Ace of Hearts [Loki Laufeyson] BOOK I

If She Doesn't Come Back, Then Neither Will I.

"Alright, what're we discussing? We should be in New York, not here." Nat stated, crossing her arms as she sat down. A few of the others nodded in agreement, making Jay roll her eyes.

"Well, this isn't anything like the Chitauri. We'll need an actual plan if we want to defeat the Frost Giants - not just go in guns blazing, making up the moves as you go." Jay replied flatly, her eyes clicking between everyone in the room as she gauged their reactions. Nat and Clint nodded for her to continue, Tony and Loki were still glaring at each other, Thor was periodically glancing between Loki and Jay, and the others didn't really have a reaction."Now, you have four more members than you did last time, so we just have to spread out all over the city." Jay placed her hand on the glass surface of the table, a circle around her hand lighting up as a holographic version of the area around the Avengers' Tower slowly rose from the glass. In front of everyone was a glowing circle with each member's symbol - Jay's was an ace of hearts card. "Suggestions?"

"I think we can do this like New York." Steve said suddenly, narrowing his eyes at the 3D map. She could tell that this was new technology for him, as Tony certainly didn't have anything like this. "Sam, Clint, Tony, and Thor can make sure none of the Frost Giants get out of the city, and Bucky, Nat, and I can work on protecting citizens and taking out any giants on our way." As he explained the plan, the glowing orbs from each person floated to different spots on the map.

"There's a portal that the Frost Giants are traveling through - most likely created by Ash." She stood up, her finger pointing to the spot where Ash had opened the portal before. A black circle slowly grew, little figures of the Frost Giants floating out. "Loki and I will try to get in there and take him down to shut the portal, but...there's no guarantee we'll both make it out before the portal closes." Jay glanced around the room, preparing herself for the onslaught of 'no way' from every member of the team.

"No." That, acting like the overprotective brother, was Steve.

"Not happening." That was Nat. She didn't even think twice as she leaned back in her swivel chair with her arms crossed. 

"Haha, nope." That was Sam.

"You're not doing that, alright?" That was Tony. Almost everyone else had said something along the lines of 'no', all except Loki. He was staring at the table, his expression showing that he was deep in thought. "Reindeer Games?" Tony asked the god, his dark brown eyes glaring daggers at Loki - almost challenging the God of Mischief to allow his daughter to go.

"Stark, may I have a word with you?" Loki finally said after a long ten seconds of tense silence, looking up to meet Tony's gaze. The billionaire reluctantly nodded, standing up and following Loki to the living room - out of earshot of the other Avengers. Jay glanced after them, eager to know what they were saying, but stayed with the other Avengers to continue discussing. 

"What is it, Reindeer?" Tony asked, crossing his arms as he narrowed his eyes at the god. Loki could tell that Tony was beginning to lose his very limited patience.

"You need to let us go through the portal. I promise-" 

"Not happening. I am not putting her in danger!" Tony interrupted with a glare, surprised that Loki would even suggest this. After all, the god did kiss her.

"Let me finish!" Loki hissed, his fists clenching at his sides. "The two of us have to go in. From what I hear, Jay's the only one who's even come close to killing Ash, so she has to come along - there's no question. As for me, I promise that I will protect her no matter what, and if the time comes when we can't make it through the portal, then I will use whatever power I have to get her out, even if it means that I am trapped. There will be no point where I leave that portal without her, you can be assured of that." Loki paused, staring at Stark for approval. "Do we have a deal?"

"Fine. But if she doesn't come back-"

Loki's lip curled up into a scowl, his tone of voice deep and menacing, daring Stark to disagree with him. "If she doesn't come back, then neither will I." Tony seemed to think it over, his thumb rubbing the small beard on his chin as he stared at Loki with cold and calculating eyes - a look that Loki had trademarked, at this point.

"Deal." Tony stuck out his hand, the two shaking on it before returning to the conference room. Jay smiled as Loki sat down beside her and Tony across from her, the two sharing a nod of agreement before they both looked to a thoroughly confused Jay. 

"So...am I going?" She asked hopefully, 100% not expecting the next words to come out of both of their mouths. 

"Yes." They both said at the same time, surprising not only her, but the rest of the Avengers as well. I mean, the two basically despise each other, she didn't actually expect them to agree on anything. Much less agree on letting her go into a situation where she could quite possibly die. But, nonetheless, she grinned in approval, looking around at the other members of the team. 

"Well? What are we waiting for?" 

Ugh so I watched Infinity War...It was awesome, but sad! I won't give away any spoilers, but if you haven't watched it, you definitely should. Anyway, I haven't lost faith in this story yet, so I'm gonna keep writing ;3

- December <3