In Another Life • A Loki/Fixing Marvel FanFic

Chapter 9 : Next Time

"So, what's next?" Fury leans back in his chair, the weight of the recent battle still heavy in the air. Stark's already started on reconstruction, and the city is slowly finding its footing again.

"Something only Tony needs to know about," I say, keeping my tone even. Fury's gaze sharpens, silently demanding more information. "Let's just say Tony's about to face a challenge, but don't worry—no one important will die. Just some bad guys who had it coming."
.....

After the battle, just like in the movies, the Avengers went their separate ways. Tony retreated to Malibu with Pepper, right into the path of Killian's trap, knowingly. Meanwhile, Loki remains at Stark Tower—now Avengers Tower—while Thor tries to convince Odin to free him. But I know Loki needs to be back in Asgard, where he belongs, so he can be there when Thor brings Jane and they can escape together. Frigga has her fate set, but I won't let her sacrifice be in vain. My mission is clear: keep Frigga alive, make sure Stark handles Killian, and set the stage for what's to come.

Alright, let's break it down. First, Tony vs. Killian. Then the Dark World, Winter Soldier, NO Ultron, NO Civil War, Stephen becoming Sorcerer Supreme, and finally Ragnarok—or maybe not.

Should I let Ragnarok happen? Odin can't live forever, right? But perhaps it's better to delay Hela's return. There's already too much on my plate. Okay, skip Ragnarok. After that... Thanos. Got it.

I need to warn Fury about Alexander Pierce and Steve about Bucky. Maybe break the news to Tony about what Bucky did—gently.

Perfect. My life is basically everyone's bitch now.
———————

"Hello, Loki," I greet as I step into the Penthouse, where Loki lounges on the couch, casually popping grapes into his mouth, a book resting on his lap.

"Ah, Mer," he drawls, closing the book and giving me his full attention. "To what do I owe this visit?"

"Well, it's not exactly a social call," I say, trying to sound casual as he takes my hand in his.

He raises an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Oh? And what, pray tell, is the nature of this 'non-social call'?"

"I think it's time you return to Asgard," I suggest, watching his expression closely.

His brow furrows slightly. "Asgard? Whatever for?"

"You need to see your mother, Loki," I say softly. "She misses you. The last time she saw you, she thought you were lost forever."

He sighs, the weight of his past decisions reflected in his eyes. "I suppose you're right. Very well... I shall visit, but I intend to return shortly."

"No," I correct gently. "Go, and I'll follow you later. There are a few things I need to handle here first."

He nods slowly, understanding my tone. "Very well, Mer. I trust you."

We haven't talked about that moment in the cell, and honestly, I'm not sure how to navigate whatever this is between us. Loki was always a fantasy, a character on a screen. But now? Now he's real, and I'm Meredith—sort of. Can I let myself get involved, knowing the real Meredith could wake up and hate him all over again?

"So, what shall we do until then?" Loki asks, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he pulls me onto the couch. "Midgard has its charms, but the literature here leaves much to be desired. Engineering manuals? Really?"

I scoffed, nudging him playfully. "What's wrong with mechanics and engineering? I'm actually pretty good at it."

He arches an eyebrow, clearly amused. "You? Good at mechanics?"