Category: Loki Inspired (Page 9 of 18)

When Loki finally woke up it was after midday again. –“ If I had kept doing this any longer I might fell into Odin´s sleep.-“ He thought to himself. “-Or would it be Loki´s sleep? Well, it doesn´t matter I have no time for that, besides today will be the last time. I might have to take my time to regain my strength but I won´t be idle, though fist I have a letter to write.”

As he got up his stomach complained with a sound full growl –All right, all right. I will take care of you first, there´s no need to make a scene.-Loki admonished the growling sounds, he hadn´t been in such a good mood in months, as he noticed he scratched the back of his head as he walked over the kitchen trying to figure out the source of the change, then it hit him. As he leaned into the kitchen bar laughing he scolded himself –Oh Loki! You´ve been so stupid!.-

After he had eaten a good size breakfast he went to his desk, this letter might be the last she would heard of him for a good time, he´d better make it worthwhile.

-Leah, my love

-She´s going to have a blast with that-Loki said to himself smiling.

-I´ve been in terrible soggy mood since the day I left you at SHIELD´s mercy, I thought I was doing the right thing all these months keeping myself away in order to keep you safe, have I ever been so wrong before?

I´ve been so caught in my fear of losing you I forgotten who I am.

I am Loki of Asgard, and as you so accurate pointed out I do what I want, and what I want is you in every sense of the word.

Today is the first day in months I felt like myself, can you guess why? Because I have relinquished the foolish idea of giving you up, I might not have a plan, not even a shred of a plan but that won´t stop me, if there isn´t a way I will invent one. I won´t rest until what’s rightfully mine has been restored to my side.

I´m the God of Chaos, but chaos is also the womb of creation and rebirth. I am not my actions, they don´t define me, they never will. And if someone doesn´t like that they can choke on it.

Will I be at your side when our daughter is born? Just try to stop me! I´ve even thought a name for her … Eerika.

I guess Thor has already told you I won´t be delivering any more roses for the time being, and you probably remember why. On my despair I did the only thing I could think of to keep myself near you, but it was unwise from me to keep it up this long. I will need quite some time to restore myself and my magic to fit conditions, so I will have to ask you to be patient.

I´m convinced that the best place for you until our daughter is born is with the Avengers, they have already saved you twice and we might need their help again before this is over. I´ve seen you training, never thought you could be so skilled with the bow, keep at it, learn as much as you can, within reason discover your new abilities, they might come in handy as the time comes.

Looking at you so concentrated and determined as sweat rolls down your delicious neck has been driving me crazy, who could have thought that the sight of you as a warrior would be so … enticing. I´ve neglected you for so long and I intend to correct that mistake in a slowly maddening way until there´s no complain left.

For now my sweet mischievous girl know that you are in my thoughts every day and every night that I long for the soft touch of your skin against mine, and I´m eagerly waiting for the day you´ll be within my arms again.

Until then remember this, I love you.

Loki.-

He looked at his letter as he finished pleased with himself.-I wish I could see her face as she reads it, though I can almost see her blushing.- He mischievously grinned at the thought of Leah´s flustered face as she reads his letter.- Norn’s, how I miss her!-he sighed at the memories.

-Dr. Banner Mrs. Leah temperature has dropped below 37°C – Jarvis reported to an occupied Bruce.

-Finally!-Bruce sighed with relief as he removed his glasses and rested his head back for a moment before getting up and walking over her room.

Steve was there watching over her, it was morning again when Bruce walked in with made Steve stand up alarmed, there hadn´t been good news so far –Is something wrong?- he asked worryingly.

-No. – Bruce smiled to reassure him. – In fact she´s getting better, her fever has ceased, I think we can hook her off from the sedatives, with her new metabolism rates she should wake within the hour.-

-Are you sure? – Steve asked nervously.

-Yes I am, look at her, she´s not stirring any more, she even looks peaceful.-Bruce said as he removed a lose strand of her from Leah´s face.

-Thank god!-Steve sighed relief then he suddenly added –I don´t think she looks any taller.-

-You are right, I don´t think the changes are so obvious in her, and after all the serum works differently on every subject. Will just have to wait and see what her new abilities are.-Bruce reasoned.

-What are we going to tell her?-Steve askes concern written all over his face.

-The truth.-Bruce answered –That we choose not to tell her because we didn´t wanted her to worry over nothing.-

-It didn´t turned out to be nothing.-Steve commented.

-We had no way of knowing that.-Bruce admitted –Her transformation took so long to trigger it caught us off guard.-

-You are right.-Steve agreed.

-Don´t worry guys! Maybe she´ll end up liking the idea! You know super powers, who wouldn´t want those? – Tony told them as he walked in. –What?! You never know …-Tony snapped at Bruce and Steve’s surprised faces.- She wanted to be able to protect her daughter, and now she just might be able to.-

-Let´s just hope for no side effects.-Steve dryly told them.

-I think we can rule those out.-Bruce said to them. –I´ve just finished comparing her last DNA results to yours and other test subjects who have had side effects, except for some minor differences yours and hers seem to be identical.-

-Minor differences?-Steve asked intrigued

-There always be differences between DNA samples, but I don´t see anything significate, mainly genes for race, height, sex, color of eyes, etc. Stop worrying, she´ll be fine.-Bruce kept trying to appease Steve´s mind, then he changed the subject as he noticed someone missing –Where´s Thor?-

-He went for a walk.-Tony told them at their incredulous looks he confessed –Actually I had to ask him to go for a walk. He was driving me crazy. Should I call him back?-

-Just tell him Leah will be fine and probably will be awake within an hour that should make him happy.-Bruce suggested

-And less annoying.-Tony said with a smirk as he walked out.

