Chapter Text
The compound was in an uproar the next few months getting ready for Loki’s arrival. Tony was more stressed than ever, and it was getting on all our nerves. New and weird tech was being placed into a spare room almost every week. When asked about it, Tony said it was for “safety,” but I knew he was making a cage- one strong enough to hold a god.
Tony wasn’t the only one freaking out over the situation, though. Clint had been hiding himself in his rooms for days at a time, only coming out when Nat dragged him out. He never ate with us anymore or joined in on movie nights. Nat tried everything she could to get through to him, but he wasn’t budging. Bruce and Steve were also on edge, but they seemed to handle themselves pretty well. Bruce spent a lot of the time in his lab because he wanted to try and make some relaxing pills to calm him down if Loki should ever step out of line.
Thor had left the day after the meeting to prepare everything in Asgard, which just left me. I honestly didn’t know what to do or how to feel. Tony didn’t put me on any special assignments or ask me to help with preparations, so I felt bored and lonely. I spent most of my days either in the library or back in my room, though I much preferred the library so I did not have to think.
When I did think, though, my mind ended up spinning in so many circles that I would have to down a few drinks before finally shutting it off.
Loki was coming.
The man in my head. He’s been with me for seven years, and I was finally going to meet him… look at him face-to-face. The last time I had come close to looking in his eyes was when he sent the Destroyer. What would he be like? Would he be as evil as they say? Will he even remember me?
Will he remember me? That was seriously on my mind right now! Out of all the shit I had to worry about, THAT was what was keeping me up at night. His eyes, how they would look at me when seeing me for the first time. How he would perceive me. Thor had said that I reminded him of Loki, but would our personalities align, or would he think I was just another foolish mortal?
The night before the Asgardians arrived, I stayed up all night trying to drown these thoughts out of my head. I kept imagining him, his voice, his eyes. Those green piercing eyes.
Snap out of it, loser. My mind was running on caffeine and alcohol, so I decided to drink some water and cool my head. I went outside into the yard for some fresh air and a moment of clarity. Downing the last of my water, I sat on the porch and closed my eyes. I wanted to feel the cool air just hit me.
“Everything okay?” a voice asked behind me. I jumped. I opened my fists before I realized it was Steve, then settled back down again.
“Jesus Christ, Steve you scared the shit out of me!”
He laughed at that before joining me and sitting beside me. “Sorry about that,” he blushed. “I just noticed you came out here, and since it’s the middle of the night, I figured something might be up.”
“I’m alright, just too much caffeine today, I think.”
I knew he didn’t buy it, but, thankfully, he didn’t push any further. “Tomorrow’s a big day. A lot of things are going to change around here. We’ll all have to be on guard for a bit.”
“Most likely, but we’re doing the right thing. We need this, and he needs it. The way Thor used to talk about him, it just didn’t seem like something he would do. Now we know. It wasn’t him at all, but Thor says he’s still hanging on to a darkness.”
Steve nodded at my ramble, considering it thoughtfully. “You’re right, we do need it. Thor definitely needs it. Maybe we can leave New York behind us once we see Loki again and get closure, especially for Clint.
“It’ll take a while for Clint to get any type of closure,” I muttered, not looking at Steve. “I don’t blame him.”
“Are you nervous to see him?”
I let out a laugh. It was nervous and scared, and Steve could tell. “I…,” I stammered, “I guess I am. More than I thought I would be, actually. I guess it’s just that… well it’s all uncertain. I don’t know what to expect from him or myself. I mean I only saw him in machine form and on TV. I don’t even know what I’ll say.”
“Dana don’t worry,” Steve assured me, “everything will be fine. He won’t do anything without having to go through us first. If he’s as smart as we think, he’ll keep to himself and stay low.”
Possibly. I smiled at Steve before saying goodnight and heading back to bed. Everything would be different tomorrow.
~~~~~~~~~
I woke up to loud banging and angry conversations. I hurried out of my room to find out what happened. Surely, Loki hasn’t come yet. Instead, Tony and Bruce were in the kitchen yelling at the last-minute workmen who came early to install the last of the “safety” devices.
I crossed my arms at the scene. “Really Tony? We have to protect the kitchen from him too?”
Tony was surprised to see me up at this time, but with his loud installations and yelling, there was almost a guarantee I would be up now. “Sorry kiddo, we’ll be done soon.” Rolling my eyes, I left to prepare myself for the day. I put on a casual black dress since it was a hot day today, but also because I wanted to feel comfortable. Having pit stains showing on my shirt would not be ideal.
After a few agonizing hours of Tony’s stress and micromanagement, Thor had arrived. We heard the loud rumble of the Bifrost outside our living room. The team looked at each other, no one moving to go meet them outside. We stood there, on edge, for a few minutes before the door opened, and Thor walked in with his brother behind him.
Steve was the first to greet them. I turned to face them and saw Thor in all his fancy armor. Loki was in his too, hands bound by thick handcuffs that I assumed were magical. He didn’t have the muzzle over his mouth as he did in New York, but his lips were closed shut as he didn’t say a word. His eyes were cold, glaring at everyone who came near him.
Clint kept his distance, never saying hello or stepping in Loki’s direction. His eyes were piercing into Loki, analyzing every movement, searching for danger. His muscles were tensed, and his breathing was a bit too fast.
“Dana!”
Thor snapped me out of my thoughts. He was motioning for me to come welcome him, but I couldn’t move. Loki was looking at me.
Steve took my hand and brought me over to Thor. I hugged him tightly, like I always do, but I was shaking. This was scarier than what I imagined. I felt Loki’s eyes on me, but I couldn’t move or let go of Thor. I had never felt so weak.
When I finally did let go, I backed up and turned to Loki. “Welcome back,” I uttered, too quietly.
The corner of his mouth tugged up into a smirk. He continued to stare at me, causing my nerves to shoot off anxiety, so I looked down to the floor. Maybe he’d stop soon and turn his attention elsewhere. But the room was quiet, and everyone was watching him- watching me.
Loki finally spoke. “Nice to see you again, little one.”