My Friend Loki: Strange Magic

Chapter 26

What could have brought the Avengers here? Loki didn't commit any crime or break any rules...

The only thing I surmised was it must have been the duration of time we had been here. Anyone monitoring Loki's tracker may have found it quite odd, to say the least, that he was at this kind of location for several hours.

In hindsight, maybe we should have told Coulson, to prevent something like this happening... but we couldn't risk anyone from finding out we were doing this, let alone have it revealed that that the person who had proverbially charmed off the pants of everyone tonight was actually Loki, that guy who was behind the Battle of New York.

Thanks a lot, Avengers.

However, as the attendees soon took notice that these heroes were in the same room if there had been any thoughts on making that connection, those were now quashed. Everyone was enthralled by the Avengers and cheering.

Taking away the spotlight from Loki.

Thanks a lot, Avengers.

I suspected what was going to happen next.

Ruth Gallagher emerged from the crowd and asked the Avengers to go up on stage.

As they approached, Loki and I looked at each other.

"I know what you did," I reminded Loki with a sympathetic smile. "Own it."

"WE did, Beverlee," Loki corrected, returning my smile. "You own it too." Loki then turned to Doctor Strange and extended a hand, "it was a pleasure, thank you."

"The pleasure was mine, Loki," Strange said shaking Loki's hand. "And thank you for inviting me to join you."

The Avengers were now on the stage. We were about to leave when Thor stopped us.

"Where are you two going? This is more your stage than ours," Thor said and ushered us back up to the front.

Ruth Gallagher walked up to the stage and pulled Loki and I aside, "I know who you are Loki," she said in a dispassionate tone. "I suspect if you had told me the truth yourself, I wouldn't have allowed you to be a part of this show."

"I'm sorry..." Loki tried to say, but Gallagher interrupted.

"But, I saw how you and Beverlee are together. That day, when you came by to see me at my office, I watched you both on the security monitors for a few minutes. I couldn't hear you, but I noticed how kind you were to each other. Immediately that made me eager to talk to you both. I certainly didn't take you for a person who could attack Midtown Manhattan. When that all happened I was in Africa taking care of some business..." She looked at both of us closely, "but when Mr. Stark told me who you were and Thor explained that you're no longer a threat... Let's just say I'm not above hiring reformed criminals. You both did a great job, and you're welcome to return next year... Even that Strange fellow too."

"Thank you," we both said with gratitude.

"After the attendees leave, we've arranged in a special area of the building, a short meet and greet with the Avengers and the children. The kids loved your performance, and they asked, which is a rare thing, if they could see the both of you too."

"Really?" Loki asked with elation.

"Really," Gallagher confirmed with a smile.

****

While the Avengers were still on stage with us, we decided this was the best opportunity to make contact with Tony Stark. We walked over to him and hoped for the best.