-Have you communicated with Clint and Natasha?- Bruce asked Steve

No.-he answered –I´ll get them onto speed once they get back from their mission with SHIELD.-

-You are worried of Fury´s reaction if he happened to find out?-Bruce asked again

-Truthfully yes. Fury already wanted her badly before, can you imagine what would happen if he found out she´s a super soldier now?-Steve admitted with a grim face.

-He´d probably try to recruit her.-Bruce suggested.

-Or add her to the Index.-Steve added.-Either way we have to avoid that from happening.-

When Leah woke up she noticed three concerned faces looking at her- ´That can´t be good- she thought to herself, she wasn´t in pain or cold anymore, in fact she felt better than she had in a long time.

-Is anyone going to tell me what´s wrong?-She asked nervously as she tried to sit up.

-Easy Leah.-Bruce suggested as he helped her up, even if the lab results suggested she was in optimal condition it wouldn´t hurt to take it slow for a couple of days.

-Well.-Tony started. – We might have omitted to tell you a certain detail about a transfusion we had to give you when we thought we might lose you.-

-Transfusion? I don´t understand. What does that has to do with anything? – She asked confused, then it hit her – From whom?-

-From me.-Steve answered her question which made Leah´s eye´s grow big in surprise.

Tony started explaining everything to Leah, from now and then Bruce and Steve would add some details, when they finished their story silence reigned the room, they were all waiting for Leah´s reaction, who was trying to get her mind over all that had happened.

Suddenly the silence was broke as she asked intrigued –So, what does this mean? I have superpowers now? Like Steve?-

-Probably, but there´s no way to know for sure until they manifest.-Bruce answered.

-That´s …just … I can´t believe it, really? How can we find out?-she sounded more excited than scared which made everyone relax.

-I told you she would like it.-Tony smiled at her excitement

-I don´t think we should find out right now.-Bruce said with a serious look.

-But can I get off bed now?-she asked impatiently

Bruce couldn’t help to laugh. –No, not yet, I want to keep you in observation for a couple of days just to make sure everything is all right. Don´t worry you´ll be sleeping in your own bed soon.-

-That sounds nice.-Leah admitted with a smile, she was tired of being in the medical ward.

-I´m glad to see you better.-Thor said walking in.

-You and me both Thor.-Leah acknowledge.

-Guys, do you think I can talk to Leah in private? – Thor suddenly asked.

-Of course.-Steve answered as he got up

-We have things to do in the lab.-Tony dragged Bruce as he said the words.

-Yes, we do.-Bruce answered back as they went for the door.

Once they were alone Leah asked worryingly –Is something wrong Thor?-

-Nothing is wrong Leah, I just need to talk to you. Yesterday I found your letters … -Leah blushed at his news which made Thor smile when he saw her distraught.-You have nothing to be ashamed of Leah, I … delivered your last letter.- he added.

-You saw Loki? – Leah asked surprised

-Yes, I did.-Thor told her –He asked me to give you a message …-

As Thor retold Leah his encounter with Loki she listened attentively, Thor chose to leave out of his recollection about Loki´s worries regarding SHIELD taking action as soon as their daughter were born, there was no point of worrying her right now.-

“-So, he´s going to answer me back-“ She thought to herself, she felt a bit sad about not looking forward to his roses any more but she understood why, and was grateful he had gone through such lengths to let her know he cared.

-Are you all right Leah? – Thor asked when she remained quite.

-Oh! Sorry, yes! I was just thinking I´ll have to wait until tomorrow to know Loki´s mind.-She answered back.

-I hope he gives you the answer you are looking for.-Thor softly told her.

-Thank you Thor, I hope that too.-Leah said with a small sigh.

Tony hadn´t found a way yet to monitor Loki´s entrances, but he could pinpoint them from the appearances of the roses, so talking as if he were listening was Thor´s only plan, he had to talk to Loki once more.

As Jarvis quietly indicated Thor the rose had appeared he spoke up –She´s unwell brother, we need to talk. Meet me on the rooftop of the building where we talked last, it´s important.- Thor stayed for a couple of more minutes looking at Leah with concern, fortunately the fever hadn´t gone up, it seemed to be maintaining, before he left he called for Tony who was examining more samples to take his place.

– Are you sure of this Thor?-he asked as he arrived to Leah´s room.

-As you said, they both seem to be miserable without the other, I need to give it another try, for both their sakes.-Thor bluntly responded.

It wasn´t long before Thor arrived to the rooftop of the building surrounding Central Park, hidden in the shadows was Loki, who had been there for a while now, he looked ill even at the pale moonlight, dark patches around his eyes, he even looked thinner.

-What´s wrong with her? – Loki spoke first without turning around

-I understand you saw her on the operating table, did you witness the transfusion?-Thor asked him

-Transfusion? No, what do you mean? – Loki looked back worryingly.

-I should explain this to you from the beginning then, she had a tear in her uterus, she lost a lot of blood, normally we have blood reserves for the inhabitants of the Tower, but …- Thor began his explanation.

-She´s not a normal inhabitant.-Loki interrupted him.

-No, she is not, it never occurred to any pf us to have a blood supply for her, and she has a rare blood type AB-, none of us were a compatible match except for the Captain.-Thor continued

-The soldier? – Loki looked concerned.

-Yes, what do you know of the super soldier serum?- Thor asked Loki

-Enough to know is not to be played with. – Loki dryly answered

-They had to do something, she was dying, there was no other choice. For a while she seemed to be all right that somehow his blood only had help her keep alive without any side effects, that until this morning. You didn´t scried for her today?-Thor asked hoping he wouldn´t have to explain everything to Loki

-Sadly no, even a simple spell like that is difficult for me at this moment.-Loki looked down as he sighed

-Her transformation triggered, the Captain recollection of it is in his words as excruciating painful, but in his case it only lasted a couple of minutes, her change is too slow but it seems equally painful.-he added with a grim look in his face.

