Captured Lightning (An Avengers / Loki Fanfiction)

The Bifrost

With my bag of belongings on my shoulder, I hesitantly made my way along the corridor towards Pepper and Tony's apartment. I was doing my best to remain calm and unemotional. But it wasn't working. I felt nervous and overwhelmed at the thought that this could be the last time here. Seeing Earth.

When I rounded the corner to their kitchen, I paused.

Tony stood with his arms draped around Pepper. His shirt shoulder stained by tears and makeup. Hesitating in the doorway, I tried to retreat to give them privacy, but my sister had already spotted me. A smile spread across her lips as she gave Tony a final kiss. Her red-rimmed eyes reflected my inner turmoil.

"Rose, please don't go. You can stay behind you know?" she begged, grabbing ahold of my hand even though, deep down, she knew it was a lost cause.

"I have to, Pepp. It's my job. And I'm part of a team."

She nodded half-heartedly, "You promise me you'll stay safe though?"

"Pepp, I'll be careful. I promise!"

Her palms rubbed together nervously, as If she didn't know how to express herself.

"Tony told me."

"Tony told you what?" I asked, glaring at him as he reappeared in the suit carrying his bags to the elevator.

"About you and 'Rock of Ages'"

I groaned.

"I know what you're going to say. And I know, I should have told you sooner..."

"Promise me you won't get your heart broken?" she interrupted.

I rolled my eyes, "I won't, Mum."

"You've never had a serious relationship, Rose! How can you expect to know what you're in for? And of all people, the god of mischief?"

With that tone she really was starting to sound like our mother.

"I trust him and I trust myself. Anything other then that is irrelevant."

It was Pepper's turn to roll her eyes. She looked at me with a defeated glare and then pulled me into a hug.

"What am I going to do without you and Tony around?"

I chuckled.

"You'll have a whole lot less babysitting to do for one. And you've got the company to keep you busy. I'll make sure I communicate somehow with you."

"And look after Tony?"

"Of course. We've both got a wedding to make it back to, after all!" I half-smiled.

Her eyes began to tear again.

"Please come back to me," she begged, not letting me slide from her grip.

"I promise I always will."

And with that, I followed Tony and stepped into the waiting elevator. He gave her a loving kiss before the doors slid between us. The last glimpse we both saw was a blubbering Pepper, holding the nearby wall for support.

Tony's eyes were filled with tears as he pressed the 'Roof' button.

"Hey, don't be sad! We'll be back! You couldn't keep us away from Earth if you tried," I attempted to encourage, grabbing his metal hand in comfort.

He pulled me into his solid side.

And for the first time in a very long time, I wept as well. Our futures were so uncertain.

When the doors reopened, we stepped out to the entire group readying themselves. Loki was talking quietly with Thor, however when he spotted my red eyes and tear-splattered shirt, Loki was at my side.