Collide

Forty-Five

Astrid stood in front of the mirror, staring off into space, lost in her memories. She hated that she didn't age like mortals did, losing so many of her family, people she loved, and now him. She closed her eyes, feeling the tears burn, thinking back to when they had met, and small smile formed on her lips.

That day she had made sure to be in full view of him, in the cafe. She wore the summery green floral dress, reading a book on nuclear physics, by W. Heisenberg. She knew the cover itself would get his attention, which it did.

Never did she expect to fall in love with him, have a life with him, when he was meant to be a means to an end. Fate was tricky, but she wouldn't change a single thing about their time together. He gave her love, kindness, acceptance, he loved her, for exactly who she was. Her family had grown because of him, and then they had two amazing children.

'Mom?..'... Her eyes flew to Mellie in the mirror, seeing her daughter with a sad smile... 'Its time..'

'I'll be right there. Um, are Thor and Loki here?..'... She cleared her throat, hating that their children, were now in their late thirties, looking older than her.

'Yeah, they're downstairs with the kids, with the others. I just want to say something..'.. Mellie stepped further into the bedroom, as Astrid turned, but Casron walked in too, over to her and kissing her cheek.

'We both want to say something..'.. He said, taking one of her hands, and Mellie took the other.

'Mom, when we first saw you, I thought you were an angel, even if I didn't know it that you were, you saved us. So many of us and..'.. Mellie blew out a breath, trying not to break... 'Before we even came here, you loved us and treated us as your own, all us kids. You gave us hope, love, understanding, and out of all of us at the school, there are not enough words to tell you, how thankful and happy we were, that you choose us..'

'You choose me..'.. Astrid gave their hands a little squeeze... 'That day your father came with me to the school, I knew then, you had chosen us, and we were the lucky ones. You gave us everything we needed, and there's not a single thing I would change. You are our children, no matter what, and we have always been proud of you both..'

Carson cleared his throat, and pulled out a letter from his pocket... 'Dad wanted me to give you this, when it was time. I've never seen two people more perfect for each other, and we got to be a part of that, got to see what real love is. Thank you, for loving us Mom..'

Astrid took the envelope, her eyes filling with tears, hugging them both tightly... 'Ooh..'.. She stepped back, conjuring a box of tissues for them all, and wiped her eyes... 'Ok, lets do this, I can do this..'

She put the letter in her pocket, and took their hands, leading them to the door, and downstairs, heading outside where everyone was.

Her brothers, those of the team and her family that remained, had gathered outside with their families, but she noticed one was missing, maybe he was on a mission, but it was ok, the others were here. She made her rounds, hugging people, listening to the stories they had of Bruce, comforting their grandchildren through their sadness.

Loki watched their sister push herself through it, and it was a punch to the gut, seeing her heartbroken. He knew what it was like to lose someone you loved, but this was a deep pain. He didn't know what it was like for her, she was an angel, and they were bonded, from what he did know, she would be feeling empty and lost.

'She will be ok brother..'.. Thor handed him a drink, and Loki sighed.

'I know she will be, but I worry, without Bruce, who can stop her from taking her own life if she chooses to?..'.. Loki sipped his ale quietly.

'I do not believe she would. She has lost many, and Bruce, but she still has us, and her family..'.. Thor gestured to everyone... This is her world, her home, she will not leave them..'

Loki nodded, and looked over to Wanda. They had married in Asgard, and she was now linked to him, she aged as he did, but he knew it was hard for her, to watch her her brother grow older, and her friends.

'Do you think she will ever return to Heven?..'.. He asked, watching his sister sit on the ground, surrounded by her grandchildren.

'No. There is no doubt in my mind, that she will return. But she may come to Asgard again, father would like to see her and her family soon..'.. Thor pats his shoulder.

Astrid smiled with her grandchildren, as they talked about what they were doing at the school, and their friends. Though school had finished for the summer, they were excited to go back. Rogue and Bobby now ran the school, with Mellie and Carson there with their families, now teachers and helping the next generations.

'Hey..'.. She looked up, seeing Morgan there... 'Can we talk?..'.. Astrid nodded, and stood, linking her arm with the young woman, and walking off a little way.

'Is everything ok?..'.. She asked. Tony had passed two years ago, and Pepper was not well either. Morgan mother was back at their home, with a nurse, as she was unable to make it.

'Yeah, I just wanted to talk. I can't ever imagine how it is for you Asti, but I'm here for you, if you ever need anything. You and uncle Bruce were always there for me, Mom and dad..'.. Morgan smiled wistfully... 'You two were the ones to keep dad in check when he was up to something..'

Astrid chuckled... 'Yeah, but Tony never got into too much trouble though. I'm glad he had you Mogs, you and your mom, you gave his life meaning..'

'I got this for you..'.. She pulled out an envelope... 'Uncle Bruce asked me to wait until now to give it to you..'

Astrid sniffled... 'Another one? Carson gave me one earlier too..'

She saw Morgan give a knowing smile... 'Read them later..'.. She kissed Astrids cheek and hugged her... 'We got you aunt Asti, always..'

Astrid held her, fighting the tears... 'Love you Morgan..'

'Love you too..'.. She said back. And they headed to the others again... 'I wanted you to be the first to know too, I'm pregnant..'

Astrid stopped, and looked Morgan over, feeling overwhelmed with love for her niece... 'Me and Jamie..'.. She nodded to her husband, Steve and Nats adopted son... 'That if its a boy, we want to call him Anthony Bruce Rogers. And if its a girl, Natalie Astrid Rogers..'

Astrid burst into tears, hugging her again... 'I think those are perfect names..'.. She pulled back, smiling... 'Let's get you back over there. Do you need to sit down? Ginger ale? Some crackers? When are you due?..'

Morgan laughed, linking her arm again and leaning her head on Astrid... 'I'm ok, we'll all be ok, I promise..'

Astrid took a deep breath, looking back over at her family. She was feeling lost, alone and empty without Bruce, but because of him, she had a big family, to help fill that hole inside of her. She was still a little disappointed that someone was missing, but she hoped to see him soon, she needed her best friend.

😘