A Tale of Mischief and Mutants

Mortal Friendship

—-Loki—-

"I've never met a princess before."

At Sam's words and demeanor change it's clear to me suddenly that princesses were revered heavily by women in Midgard. Probably due to observing the films we have been enjoying these past couple days at a young age. Some of Sam's comments come back to me now and I also realize that becoming a princess was a dream most Midgardian girls had.

It was much like how some young Asgardian girls would look up to the Valkyries. I will love nothing more than making that dream a reality. Shuri is confused by Sam's worry at first she speaks with her and she reassures her not to worry about it. Then Peter's face lights up with realization.

"Hey m- Loki I just realized it's your birthday later this week! Or technically the beginning of next week, Sunday, It's on the 17th!!"

I allow myself to smile as I nod, Peter's always been a good friend to me. Though he has no obligation to remember being that tradition isn't celebrated in Asgardian culture he remembers every year without fail. He looks at me with excitement.

"We doing cake at my place or yours?"

I continue to allow others to see past the illusion of myself I've created, something I've been doing more and more of these days.

"I'll have Thor pick you up."

As little as a year ago I hadn't ever really socialized with any of my teammates when we were assembled, not even Peter. I would only really speak with him outside of missions, I'd come in do whatever was required and leave. Shuri spots Bucky from across the room and excuses herself. Peter begins rambling and I'm content to stand here and listen keeping silent, merely nodding my head to encourage him to continue.

My friendship with this mortal has honestly been one of the only things that made these past five years bearable. Peter came along and suddenly I wasn't so alone anymore. I was just glad to have someone that I could trust and who thinks of me (other than Thor who's obligated to). He's one of the few people I trust not to someday reject me. I sometimes wonder if I would have stuck around on Midgard if it weren't for him. He gave me hope, if he could accept me then maybe someday others could do the same.

'Where would I be today if no one had accepted me?' 'Would I have fallen back into my old habits?' I'm glad I never had to find out. I spot Sam watching me and smile at her as I continue listening to Peter go on about types of cake and other activities we could do to celebrate. Soon Fury enters the room and Peter, along with the rest of the room, goes silent. We all quickly find a seat.

"We're up against a very powerful mutant today he's gone by many names, Max Eisenhard, Magnus, Erik Lehnsherr, and most notably-"

Sam interjects then, it's a whisper but Fury allows her to finish his sentence.

"Magneto."

Fury smiles.

"Ah yes we have a member who's well versed in facing this particular threat. I was actually hoping you had some insight in how to deal with this."

Sam looks around the room a bit nervously now seeing all eyes on her, I take her hand beneath the table just as she's done for me before. This seems to give her confidence.

"W-what's the situation exactly director?"

"He's threatening a meeting of world leaders discussing the International Mutant Registration Act, they're supposed to meet in less than an hour we have reason to believe civilians will be harmed when he attacks. They refused to cancel, postpone, or relocate their meeting against my advice."

Sam looks conflicted I can tell she's less than happy with the thought of an international mutant registry but she has a passion for helping and protecting people. She seems to make up her mind on the issue.

"Well first of all absolutely no metal."

She turns to Tony apologetically.

"Sorry Tony."

"Pft whatever I got stuff to do anyway."

Natasha butts in.

"What, are you working on mark one hundred?!"

Tony stretches in his seat and yawns.

"Mark one hundred twenty actually."

Fury looks annoyed by them getting off track.

"As you were saying Samantha?"

"No metal and telepathic attacks won't work if he's got that helmet on... we should also be prepared to work with the X-men they will probably show up... although I know your higher ups will probably decide to have us arrest them."

"You know what I'd say to that decision?"

Sam looks to Fury a bit nervously.

"I'd tell them It's a stupid ass decision and I'd elect to ignore it."

Sam smiles now relieved. Rogers looks to her.

"Do you have any proposals for the exact plan of action?"

"No I was actually hoping you could coordinate it from here... I'm not the best at strategy... or leadership."

The captain nods takes a moment to think then begins to explain his plan.