-What?-Loki paled at his words –You mean she´s in pain right now? Can´t you do something to help her?-

-She was sedated the moment it started, Dr. Banner explained to me that her body is in pain, but her mind is not around to register it, and we´ll keep her that way until the change is finished.-Thor explained

-So, that´s why she looks so agitated, I thought it was because of the fever she obviously has.-Loki reasoned sadly.

-No, that is just another manifestation of the transformation.-Thor added

-How long will it take?-Loki asked in earnest

-According to the test they´ve made tomorrow morning probably.-Thor said hopefully

Loki sighed in relief, morning wasn´t too far away now, then he told Thor –I´m sure you didn´t asked me to talk just to tell me this.-

-No, I didn´t … she was writing you another letter when … it happened.-Thor offered Loki a folded piece of paper.

Loki couldn´t grab it or unfold it fast enough, as he started to read it he couldn´t help to smile –She´s too smart for her own good.-he said mostly to himself, unshed tears glistered in his eyes as he kept reading, at some point he had to dry them with his sleeve, once he finished he said to Thor as he hold the letter close to his heart.-Thank you.-

-You are welcome brother.-Thor placed his hand on the younger man shoulder, he didn´t had to imagine much how Loki felt. Suddenly he asked –What are you going to do?-

-I don´t know, what can I do? I´ve been thinking this over and over, I hoped she graciously accepted my offer to do the honorable thing, but she didn´t. I don´t understand why. – Loki admitted

-I didn´t either at first, then Stark told me that doing the honorable thing and doing the right thing isn’t always the same thing.-Thor explained

Loki looked puzzled at him, noticing this Thor added. – She knows there isn´t a way, but she´s not giving up on you, what she wants is for you to do the same thing.

Loki ran his hands through his hair as he sat nodding his head in a negative way.-There is no way, I’ve though this over and over and I can´t find one.-

-Why? Haven´t you considered turning away from this evil path for her?- Thor asked as if the answer was as simple as that.

Loki looked at him infuriated.-Of course I have! Tell me if I surrendered myself to Odin or SHIELD what do you think would happen? That they´ll just forgive me without any trials or consequences? Best case scenario they´ll condemn me to prison for the norns know how long. What is a brink of an eye for us would be an eternity for her, I strongly doubt they would allow us to see each other again. If that happened I know for sure her heart would break as mine would.-

Thor looked inquisitively at Loki, he didn´t thought of that, risking his brother’s rage he asked again.- What if you didn´t surrender yourself to the, what if you joi8ned us?-

-You mean become an Avenger?-Loki spat amused –Like they would treat me any different than Odin or SHIELD would. Have you forgotten I´ve tried to kill them on many occasions? Do you really think they will be that forgiven?-

-I would forgive you. – Thor volunteered.

-It doesn´t count, you are my brother. And even I don´t get why you are always so eager to forgive me.-Loki confessed.

-Because no matter what you do, I know somewhere beneath it all must be the brother I grew up with, and I loved him deeply.-Thor answered.

-As I said it doesn´t count.-Loki pouted.

-All right! Then ran of with her to the other side of the Galaxy! – Thor answered annoyed

-With all the enemies I have made, it would be only a matter of time before someone found us, should I be defeated they would be alone, stranded millions of light years away with no means to get in touch with you. That assuming that whoever defeated me left them alive. She´s safer in [Earth, if anything happens she can count on you and the other Avengers to help her.-Loki reasoned equally annoyed.

Thor´s heart hurt, he was out of ideas.-So you are just going to give up? – He asked irritated.

-No.- Loki yelled back offended –As she said I can´t let her go any more than she can, but that doesn’t help either of us. We are at an impasse.-Loki sadly admitted –And running out of time.-

-What do you mean? – Thor inquired.

Loki sighed, why he had told Thor that, probably because he wanted to tell Leah, but he wasn´t sure he could or even should. –Our baby is due in three months and a half, do you really think SHIELD isn´t going to try something when she is born? I would if I were on their place.-

Thor looked at him surprised –They wouldn´t!-

-Do you really think so? – Loki asked intrigued –They may claim to be the good guys, but they don’t always act as one. The stories I could tell you wouldn´t let you sleep at night.-

Thor´s dark expression told Loki differently – So you do have heard the stories.-he corrected himself.

-Only rumors.-Thor acknowledge

-Your friends play with their own set of rules, which isn’t bad if you are a villain, but if you are a good guy.-Loki gestured disapprovingly. –I´d love to stay and chat but I´m exhausted Thor.-Loki said in a weary voice.

-Are you all right Loki? – He knew very well he wasn´t.

-You would look this good too if you had travelled through the branches of Yggdrasil 5 days in a roll.-Loki answered with a fake smile.-Would you give her a message for me? – His smile changed to a sad one –Tell her that I´m sorry but tomorrow is going to be the last rose, I can´t keep this up any longer. I’ll write her back tomorrow too. Take care of her for me, will you Thor? – Loki pleaded.

-Always Loki.-Thor said to him as he nodded his head affirmatively.

Loki thanked Thor with a small bow as he teleported himself to his hide out.

He dropped to his bead with a heavy heart, the image of Leah soaked in sweat as she thought the pain haunted him. –Now SHIELD will have one more reason to get a hold of her.-he thought to himself, he had to come up with a plan, she was counting on him, and this time he wasn´t going to let her down.

The next day as Leah opened her eyes she drowsily look to her night table, there was a new rose button on the vase and … a letter. He had written her back, she was afraid he wouldn´t, she stared at it for the longest time her heart pounding, she was scared of opening it, what if …

-“Get a hold of yourself Leah, you won´t change what it says just by looking at it, and you won´t know what it says unless you open it”- she scolded herself mentally as she reluctantly stretched her arm to get a hold of it –“Leah, stop shaking, breathe and for the love of God open it.”- She had to command herself to open the letter after she froze holding it for a couple of minutes.

