A Tale of Mischief and Mutants

Grief and Fury

—-Loki—-

The team's joy over Galactus' defeat seems somewhat muted by the loss of Tony. No one can argue it wasn't worth it but it was still such a high price for many of us. Strange, Steve, Sam Wilson, and Bucky leave immediately to return the three stones likely leaving so soon to avoid the feeling of grief permeating throughout the compound.

Shortly after, Thor left for Wakanda with the case containing the Mind Stone so Shuri can begin reattaching it to Vision. Sam is currently talking with Storm and Logan I can tell she's trying to override her grief with her excitement about the X-men's newfound lawfulness. Fury walks up and hands me the case containing the tesseract chuckling slightly though his eyes are still sad.

"I never thought I'd be handing this over to you."

Though I myself still have a ways to go with my grief I still manage to smile a bit mischievously. I have no plans for any tricks only to return it safely to New Asgard I still feel it's mischief enough to keep him guessing.

"It's going right back to the church. Cross my heart."

He looks at me in slight suspicion. Then drops it and changes the subject. A smirk of his own forming on his lips as he speaks.

"I understand you two made a move to tie the knot. It took long enough. But my plans always do tend to eventually pan out..."

I'm confused as to what he means and it must show. He elaborates still smirking.

"You've always seemed so lonely... did you really think you were actually my only option? I could've called Rogers, Parker, or Barnes they probably would've been able to coax her into letting us help her eventually but I saw something that day. A side of you I hadn't seen... I'm glad that so far everything's worked out for both of you."

He casually walks away leaving me in a stupor. I can't say I'm not absolutely shocked by this revelation. I hadn't had a clue. I mutter to myself smiling at the favor he'd done for me without my knowledge. I never would've willingly accepted any form of help not back then, I still struggle with it today.

"Well played director."

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Sam and I return home we drop the case off at the church and see that not even New Asgard had been spared from the effects fear could have on people. Some shops have been vandalized and looted. Thor's going to have to address this when he gets back. I expected better from our people though I don't think we should be too harsh with them.

We've already lost one home it's understandable that they'd be more fearful this time around. They remained calm throughout Ragnarok so perhaps they could be allowed a bit of leniency if Thor asks for my opinion I'll tell him he should have those responsible help rebuild rather than thrown in jail.  

Some Asgardians see we're home and quickly go inside likely being the culprits behind the vandalism while others have the opposite reaction running inside to get the attention of others then coming back out. So they'd heard about our engagement though we hadn't had the chance to formally announce it. Nobody's brave enough to approach us until a young girl seemingly emboldened by her friends who push her towards us timidly approaches Sam.

"Lady Samantha... are... are you to be Prince Loki's wife?"

Sam smiles warmly at the child kneeling down so she's at eye level with her. Though I know she's probably not in the best mood for dealing with this she's too kind to ignore any of our people a quality that's befitting of Asgardian royalty. She nods her head.

"Yes, may I ask your name?"

I smile she would be a good mother if we chose that path. Unfortunately it couldn't be our child because of what was done to her. Sam and I have never talked about her being sterile before but I've known it since the beginning. It was on the report Fury gave me.

I have little interest in fatherhood and the fact has never bothered me. I don't think she's trying to hide the fact from me the topic's just never come up. Even if she is it's of little importance that's not why I chose to pursue her and I'm sure she'll tell me when she's good and ready to. The girl looks at Sam shyly.

"Runa."

"Well Lady Runa, Loki and I need to get some rest but it was nice talking with you ok."

The girl nods and giggles a little and Sam stands back up. She smiles softly at me and we're on our way.