Unforgotten

Chapter 20

    "I shall continue to watch you from my post," Heimdall's voice boomed as we stood in the golden dome the next afternoon. I personally was always shocked by the sheer mass of the man, and his voice, but as I glanced down at Charlotte, wrapped in her purple blanket, I saw her eyes were wide with wonder, and showed no fear as she looked at the gatekeeper.

    "We do appreciate that," Loki said, smiling at his old friend. "We do not know when we will return, if ever." I glanced over at Loki, not sure if I had heard him correctly, but I didn't want to question him.

    "To Midguard, then," Heimdall said, and I took a deep breath as I felt the power of the Bifrost opening. I felt Loki move to wrap his arms protectively around me and Charlotte, and then the ground disappeared beneath me. I tightened my grip on Charlotte, hoping the journey would not be too difficult on her.

    It seemed to be over before it began, and I felt my feet touch concrete. Uncle Tony's balcony was warm with the morning May sun as Loki pulled away from us, and I looked around. I saw the balcony door was closed, but I could imagine what was going on inside – breakfast preparations, talking. My heart began to pound – what would they think, after so much time had passed? I felt Loki take my hand, his fingers locking in mine. I looked up at him and smiled.

    "We are home." He said. We walked together to the balcony door, and Loki waved his empty hand to use his magic to open it. I could hear the conversation inside, and a smile spread across my face.

    "I'm just saying, wheat bread has its advantages . . ." Steve was saying, but his voice trailed off as we stepped into the room. Silence met us, along with the stares of Tony, Natasha, Bruce, and my Aunt Pepper.

    "Well I'll be damned," Bruce finally said, and I saw my Aunt Pepper's hands go to her mouth.

    "Aunt Pep," I said, my eyes filling with tears. Loki let go of my hand and expertly took Charlotte onto his shoulder as I rushed forward to meet Pepper halfway through the room.

"My God, you're alive," she whispered. She hugged me close, and I squeezed her as tight as I possibly could. I didn't ever want to let her go.

"My kid," I felt Tony put his arms around both of us, and I happily accepted his love as well. "Are you alright? Is everything okay?" Tony asked, pulling away and pushing me back at arm's length, holding my shoulders to look at me. "What the hell are you wearing?" I laughed, having forgotten that I was still wearing my Asgardian dress.

"Tony, what does it matter, she's here!" Aunt Pepper said, then she looked from me to Loki. "And Loki, and . . ." Pepper drew in a sharp breath as she took the sight of Loki and Charlotte in. "Is that?" She asked, putting her hands to her mouth.

"Yes." Loki said, smiling, and came to my side. "Charlotte Lokidottir Stark." He said quietly, moving Charlotte to cradle her in his arms, then offering her to Pepper. Pepper's eyes filled with tears again, causing me to tear up.

"Your mother's name." She whispered, taking the baby and holding her gently. I nodded, not trusting my voice. "Oh, she's beautiful," Pepper murmured, touching Charlotte's cheeks, then running a hand gently over her black hair. Pepper looked up at Tony and laughed. "Tony, just look at her." I glanced at my Uncle, and saw a look on his face I had never seen before – complete and utter awe. He stepped up to face Pepper, and leaned down to kiss Charlotte.

"Amazing," he said quietly when he turned back to Aunt Pepper, placing his hand on Charlotte's head. I felt Loki put his arm around me, then I felt a hard punch in the arm.

"That's for not letting us know where you were," Natasha hugged me fiercely. "Do you have any idea how worried we've been?"

"I'm so sorry," I said. "It's been . . . a tough couple of months." I told her when she released me. She shook her head, then approached Pepper and Tony to see the baby. I glanced over at Steve and Bruce, who had remained at the table.