She closed her eyes as she sighed and opened the letter at last, as she read I she wasn´t surprised at all at Loki´s confession about doubting to take her letter in the first place, but she was surprised by the formal tone he used to continue –“Dammit Loki, I´m not one of your diplomatic missions.-she thought annoyed though it lasted short as she started reading Loki´s recollection of her … she didn´t even wanted to give it a name, it was still too fresh on her memory and still felt scared thinking about it.

As she kept reading her expression jumped from swooned to sad and angry depending which part she was reading. She blushed about his reference of the Princess Bride, he had seen her sleeping with Tony, it didn´t matter what he wrote, she knew he was jealous.

She growled in frustration as she clenched her fists around the letter looking at the ceiling –What was I thinking? – She motioned herself –I shouldn´t had let Tony talk me into this.- She whispered between clenched teeth, she stayed still for a couple of minutes with a frown on her face until suddenly she started giggling which grow into full laughter. When she finally finished laughing she dried the tears that had rolled from her eyes and pulled a writing pad and some blank paper sheets from a drawer in the night table.

-Nice try Loki, just enough truth to make me buy it, but you are becoming careless, why would you practically admit being jealous if you really had no hope for us.

Didn´t you thought I was paying attention to all of your stories? The art of giving everyone what they think they want, didn´t you define politics that way? Well baby, I´ve been living with 5 of the most wanted bachelors in the world, not to mention handsome, interesting, preety much capable of taking care of me and our baby, any woman´s dream … and one of them is filthy rich, better make that two, I´m quite sure Thor could pile up quite a considerable amount as an asgardian prince, are you following me? All heroes and through all these months the only man I´m interested is you.

Do you think that´s gonna change because you are asking me too? Really? We were together for how long? Half a year perhaps? Don´t you know me? Do you ever remember me changing my mind just because?

I´ll agree with you, at this moment IO don´t see a way for us to be together, but that doesn´t mean that we´ll never find one.

All I know for sure is that you can´t let me go any more than I can, if not why the roses?

If there was a moment I should´ve stop loving you it was the night you sent me back after you promised me you wouldn´t, if that didn´t made me hate you and look comfort somewhere else, what will?

So, please if you write me back, don´t ask me again to forget you, I don´t know how to do that. And more important I don´t want to.

I´m done begging, you´ll do what you want to do as always, I was a fool to think otherwise.

If you find a way to be present at your daughter´s birth you´ll be here, I want to believe that. If you can´t I´ll still believe it was because you couldn´t find a way.

I know, I spoiled your plan, and I´m not sorry at all –

She stopped for a moment uncertain there was anything else to say, why is it so cold? She was too concentrated on the letter she hadn´t noticed she was shivering, suddenly a voice made her jump, she had been too distracted to notice Bruce and Thor entering the room.

-Sorry, we didn´t meant to scare you.-Bruce apologized –You were awfully concentrated, what are you doing?-

-Nothing, just writing.-Leah said reluctant to tell them exactly what was she writing –Could you adjust the room temperature? I´m freezing.- She said mainly because she wanted to change the subject and secondly because she really was cold.

-The temperature in this rooms is fixed, you shouldn´t be cold.-Bruce tolod her worryingly as he touched her forehead with the back of his hand. –Jarvis what´s Leah body temperature?-

-38°C Dr. Banner- The A.I. informed.

-and you didn´t thought it was worth reporting because …-Bruce asked more intrigued than annoyed.

-The value for a fever assessment is set to 38.3°C Dr. Banner, according to this Mrs. Leah temperature isn´t within the right parameters to make a report.-Jarvis responded.

-Ok Jarvis, change the parameters to 37.5°C and alert me next time.- Bruce told Jarvis, there was no point arguing over it, he should´ve thought of reviewing the parameters for medical alert when Leah was interned in the medical ward.

-Thor, help me get Leah´s bed to the lab, I need to run some tests.-Bruce asked Thor

-Hey, what are you doing?-Tony entered the room followed by Steve

-Leah is 38°C, we need to get her to the lab and figure out what´s provoking it.-Bruce informed them.

Leah tried to place her writing pad and paper sheets on the night table before they moved her but she failed to do so and everything just fell to the floor.

-Tony!-She called him as she looked to the mess on the floor trying to sound less desperate than she was –My papers, could you …?-

-I´m on it.-Tony answered her realizing why she had asked him.

-I´ll pick them up.-Thor said while starting to pick up the scattered papers.

-Steve, will you give me a hand?-Bruce asked impatiently.

-Sure Doc.-Steve answered as he helped Bruce pull the hospital bed through the door.

-Oh god! Please don´t let Thor look at the letters!-Leah pleaded mentally, but this time she was out of luck as Thor recognized Loki´s handwriting in one of the paper sheets he had just picked up.

-This is Loki´s handwriting. – He sharply told Tony as he showed him the paper sheet in his hand.

-Um, well, yes.-Tony agreed, there was mo pint on denying the obvious.

-You knew about this?-Thor asked confused.

-Well, yes.-Tony nodded as he scratched his head –Kind of, I knew she wrote him a letter, I didn´t knew he had written her back.-He said as he picked a sheet with Leah´s handwriting –And by the looks of it he pissed her off.-

-I don´t see why.-Thor said skimming through Loki´s letter.

-Really? Let me take a look.-Tony exclaimed surprised.

-I don´t think we should be reading any of these.-Thor suddenly realized.

-Too late Thor, she´s already going to pissed at me for not avoiding you from finding out, I´d rather know why I´m going to be yelled at.-Tony reasoned as he kept reading Leah´s letter.

-I suppose.-Thor said doubtfully –Maybe we should read them just to make sure Loki isn´t up to something.-He added as he searched for the first part of Loki´s letter.

