Hello, Who is this?

25) Fight me

"Loki, stop. We will get answers later. Right now I need your help getting all five of us into your wing of the tower. Bucky needs you with him, not killing your friends."

"They are no friends of mine, my queen."

"That's a lie and you know it. Now help me get them to the living room."

With a huff and a sigh, Loki teleported everyone to the living room of their wing. He came over and sat next to Riley, Bucky seated between them, with Steve holding her on his lap and Tony on their other side. She smiled at Loki and told him to breathe, they would get to the bottom of it soon. 

What she didn't know was that Loki had already figured out what happened from the minds of everyone in that kitchen when they arrived. He was beyond angry but couldn't figure out who to be angry with. Riley always seemed to have static around her mind unless she was extremely distracted or heavily intoxicated. He was more concerned about when she discovered the reason for her mates' breakdown. He knew it wasn't her fault but she wouldn't see it that way. 

After a while, everyone just sat cuddling and calmed down. All of them seemed to realize that she was actually there and had been there for them when they needed her. "Are you boys alright? Is there someone who's ass needs kicking?" All four smiled at her. "Not sure you could kick anyone's ass. You are so tiny, even Nat stands taller than you." 

Riley leveled a glare at Steve that had him flinching the longer she held it. "I am not some frail little girl, Captain. I can handle my own. You have no idea what my life has consisted of. I don't try to tell you what you are or are not capable of. I don't question your abilities and you will do well to remember that you have yet to see anything I have to offer the team."

Tony was smiling at her, Bucky was looking at her sadly, and Loki was back to being stoic. "I like that she calls us out. It makes me feel like I am allowed to make mistakes and keeps our egos in check. I already told you how she did that at the meeting too." Bucky and Loki nodded while Steve kept his head down. 

Riley smiled at Steve and gently used her hand to raise his chin. "You are better than that Steve. If you are ever concerned about my ability to hold my own, we can train together. However, ask me, tell me you're concerned. Don't talk down to me like I am one of your dutiful soldiers. I will listen when it is worthwhile to listen."

Before she could ask what had happened, Friday interrupted them. "I am sorry Sirs, Miss. Director Fury is in the meeting room and requesting everyone there. Something of great importance has come up."

Riley smiled and told the Iron Lady they would be right there. "How do you feel about taking the elevator this time?" All four nodded at her and off they went to meet Fury.

"Heya Nicky, good to see you in person. Where is Marie?"

"Good morning miss Swanson. I wasn't sure we would be seeing you today. You're still on the whole name thing I see."

"Sure thing Nicky! Hey, someone had to get these emotional messes back to fighting form. What's up now?"

Everyone else came in and sat down, the whole time, Fury was watching the young woman as her mates seemed to sit as close as possible. It appeared as though a couple considered sitting her on their lap at one point. 

"Before we begin, I need to set up a time to assess your skills and see where you stand within the team."

"Sure thing Nicky. I would recommend using Wolverine and Deadpool as opponents. I appreciate their healing abilities more than most. Plus both have their own fighting style combined with added strength. Just want to help you out."