Avengers: A Darker Shade of Scarlet

Little Boys Love Snakes

The nursery was the picture of total comfort and peace when Loki materialized inside of it. Thor and Dean's cabin was silent as the grave. Dean's parents were fast asleep in the guest bedroom. The boys, however, we're wide awake and staring up at their visitor with their sweet little faces.

"So, the two of you are Thor's pride and joy," Loki spoke in a low, dark voice. He moved closer and ran his fingers along the sides of the cribs. The boys tracked his movements, intrigued by the presence of this stranger. "I am your Uncle Loki," he said as he slowly lifted one boy after the other from their beds.

Modi remained silent and still as he stared at Loki as if he were studying him. Magni, however, shook his little fists, his body wriggling.

"Oh, I can already tell which of you takes after your father the most," Loki whispered with a contemptuous smile. "I suppose you will be the favorite, won't you?" He glanced over at Modi. "Prepare to be cast aside and forgotten, little one."

Loki walked over to the cushioned rocking chair by the window and sat down. He was silent for some time, staring down at the babies as he contemplated the future. Then, with a tight smile, he said, "shall I tell you a story?"

The boys simply stared at him as if they understood what he'd said and were waiting for him to weave his tale for them.

"Once upon a time, there was a prince who lived in a frozen realm called Jotunheim. That prince is me. And this is my story..."

Sunlight spilled into the apartment as morning unfolded, promising a beautiful day. Thor woke and stretched out to find himself alone in the guest bed. Foregoing pants, he walked out of the room into the hall just as Steve was stepping out of the master bedroom, a quizzical expression on his sleepy face. The scent of breakfast answered him before he could ask and he grinned at Thor.

"Dean always cooks an impressive breakfast the morning after a night such as last night," Thor said with a proud grin.

"Good, because I could eat a horse," Steve confessed. The night's activities had certainly riled up his appetite.

The two of them walked out of the hall and into the den to see Dean and Kyle busy in the nearby kitchen.

"Coffee just finished brewing," Kyle called out to them while he flipped eggs in the skillet.

"Need any help?" Steve asked. He poured a mug of fresh coffee for Thor and then himself.

"No, we're just about finished," Dean said.

Thor snuck in behind him and kissed his neck. "It smells delicious," he praised.

After plating up, the four of them sat together at the table and enjoyed the meal.

"So," Kyle said after swallowing a bite of toast. "That was...am interesting night."

"Yeah," Dean agreed as he blushed and looked down at his plate. The night before was wild and fun and hedonistic. He knew everyone else had enjoyed it just as much as he had. In the light of day, however, he wondered if anyone harbored any regrets.

"I never thought I'd be doing anything like that," Steve admitted.

"Yeah," Kyle said.

Never one to dance around a subject, Thor grinned at everyone. "I believe we should all do it again some time."

"God, yes," Kyle sighed, then averted his gaze with a shy smile as the others laughed.

"Harmless fun," Thor said as he reached over and took Dean's hand. "I believe we all need that from time to time. Given the nature of our lives and what we do."