Both of them looked concentrated and concern as they kept reading although for a moment Tony bursted laughing –I guess she´s referring to me.-Thor looked at him puzzled –Oh, never mind, you´ll understand when you read it.-

Tony finished reading Leah´s letter first and asked Thor for the first part of Loki’s letter as he gave him Leah´s. Once they both finished reading both letters Tony exclaimed –No wonder she´s all snarky and belligerent on her letter.-

-I still don´t see why, although Loki’s doing completely out of character, he´s just trying to do the honorable thing for her.-Thor answered.

-That it is the honorable thing doesn´t make it the right thing.-Tony replied, as he looked Thor´s confused expression he added in disbelief –Really? It must be an asgardian thing. – He sighed as he proceeded to explain what he had meant.-She doesn´t wants him to do the honorable thing Thor, she wants him to act according to his feelings for her.-

-So, are you suggesting they run off together?-Thor both asked confused and irritated.

-No, that´s not what I´m saying at all Thor, let me explain this …-Tony was interrupted by Bruce´s voice.

-Tony I need you in the lab ASAP, and bring the vita radiation device with you.-Bruce´s voice sounded agitated.

-On my way!-Tony answered concerned at Bruce’s request, that only could mean a thing.-We´ll finish this later big guy! – He said to Thor as he turned to run towards his lab.

Thor ran behind him, something was wrong, Banner´s urgent tone told him so.

When Bruce and Steve got Leah into the medical lab she asked him nervously –Bruce, what’s wrong?-

-I´m not sure, fever is an indicator of something going on, mainly an infection. I need to make some tests to know for sure.-He answered as he took a blood sample.

-Ok.-Leah acknowledge, she´d have to wait until he told her something else.

Bruce placed her blood sample inside an electronic microscope and pulled a virtual screen to visualize it. –That makes no sense.-He said mainly to himself.

-What makes no sense Doc?-Steve asked intrigued

-I don´t see a virus or a bacteria that´s setting this chain reaction, it´s almost as the white blood cells are fighting amongst themselves.-He explained while examining the screen.

-Bruce … I´m not feeling so good.-Leah said to him suddenly, pain was reflected on hr face.

-Leah, what´s wrong?-Brue asked concerned as he rushed to her side.

-I … everything hurts … it started mild but now it´s growing.-Leah told him scared.

-Dammit! Leah, does it feels like hundreds of small needles pinching you?-Steve asked agitated.

-Yes, but how you know?- Leah answered intrigued.

-There´s no time to explain! Doc, can you safely sedate her … and the baby?-Steve asked in a hurry

-Mm, yes, but why?-Bruce asked as he prepared the sedative

There´s no time to explain, just do it! Trust me. –Steve answered, he started to sound really alarmed.

-Ow!-Leah complained, the pain was growing, when Bruce approached her with the sedative she pleaded –No, wait! Explain to me what´s happening!- without any warning Bruce stuck the needle into her arm, the sedative made effect almost instantly as she faded away Leah asked in half voice –Why Steve looks so scared?-

-Now. Will you explain to me why I just did that?-Bruce asked Steve

-You read my file, what does it says about the actual transformation.- Steve asked in return

-That it was painful …-Bruce suddenly realized what had just happened.

-Try excruciating painful.- Steve confessed –I still don´t understand why it took her so long to react to the serum in my blood.-

-Probably because she wasn´t healthy when we administer it to her.-Bruce started piecing everything together in his mind.-The cells needed to be repaired first, once they got healthy enough the transformation triggered, but you really think the sedation was necessary?-

-I really think so, in my case everything was done in a matter of minutes, for what we´ve seen I highly doubt that´s her case.-Steve answered preoccupied.

-Jarvis, do you have a register about when Leah´s temperature started to raise?-Bruce pondered as he asked.

-Around yesterday at 22:49.-Jarvis replied.

-It seems you could be right, it might take her hours or even days to complete the transformation, and she would be in pain through it all, am I right?-Bruce asked

-If it´s anything like mine, yes, she will.-Steve agreed.

Suddenly an alarm went off.-Dr. Banner your patient is having a convulsion.-Jarvis informed

As they ran to her bed Bruce called for Tony in the comlink.

-What´s going on? – asked alarmed at the scene unfolding, both Bruce and Steve were holding Leah as she convulse trying to stop her from being hurt.

-The serum has finally activated a transformation.-Bruce answered him –she´s having a convulsive seizure.-

-I can see that.-Tony exclaimed –What do you want me to do?-

-It´s not stopping, you need to give her a carbamazepine shot.-Bruce informed him.

Tony quickly located the medicine Bruce asked for and gave her a shot. The convulsion stopped for everyone´s relief.

-What caused the seizure?-Tony asked concerned

-I´m not sure, Jarvis pull up a scan of Leah´s brain activity and show it in the screen along with her blood sample.-Bruce ordered

-Right away Doctor.-The A.I. replied and soon both images appeared on screen.

-Shit!-Bruce exclaimed – It looks like a fucking Christmas tree, everything is lighting on, everything is being re-written.-then he turned as he told Steve –That explains the needles sensation you remember.

-What of her baby?-Steve asked worryingly, he couldn´t help to feel guilty.

-Pull up a scan of the baby´s vitals, brain activity, blood flow and temperature Jarvis.-Bruce ordered, as he analyzed them he sighed with relief.-She´s experiencing a transformation too, I don´t know if because she´s too young and still developing or if it is because her father isn´t human but something is protecting her from the side effects Leah is experiencing. For her it seems it´s only making small adjustments in her DNA strands. Unfortunately Leah isn´t that lucky, we´ll have to monitor her vitals closely. I´m worried about her temperature, if it raises another degree will have to find a way to cool her down. For now we need to stabilize her transformation, we have to irradiate her with the vita radiation now.-He ended looking at Tony.

-All right, are you sure the radiation is harmless to the rest of us?.-Tony asked worried.

-Yes, I´m sure.-Bruce informed him.

Suddenly a bright light flooded the room.

