Mischief and Magic

Chapter 22

"Much as I love and accept every part of you, Mor, the humans are bound to notice your new ears and tail," Stark reminded Morgan and Loki. His voice betrayed his nerves, though he tried to hide it as always behind a flippant tone and sarcasm. "Humans in general aren't kind to those who are different, high schoolers even less so." Stark didn't want Morgan to miss out on high school, even though she was more than smart enough to skip grades like he had. He'd wanted her to have a more normal life.

That worked out so well...

Loki chuckled at Stark's sarcasm. "Don't fret. I'll teach her how to conceal them. Illusions are one of my specialties and they come naturally to the Kitsune," he reassured the pair, giving more explanation than usual, mostly for Morgan's benefit. She needed to know as much as she could about her heritage and her new abilities.

Stark nodded, looking relieved. He would leave the magic to Loki. Magic was outside of Tony's wheelhouse and he knew it. Much as he didn't want to have to rely on Loki when it came to his daughter, he was the best instructor available. "In other news, you've been given a new assignment," he told Loki sternly. Both Loki and Morgan perked up at how stern he was. It was unlike him to be giving out Avengers assignments. That was usually Cap's job.

"What assignment?" Loki asked warily. He had to be on Midgard serving penance and take the assignments from the team. That didn't mean he wanted to take orders from Stark.

"Morgan has to return to classes tomorrow. You're going to bodyguard," Tony's voice held no room for debate from either of them. Morgan would always protest that she didn't need a bodyguard. This time she absolutely did. "It's already been cleared with the school. Until we know why Hydra is after you, you're staying under 24-hour guard," he directed that part to the spluttering one week away from being 18 year old. It was an important distinction to Morgan that she was practically an adult. No one else seemed to care, though. "I know you hate it, Mor, but you're too big of a target and I'm not taking risks with your safety," Stark kissed her hair to try to placate her. Morgan understood the necessity. That didn't mean she liked it. Stark also clearly didn't like it, but he had been overruled and wanted Morgan safe. He couldn't deny that Loki was capable of doing so.

Loki inclined his head, ever the prince. "She is safe in my care."

"You've proven that," Tony admitted, however grudgingly. Loki was unquestioningly loyal to those he cared for. And he clearly cared for Morgan. More than cared for Morgan, but Stark didn't want to think about that. Stark sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose "Guess I better figure out how to explain this to the team. And Pepper," he groaned

"How much trouble are we in?" Loki asked cautiously. He was used to being in trouble, but didn't want Morgan in trouble, especially not because of him.

"You saved my kid's life. I can't exactly be mad at you for that,"

Loki inclined his head, breathing an internal sigh of relief.

"Though you will have to tell us more about the Vanir and Kitsune," Tony added before he kissed Morgan's forehead and headed off to explain things to the team. Tony loved his daughter more than anything. He'd stopped his drinking and partying the moment she'd been dropped on his doorstep. His love for her showed in every interaction with her.

Loki smiled at the exchange between the two. It reminded him of the way he interacted with his mama.

Loki booped her nose and offered her a hand after her indignant noise made him laugh. "Come along, little one, you have some illusions to master before school tomorrow,"

Morgan groaned and made a face at him. "How are you managing to make learning magic sound tedious and daunting?" She demanded, poofing up in outrage that such a thing was even possible. "It's magic. It's supposed to be fun and exciting to learn!"

Loki laughed and booped her nose again. "As with all things worth learning, you must master the boring daunting basics and necessities before you can learn the fun stuff. I promise, magic is fun and the sooner you master the illusions for your ears and tail, the sooner I will teach you how to turn Thor's hair pink. Deal?"

"Deal!"

Loki chuckled. "You're definitely a kit. Nearly as into mischief and pranks as I am," he said approvingly as they headed up to a practice room to work on her illusions.