Second Chance

Chapter 27

I can't believe the turn out. Reporters, news channels, journalists, just everywhere. I take a deep breathe, knowing that there might be a police presence. I have to make sure he doesn't get hurt, and I have to prepare for what's to come.
"My love, when are we to get out of the car?" Loki asks, breaking my trance.
"Uh, well, I guess anytime now." I say nervously.
"What is wrong?"
"I'm just nervous. Listen, not everyone is as forgiving as me. So just try not to push any buttons." I smile.
"I will try my hardest. And it will be alright, it is like you said. I need to do this, and then I shall let the people decide what they do with my apology." He puts his hand on my shoulder.
"Let's do this." I laugh and we both get out of the car. Central park has always been one of my favorite places, but today its swarming with some of the most devious people on earth. Paparazzi. Some aren't that bad, but most of them are just trying to sell a headline that will make them good money. They don't care who's lives they ruin with the false accusations. We walk steadily to where I see Tasha. She waves us over, and we try to make our way through the crowd. They are all shouting questions, most of which I can't hear. Tasha stands on a small stage where a couple of microphone stands have been set up.
"You ready?" Tasha asks us. She looks so lively. I haven't seen her in months. Her dark brown hair cut at shoulder length, brown eyes that make me smile, and her warm laugh that will make you laugh as well.
"Yeah, I missed you." I whisper. She pulls me in for a hug.
"Same here, girl. Now get out there." Loki and I walk to the center of the platform, and I move him in front of the microphone, knowing he has no clue what to do with it.
"Hi everyone, thank you all for coming on such short notice. I would like to introduce you to Loki. He has something he would like to say. Please, hold all questions and comments until after he finishes." I nod at him and he takes a breathe.
"Hello. I am sure that some of you remember who I am. I am the one who, not so long ago, tried to damage this city. I tried to bring about destruction, and I tried to take what was not mine to take. Freedom. I once thought that freedom was a foolish belief, but I have made some realizations since that day. With the help of this lovely young lady and the Avengers, I have realized that what I did was wrong. I wish to apologize for all of the damage and pain that I caused. I now see the error of my ways, and I hope, with all sincerity, that you all will somehow forgive me for my wrongdoings. Thank you." And with that he backs away.
"Sarah Jones, is it true that you are now engaged?" A reporter yells from the chaos and everyone quiets down.
"Yes. That is true."
"Who's the lucky guy?" Another asks.
"You are looking at him." Loki says as he holds my hand. I have never felt more loved. He doesn't see how significant this is, but to me this is one of the best moments of my life.
"Sarah, is it true that you have been working for shield?"
"That is also true."
"Can you tell us what it is you do for shield?" And just as I was about to say that it's classified, here comes Tony in his iron man suit, landing on stage.
"She helps us save the world." He smiles, giving me a nudge.
"How come we have never seen her with you before?"
"Well, she normal wears a mask." Tony answers, and my cover is completely blown. Lovely. All that I've tried to protect for so long, is now out in the open.
"Sarah, is what iron man is saying true? Are you the masked avenger they call Secret?" A reporter up front asks.
"Yes. It's all true."
"Will Loki be punished for the crimes he has committed?" I feel his hand clench.
"He has served out his time in a much harsher prison than anything here could accomplish. He has learned some valuable lessons, and he is sorry for what he's done."
"Is it true that Loki and Thor are brothers? From another world?"
"Yes. I would to thank you all for coming! And thank you for being respectful and patient." And with that I walk back over to Tasha.
"So if I ask iron man for a picture, would that be weird?" She asks.
"Tony, my manager would like a word." I smile and he walks over. I walk back to Loki. "So, how does it feel?"
"Strange, it seems that these people are fairly nosy."
"Hehe! Yeah, that's what they're known for." I laugh. "Come on, we have an engagement party to attend." I smile, linking my arm through his. "See you at the tower, Tony!" I holler back at him. We make our way to my car finally and head to the Avengers tower. Formerly named Stark tower, but I think we all know what happened there. I park the car and go inside. We take the elevator to the top floor, and I can already feel my excitement building. The doors open and Natasha and Wanda are standing there.
"Sarah!" Wanda says as she wraps me in a hug. She lets go of me just for a second and Natasha grabs me for a hug as well.
"I missed you guys." I smile.
"Well, show me the ring!" Wanda giggles. I hold out the ring and they both smile.
"Now, listen here Loki.-" Natasha starts.
"Do not worry. The director has already threatened me, and yes, you will be at the wedding. And I promise to take care of her, for as long as I live." Loki smiles.
"I guess that'll do." Steve says from behind the girls. I push past the girl and jump into his arms. He spins me around and holds me close. He is definitely the person I missed the most. My right hand man, my best friend, my favorite star spangled boy. "I missed you too, Sarah." He chuckles.
"Not nearly as much as I missed you."
"Well, how is Thor?" He asks, putting me down.
"I am fair, why do you ask?" He says from the other side of the room.
"Brother, I did not know you were coming?" Loki laughs.
"Why would I miss a gathering to celebrate your happiness?" He chuckles. I walk over to him and wrap my arms around him. He pulls me in and his arms almost consumes me.
"I'm glad you're here."
"It is not everyday that a beautiful woman can win the heart of my strange brother." He whispers to me and I burst into laughter.
"You know, this means you'll be my brother too."
"That is quite alright with me, I have come to consider you my family already, Lady Sarah." He laughs as he lets go of me. Loki puts his arms around me and places his head on top of mine.
"You know that this is how our life will always be like, right?" I say as I look out at the room. Steve and Tony joking around with Bruce, Natasha and Wanda making fun of Nick, and everyone is having a great time.
"I would hope so." And I can feel him chuckle. I turn around and wrap my arms around his waist, laying my head on his chest.
"That was some headline you made today, Sarah." I hear a woman say. I let go of Loki and turn around to find Jane standing there.
"Jane!" I smile and wrap her up in a hug. "I didn't know you were coming?"
"You think I would miss this?" She says as she lifts my hand, looking at my ring.
"I'm happy you're here." I smile.
"Jane?" Thor says.
"Hey." She smiles. They stand there awkwardly for a moment, and then he approaches her slowly. She runs into his arms and they hug for what looks like eternity.
"Explain to me again why they aren't married?" I whisper to Loki.
"I haven't the slightest idea, my love." He laughs. Right now, I am happier than I have ever been. I may not have my life totally planned out, I may not know what will happen tomorrow, but I know that right now, in this moment, nothing could spoil my mood. All of my family surrounding me, and the love of my life holding me close. If only life were this simple all of the time.