-I said I was sure, but either way you should´ve warned you were going to do that.-Bruce scolded him.

-You said now.-Tony replied shrugging his shoulders.

-Never mind.-Bruce sighed annoyed.

-Now that that is settled, I´m guessing you´re taking the first watch Bruce? – Tony asked him.

-Yes I am, I want to gather more information, I´ll run a few more tests and then we can get her back to her room, she´ll be more comfortable there.-

-I´ll stay with you if you don´t mind Doc.-Steve volunteered.

-It´s fine by me Steve, I also want to run some tests on you, I want to see if I can find a comparison point between the both of you.-Bruce answered.

-I´ll relieve you in 3 hours then?-Tony asked in earnest

-Make it 4.-Bruce answered back.

-If you insist.-Tony replied. – See you in 4 then.- as he ended he motioned Thor who has stayed still and quiet through all the commotion-Come with me Thor, we have an unfinished business.-

As Thor didn´t move Tony came back for him. –They´ll take care of her, you can be with me in the next watch if you want. For now we have to leave them work.- Tony insisted.

All right.-Thor agreed reluctantly.

-Now where were we?-Tony suddenly told him while they were walking down the corridor.-Oh yes! I´m not saying they should run away together. – He hated leaving a conversation unfinished and there was nothing else they could do but wait. –She just wants to know if he´s going to keep trying to find a way, she´s willing to wait for him, but she needs to know if he´ll do the same. What I´m trying to say is that she doesn´t want him to do the honorable thing by giving her up, she wants him to do the right thing, to fight to keep her. She´s really not giving up, she want to know if Loki will do the same.-

-That´s … very profound. – Thor answered surprised.

-I can be profound if I want to, don´t be so surprised.-Tony answered offended.-It´s all in her letter, you just have to read between the lines.-Then he added with a smirk –The advantages of being a playboy is that you meet so many women you end up understanding them better than most.-

When Loki went to Leah´s room that night to leave her another rose he found the letter she had written for him, he was surprised and doubted if he should take it, what could it say that they hadn´t said before, why prolonged their pain? But wasn´t that what he was doing? He resisted leaving her, he was so consumed with guilt he felt compelled to make it up to her somehow, even if that only meant leaving a rose for her every night. Whatever she had to say to him he wanted to know, even if it only meant more pain, he had to know.

Once back at his hideout Loki sat in an armchair holding the letter in his hands, he was still debating with himself about reading it or not, suddenly he toss it over the coffee table in front of him, got up and left to his room. A couple of minutes afterwards he returned for it, he growl in frustration as he picked it up and walk back to his bedroom.

-This is a bad idea. – He told himself as he unfolded the letter sitting down in his bed.

-“Loki, my love … really Leah?! –He raised his eyebrows amused, she´d never used that kind of pet name ever before. As he kept reading a wide range of emotions ran through his face, surprise, disbelief, guilt and suddenly joy, he stop reading for a moment as he let the idea sank in –“A daughter!”-, he got back to the letter; the emotions on his face kept changing anger, sadness and even glee at her final note. But over all of them reigned yearning, the kind of yearning that makes your heart ache and keeps it beating at the same time, the one you will only recognize if you ever loved in excess.

As he finished reading it he lay back on his bed thinking deeply as he stared at the ceiling, why did he still resisted the urge to go meet her, was there really no hope for them? She had practically begged him to be at her side when their daughter were to be born, and nothing would make him happier than grating her such request, then why didn´t he?

-“I don´t deserve her”- he thought as he closed his eyes –“I know she loves me, but why is beyond my comprehension, it would be on her best interest to forget me, even if by doing that she´d break my heart, I would deserve it. The weight of my sins have finally caught up with me, why can´t I make her understand that there is no happy ending with me.”

Then it hit him. –“I got to make her understand, and she just gave me a way. I got to write her back, but not tonight I´m too tired and I need to think, I don´t want to hurt her, I just want to … -he yawned, he was indeed exhausted”- to change her mind, to stop wishing what´ll never happen.”-

It was midday when he finally woke up, he´d slept with his clothes on, he drowsily walked to the bathroom to empty his bladder, as he washed his hands he took a look at himself in the mirror, at times like these he thought that the fact that he couldn´t grew a bear as a blessing, it would only add to his already shabby looking condition. –“I need to take a bath.”- He mentally told himself while he undressed.

As the warm water hit him he relished in it, the sound of the water drops was comforting somehow; for a peaceful moment he forgot everything and just concentrated on the calming sound as he bathed until his heart betrayed him reminding him of Leah, all through the months they’ve been apart his longing for her played tricks on his mind making him imagine her everywhere, right now he was absorbed picturing her bathing with him. Water running through her hair soaking it, her exposed neck as she leaned her head back as she washed her hair, water drops running through her chest travelling down her breasts and further down to …

-Stop it! – He shouted at himself irritated –How am I supposed to convince her …that I can´t be with her, when I can´t even convince myself? – He punched the bathroom wall in both anger and despair as tears rolled down his cheeks while he leaned into the wall he whispered –I just can´t stop loving her … I just can´t…-

He stayed there for the longest time leaving his tears getting washed by the water drops until he got his resolve back. –Enough of this! – He admonished himself –I´ve been too selfish, even if it means tearing my heart apart, I have to do what´s best for her, no matter what we both feel.-

Once he got dressed and had something to eat he sat at his desk decided to write Leah back, after an hour or so tenths of cramped paper balls surrounded the desk.

-Come on! I used to be good at this! Writing letters, politics, solving matters … come on Loki concentrate! – He sighed as he started writing once more.

-Dear Leah,

At first I couldn’t decide if I should take your letter though I´m glad I did, there are too much matters that have gone unsaid between us that I think we should discuss.

