The Prince and the Sol

Chapter 10

ELIZA'S POV

I wake up earlier than Loki. Instead of making him get up, I carefully slip away and watch the sunrise by myself before heading to the kitchen, where I am not alone.

"Morning, Eliza," Bruce says, pouring a second cup of coffee when he sees me. He shuts his laptop, but not before I read the article heading: Everything Important That Happened in the Last Year. I disguise a laugh as a cough.

"Hi. And thanks," I say, taking a sip. "Loki and I are leaving today."

"Oh. Okay," he says, trying not to seem surprised.

"Bruce. I can read emotions. It's not worth hiding things."

"I'm sorry!" He says, raising his hands defensively. "It's just that I don't like the idea of you two being unprotected all by yourselves."

"I think we're pretty good protection for each other," I laugh. "Thanos is dead, Bruce. We should finally be safe." Even I can hear the doubt in my voice.

"That's what I keep telling myself," he replies.

"Well, you guys are welcome at any time. Hey, do you need a place to stay? You know, considering you haven't been on Earth for years."

"No," he says quickly. I must look offended because he rushes to correct himself. "Don't take that the wrong way! I don't want to be the constant third wheel."

"Like Thor?" I giggle.

"Yeah, like Thor. I'm not exactly sure what you were doing up there, but he came down completely traumatized." We share a laugh. "Speaking of that incident, when you have kids, I call godfather." I nearly spit out my drink.

"Bruce!"

"Hey, just putting it out there!" He teases, pushing his glasses up on his nose.

"You came back to Earth a month ago and you're already campaigning to be the godfather of my nonexistent children?"

"Yeah, I am. You have more PhDs now, I need something to put with my name!" He chuckles. "But seriously though: kids?"

My heart instantly screams yes!, but I really don't want to have this conversation with my older brother. Plus, while my heart seems so sure about this, my mind doesn't quite agree. "I- we're both open to the idea," I say truthfully, although we've only had the conversation once. I think about that spare bedroom. "When we're ready. I think we always assumed there would be a battle to fight. Someone to run from. Not the safest environment to start a family, and it's too late to pull a Clint."

"Why?" He questions. When I don't answer, he plows on. "Eliza, if you've found the man you're happy with, and there aren't any threats left, what's holding you back from having everything you ever wanted?"

Fear. Fear of losing everything I ever wanted. I already almost lost Loki. The thought of losing my own child paralyzes me to the point that I'm not sure I even want one.

Bruce senses my hesitation. "Listen, you're young. You're brilliant, brave, sweet. An accomplished scientist and an Avenger. You have your whole life ahead of you. You could do anything you want with it. Just don't waste it."

I nod. "Thanks, Bruce," I say, smiling. He always knows how to cheer me up. And he's right. For the first time, we have time. "So, how about you and Nat? Can I call godmother just yet?"

"Me and... wait, we were talking about you!" He says attempting to change the subject as his cheeks flush scarlet.

"Not anymore!" I say playfully. I give him a cheeky grin.

"Shut up, Eliza," is all he says. I stick my tongue out in victory.

——————-

"You all better come and visit," I say sternly to the team. "Not just holidays. Random days, too."

"Of course. I wouldn't want to face the wrath of a ray of sunshine," Nat says, feigning terror.

Loki chuckles. "I've been on the receiving end of that wrath. I wouldn't suggest it."

I hug Tony first. Our relationship is different now, closer than before. "Take care of yourself for once, okay?"

"Right back atcha, kid." He smiles. I move on to Nat, who just hugs me silently. She doesn't need to talk. I understand.

"Bruce, don't do anything dumb, okay?" I tease. "The smarter Banner won't be here to stop you."

"I'm still smarter," he says, giving me a quick, gentle hug. "But I promise."

"I'll hold him to that one," Tony jokes. Apparently, his ability to wisecrack has returned with his spirits. I roll my eyes and wrap my arms around Steve.

"Don't be a stranger, okay?" He nods, smiling a bit.

"Same to you. Stay safe, contact us if you need anything." I can tell he wants to say more but doesn't really know where to start, so I just give him a quick kiss on the cheek.

"We will." I move back and I entwine my fingers in Loki's, checking my bag one more time to make sure Ophelia's in it. She peers out with her big blue eyes. I melt a little.

"Tell Thor we send our best," Loki says. To everyone else, he doesn't care that his own brother didn't come to see us off. But I'm not everyone else. I know better. He's disappointed, and Thor is depressed. "Are you ready?"

I nod. "Let's go." Green light envelopes us and we're gone.

How's everyone doing today? This was the essential end of Endgame Part 1!