The Rules of Living with the Avengers

40. Always go see Singing Dragonflies.

"Sister Ellie!"

I groan as Thor's loud yell wakes me up. "My mother is awake!"

"Oh, that's great, honey!" I call back then bury my face in my pillow.

"Would you like to meet her?"

"Mmph. Maybe later."

"Loki was asking for you."

Thor looks surprised when I shoot past him, tying my hair up as I run. I only remember that I'm in my pyjamas when I reach Frigga's chambers. "Hello?" I say, staggering to a stop.

"Ellie," Loki smiles at me, reaching out his hand then dropping it. "This is my mother, Frigga."

"Hi, uh, your highness? I'm not sure what to...call you...I'm Ellie, Loki's-"

"My son's friend," Frigga smiles at me from her bed. "Yes, I'm aware. He has told me much about you." Loki blushes but she ignores him. She's awesome. "And just call me Frigga."

I giggle. Oh my Odin. Did I just freaking giggle? I'm giggling in front of my crush's mom who is actually a queen of several realms. Damn it.

"Mother, we should let you get some rest," Loki says quickly.

"Of course," she sighs. "Or your father will be worrying." That's adorable. "You know, Ellie, you really should get someone to show you the Singing Dragonflies of Pakrah."

"Singing Dragonflies? They sound awesome. But I'm sure everyone is too busy to show m-"

"Loki's not busy. He'd love to show you," Frigga says quickly. I feel myself blushing. Loki looks even more red and embarrassed than I feel.

"Mother," he hisses. "I need to ask Stark something, actually."

"I'm sure you'll have time for a pretty young lady."

"I'm okay. I'll just get Bucks to come with me or something.."

"See, Mother!" Now I'm a bit insulted. He's choosing Tony over me? Honestly. What is it about the facial hair and smug smile that attracts everyone to him?

"Loki!"

"Frigga!" Tony comes rushing in, blowing air kisses and Natasha is close behind, looking annoyed. "It's an honour to meet you, ma'am. You look well and beautiful, etcetera. How are you?"

"I'm...I'm..." She seems too stunned to answer. "A bit overwhelmed to be honest. But, yes, my health has returned."

"Great," Natasha says with fake enthusiasm. "Now, I've got to ask on behalf of my idiotic boyfriend, who has escaped me. Was that golden vase in the throne room valuable in any way?"

"What's happened to it?"

"It somehow got knocked over when Clint was singing Toxic and showing Asardians what Midgardian dancing was like. Then he proceeded to yell oops and climb out of the window. Last I saw, he was running down the bridge," Natasha says with a tired sigh. I try to stifle my laugh but its almost impossible.

I will never not re-tell that story.

....
The Singing Dragonflies are actually pretty cute. Loki reluctantly agreed to take me in the end. we're sat on the grass when they start singing. It's a small tune with different buzzing and wailing then the dragonflies fly around with glowing bodies. Since it's night, it's especially beautiful. And I'm full on Asgardian chocolate.

"I like it here," I say softly.

"So do I."

"Would you return here for ever if Odin gave you the chance?" I ask.

He looks at me and I see a small smile flash across his face before he turns deadly serious. "I would never leave everything I have - everyone I have - on Midgard behind. I couldn't leave y-ahem, I would miss the delicacies. I believe they don't have Lucky Charms here."

"Lucky Charms, huh? Didn't realise you liked them so much," I grin. It sounds like he's grabbed the first Earth food that came into his head.

"They're sweet and pretty and smart. What's not to like?"

"Yes, I really look for smartness when I'm choosing cereal," I say then snort with laughter.

"I don't admit this to anyone. But I couldn't be without Lucky Charms," Loki confesses. "They really light up my life with their smile and their weird laugh."

"Loki, we're not talking about Lucky Charms, are we?"

"We are." He says quickly. "I adore Lucky Charms and I think that they're my whole life and I would sacrifice my life here for them because even if that used to be my dream, they're now my dream, even if they love someone else. A super soldier, perhaps. Or an ex-assassin with a metal arm. Or-"

"Loki," I grab his face and lean in close. "I love you too," I say before I kiss him.