I´ve been filled with guilt from the first instant I scry for you and found you on the operating table as your friends fought for your life; I had a bad feeling all morning that day but I kept pushing it back as my imagination. As I watched the only thing that was on my mind was being at your side, but I understood I couldn´t. My arrival would only had distracted them from their efforts to save you and our child, so I stayed watching, unable to do anything. I can´t help to imagine what could´ve happen if instead of being in the Avenger´s Tower you had been with me, you might not have survived it … and that thought alone terrifies me.

I won´t lie to you, I do love you and I do wish there was a way I could be at your side, though all my past misdeeds have made it impossible. I´m so sorry, but all of my past decisions are the ones tearing us apart. I can´t change who I am any more than I can change what I have done, even if I wanted to change I would never be able to undo all my wrongs. This is a burden I alone must carry, my only wish is to spare you and our baby girl from ever having to carry this weight.

You see? I want the same thing that you do, to give her a clean start, you are right she won´t have one neither in Asgard nor under the Avenger´s watch, and the only way I can help you making it happen is staying away. I won’t forget my promise of taking care of you both, if you ever are in danger I´ll come to your aid. It has become a bad habit you know, recuing my damsel in distress, mother would be proud though, she would indeed, I´ll be finally acting as a prince, and it is your fault, who would´ve thought that one good deed would set all of this in motion? I as you wouldn´t change what has happened, I wouldn´t trade one second with you for al the gold in the world, but even so, regardless my love for you I must let you go, villains don´t have happy endings my love, and I as you are no hero. I´m just a fool who thought power would bring me happiness, I too wish we had meet before on a different life, but that´s impossible and we both need to accept it.

Whenever I see you I see something precious, I´ve always had ever since the first instant our eyes meet, don´t sell yourself short baby, you are stronger than you know and smarter too, do you think I would fancy a weak dull woman? Of course not, I have high standards and you meet them all. You think I saved you, well I think the same thing about you; you resurrected my heart, I´d forgotten long ago how to use it, it was frozen and you defrost it.

I´m so glad to hear you loved the roses, but that’s all I can offer to you my love, along with my heartfelt apology, I´m so sorry I´ve failed you, I couldn´t keep you safe, it´s comforting to know you have such good friends who have your back, if you ever feel anything for any of them that goes beyond friendship please forget about me, you deserve happiness and regretfully I know it can’t be at my side.

I don´t know when we will meet again, but I promise if you still wish to that we haven´t seen each other for the last time, although I have to admit the last I saw of you was an exquisite sight, yes I´m incorrigible, and no, making clothes magically appearing on you never crossed my mind, it just didn´t so you can stay angry if you want I´m not apologizing for that.

About … what you asked of me, I do want to, but I don´t know how could I make it happen without putting you at risk. I won´t make you any promises, I don’t want to disappoint you, right now I don´t see how to make it possible but if I find a way I´ll be there with you holding your hand.

PS: I didn´t knew you liked the Princess Bride, and no, I´m not jealous. Just a little concern, of all of them he wouldn´t be my first choice, though I´ll admit he is quite a character.

-Why on earth I wrote that? It does sound like I´m jealous.- He stared at the letter for a moment twitching his lips –Well, maybe I am. Whatever, I´m not writing this again.- He placed his quill on his desk as he powder the letter dry and blew the excess dust before folding it and stuffing the envelope with it.

“To Leah” could be read over it in beautiful hand writing, when it was closed he pondered –“Should I´ve told her I can´t keep delivering her roses much longer? It´s draining too much of my energy, I might be able to go two more times at the most and then I´ll need to stop for a good while.- He sighed. –I´ll will tell her next time… I just hope there is a next time. Will she answer me back? Will she understand? Will she forgive me? Can I ever forgive myself?”-

-“So how should I start? Loki? Dear Loki? To the love of my life? Nah! That´s too corny he´ll just laugh at me … Fuck! Why is this so hard?”-Leah sighed with frustration, the white pages in front of her were mocking her efforts.

-“I will never write anything if I´m afraid to say what I feel”- she admonished herself mentally –“All right, if he laughs at me so be it, at least I´ll give him a good show.-

So with that thought in mind she began to write.

“Loki, my love

I don´t even know if this letter will find its way to you, or even if you will read it though I hope with all of my heart that it will.

I´ve heard what to said to me last night (well Tony played back the recording for me, they are apparently recording my room hoping to catch you in the act sort of speak) but that´s not the point, what I´m trying to say is that I feel that way too, I wish we could be together. I long for you, no that´s not quite right, it´s deeper than that, I ache for you, I miss you terribly. I wish you could hold my hand and tell me everything is going to be all right, I don´t care if it´s a lie, I just need to hear it. I´ve tried so hard to hide it, to fool myself but I can´t any more… I´m scared. I´ve never felt more scared in all my life, not just because I almost lost our daughter (oh, yes! We are having a baby girl!) but because I don´t know how am I supposed to keep her safe, and I don´t mean just from SHIELD or whoever else wants to get their claws on her. I don´t know how to be a mother, I don´t want to do this alone, I wish I didn´t had to but I see no other way, not only because we can´t be together. I can´t raise her between the boundaries of the Avenger´s Tower, what kind of life would that be? She deserves a chance to discover what she wants to do with her life, to find out who she wants to be; I know you understand this better than anyone else. How am I supposed to do that? My head and heart hurt just by thinking about it, will I be enough? What if I screw this up?

I keep wishing things were different, that we´d met on a different life, where we aren’t divided by the unending conflict of good vs bad.

My sweet mischievous prince if I could only had met you before you choose the path you are walking, I may not have been able to change its course, but at least I would´ve been able to walk it by your side. I know it´s foolish, we can´t change what has happened, and I want you to know that I wouldn´t change it even if I could, no sorrow will live in me with the joy you gave me… saved one, and I thank you for that too.

