle of Jack and sat down in front of her.

"Oh, come on, like things could be bad between you and Loki?"

I gave a short laugh as I took a gulp of my whiskey. "Like how today was the first time that he so much as touched me in almost two weeks."

"Why?"

"I was captured on Jotunnheim and my unit malfunctioned. I almost froze and I think he's just been afraid that I won't bounce back. Hence, basically forcing me here while he deals with all the shit going on there."

Pepper went to grab some water and a shot glass and I could tell she just wanted to at least pretend she could drink with me without harming my sibling. "Your dad has just been overbearing. I'm pretty sure at some point I'm just going to be tied down to a gurney with an ultrasound machine attached to me."

"Well, he's concerned and he can be here for you. Plus, let's be honest, this one may have been a surprise but one he's happy with. Knowing my mother, I'm not shocked he wanted nothing to do with her or with me for the longest time." I said with a shrug.

"No, he always wanted you when he found out. He just didn't know how to show it and that was back in his prime. He's always loved you, Abby."

"I know, but I also know the truth. He did the laid back, who cares routine with me. He's trying not to do it with this one."

She nodded, though she didn't want to admit to it. We both knew I was right and I didn't hold that grudge against him anymore. Besides, he at least still did what he could and even after making it completely clear he didn't like my relationship choices, but ultimately put my happiness first. He didn't get stupid drunk before the ceremony and actually seemed like he was trying to accept us. Now he had a chance to start over and do better with the next generation.

"Now, what's this about the baby shower being a disaster?"

We laughed a little and I looked over some of the plans for the shower. It was going to be a while before she would have it considering she was only about three months along, I knew they were both perfectionists and this was more than likely their only child they'd have together. I had to admit, I was a little jealous, but I knew that this was not the time for us.

Once I was good and drunk and Pepper was calmed down again, I went looking for Banner. I needed to know my results of the CAT scan. Which I was sure was clear and it was just my body trying to relearn how to regulate which would hopefully be soon. I hated being away from Loki and not knowing what was going on. But more than that, I just wanted to feel like I had a home again. Going between three realms made me feel like I had no concrete plans and it bothered me. I wanted a home that was ours that we could settle down at. When it came to be our time, what were we going to do? There was no way our child would be able to handle Jotunnheim weather which meant there was going to be plenty of lonely nights ahead of me when the day came.

I sighed softly and went back to Loki's and my room. For some reason, images of our first night together came to mind. It wasn't our first time, but after everything had happened. I remembered my entire world being shattered and the only bit of safety I had was him, he was the only one I wanted near me. I cried on his chest, he held me so close that I didn't think even sex could bring us closer. Given, in most ways it did, but that was probably the most intimate night we had ever had together. It was also the night that I had truly begun to fall in love with him. I changed into night clothes and laid down so that I could bury my nose into the pillow he had lain on and wrapped myself in the blanket he wrapped us in when we were done.