Hand in Hand

Chapter 1

I had joined this little family a while ago when I had provided assistance on one of their missions, effectively saving their asses and almost getting myself shot. Steve had insisted that I come back with them to make sure that I was okay, and I had reluctantly agreed. Turns out that I had 3 gunshot wounds and Steve freaked out at the fact that I hadn't felt them, and forced me to stay in the tower until I was better. I haven't really left since then.

"How're ya doin' Mimes?" Tony asked from the other side of the room

'Mimes', the nickname Tony had decided upon for me, not his best work I must say.

I raised my eyebrow and signed out, 'Chocolate is superior to strawberry'

Clint cracked an amused smile, looking at Tony, who replied, "That's good" while pouring coffee.

The only one in the tower who actually understands what I'm saying is Clint, due to the fact that I use sign language, not because I'm deaf but because I'm mute, and always have been. It might seem strange but even stranger is that I can't make any sounds other than huffs of air or inhales.

Everyone was currently sitting in the living room waiting for someone to arrive, who? I wouldn't know, no one told me.

'So who are we waiting for again?' I signed out hoping to get an answer

"Classified information" Clint replied

I huffed and pulled out my phone to read, seeing my reflection while doing so. My light strawberry blonde hair settled in waves on my shoulders, with twin buns resting on my head. My plaid jacket and black lace top standing out compared to my amber eyes, ripped denim shorts, black fishnet tights and vans. I adjusted my pastel rainbow hair clip and opened my phone, only to hear-

"FRIENDS!"

I jumped in my seat and clutched my chest, letting out a startled huff. Looking up I noticed Thor, this being the first time I've seen him since the mission.

I let out an excited gasp and ran up to hug him.

"Little sister, what a joy!" He boomed as he scooped me up in a bone crushing hug

He let go and put me down gently as a figure appeared by his side.

"Etsuko?" He asked

'Loki!' I signed excitedly. I moved to hug him but noticed the restraints on his hands and wrists. Staring them down and trying to figure out a way around them, I got an idea. I lifted his arms up and placed myself in between them, squeezing Loki.

He hugged me tightly (well as best he could), "Missed you" he mumbled into my neck. I rubbed my head against his in an affectionate manner, like a cat, to show he wasn't the only one.

I slipped out of his arms and looked at Thor, 'Why is he in restraints?'

"He tried to take over Midgard" he replied bluntly

I looked at Loki with a 'Really?' look on my face while raising an eyebrow and crossing my arms. He looked away with the expression of a child who was caught with his hands in the cookie jar.

"Is anyone going to explain what's going on?" Steve asked, eyeing us.

"Well if you weren't so close-minded you would have realized that we all know each other" Loki replied snarkily. I huffed then lightly smacked his arm.

'I grew up with these two' I signed

Clint let out an 'oh' and relayed the information to the others.

"But he tried to take over New York!" Tony protested.

'But he didn't' I signed back, Clint acting as a translator.

This initiated a staring contest, which I won.

"Well you've had your reunion, now we have to show Reindeer Games his living space" he huffed and beckoned for Thor to follow him, Loki lagging behind.

I sent him a little wave and a sympathetic smile as he was led away.

I skipped down to the library a little while later with a smile on my face, the same information replaying in my head over and over.

I finally have my best friend back.