My heart was broken, shattered in million pieces, I was so lost I couldn´t even recognize myself, and somehow you found me, you held me back together. You refused to let me drown in my sadness, I can´t even phantom why, I was hardly worth saving, and I love you even more for that. I wish there was a way I could do the same for you, but I’m no hero.

I know I shouldn´t tell you this, I have no right to tell you this, I know it´s not possible, I know it´s a silly hope, a child´s prayer but I feel my heart will explode if I don´t at least voice it out… I wish that somehow you could be with me holding my hand when our daughter is born, I need it so badly, I wish [I had your strength but I don´t.

I love your roses, but even as magnificent and magical as they are, they are a poor substitute for the real treasure my heart holds dear, you.

I don´t know what life has stored in for us, I just hope I´m smart enough to get through in one piece, promise me we haven´t seen each other for the last time, thinking of never seeing your beautiful smile ever again just breaks my heart.

PS: FYI I´m still angry at you for teleporting me NAKED in the middle of the night, couldn´t you at least magically appeared some clothes for me? “

-“Dear God, I really hope he doesn´t laugh at me”- Leah thought as she folded her letter and stuff it inside an envelope on which she wrote on big letters: To Loki

Next she placed it on her nightstand next to her roses as she pleaded –Please Loki, please. Take it with you.-

It took her a long time to finally be able to sleep, she was too nervous and kept tossing in her bed until finally fatigue overcame her.

When she woke up next morning she immediately turned her eyes to her nightstand, there was a third rose in the vase and the letter was gone. As she hold the new rose close to her hear as it bloomed she whispered –Thanks!-

Everyone had come to the same conclusion Leah had when the rose magically bloomed for her, though no one said anything at the moment as soon as they were far away from her rom Tony asked out loud. -How did he even get through our defenses without alerting Jarvis?-

-I don´t know, but make an inventory, I want to know if he took or leave anything besides that rose –Steve answered him

-I´m on it, Jarvis! You heard the man, run an inventory and report to me anything unusual.- then he added –Though I hate to admit it Loki sure knows how to woo a woman, did you take a look at Leah´s face?-

-Well, it was a beautiful gesture.-Natasha admitted

-Not you too! – Tony complained

-I´m not saying I would fell for that, though it was very romantic.-Natasha explained

-Yes syncing the flower blooming to her DNA was very well thought, and amazing. Now I´m envious I never thought of that before, I could´ve had any woman I wanted with a trick like that.-Tony rambled –Not that I had any troubles with that-

Everyone just stared back at him surprised by his comments.

-All right, I´ll shut up- he agreed

-Do we have any recordings of Leah´s room? – Clint asked

-And how did he even got past Thor? – Bruce asked too

Everyone went quite as they turned back to Thor.

-I don´t know –the blond god admitted shaking his head in a negative motion – I didn’t even noticed the rose until Leah mentioned it.-

-That´s interesting- Tony stated – And normally we don´t record the recuperation rooms cause we are already monitoring all the vitals of their occupants. Jarvis, star5t6 recording Leah´s room.

-Right away Sir. – The A.I. answered

-Do you think he´ll do it again? – Steve asked intrigued

-I´ve no idea about that, but if he does we´ll have him on video.-Tony replied.

Leah was grateful everyone just decided to let the rose incident go by and changed the subject almost instantly, she wouldn´t even know what to say if anyone had asked anything. She felt conflicted herself, happy, sad, angry, she couldn´t settle for one emotion, what bother her the most was the fact that she completely ignored what could Loki possibly trying to tell her by sending her that rose, only that he was glad she and the baby were alive, that he had changed his mind, or thought of a new plan? What if he felt as confused as she did?

She sighed in frustration while staring at the ceiling, she couldn´t thought of nothing worse than having to stay in bed for a week, all her fears, concerns, hopes and feelings that she tried so hard to bury down while staying occupied started to invade her mind. She felt vulnerable, exposed, even so she wouldn´t risk disobeying, even if she drove herself mad she would follow Banner´s instructions to the letter.

As if he had read his mind Tony walked in – Bored?-he he asked her.

-You have no idea.-Leah answered glad he had interrupted her thoughts.

-I supposed you would be by now –Tony smirked –So what´s your poison?-

Leah raised her eyebrows trying to figure out what Tony had asked her –What do I want to do? – She asked tentatively.

-Exactly, name it and as long as you don´t have to get off the bed I´l make it happen.-Tony reassured her.

Leah thought it for a second –Can I have …I don´t know how you call it … like when we watch the movie in my room?

-An holographic screen?- Tony asked smiling –Piece of cake! Anything else?-

-Can I use it to read books too? Natasha had given me some titles to study.- Leah asked

-Sure, if you want Jarvis can even read them to you.-Tony offered

-I don´t think that´s necessary- Leah said smiling –But I´ll ask him if I need him to.- She couldn’t think of anything else, the holographic screen would allow her to see movies, tv, read books probably even play videogames, what else could she do while staying in bed?

-How about some company?-Tony asked interrupting her thoughts.

-Um. – Leah stammered taken by surprise.-I guess so, company would be good.- She ended

Tony almost laughed out loud. –We don´t pretend to smother you with constant visits, though you can expect it to be very crowded for a day or two, you gave us quite a scare.-

-I know, I was quite scared myself- Leah admitted – I don´t know how to thank both you and Bruce for saving our lives.-

-You don´t have to love.-Tony told her while holding her hand as he changed his tone to a concern one –How are you doing?-

-I don´t know.-Leah admitted while looking up at him.- My head is a mess right now, maybe it´s the hormones I´m not even sure of what I feel, I thought I´d lost her. I´m still scared, all I want to do is to keep her safe and I don´t know how I´m going to do that.-she looked for a moment at Loki´s rose –I don´t know Tony.- She ended

-You´ll figure it out, don´t worry-Tony reassured her –Now, how about I teach you how to play holographic chest?-

Early next morning Jarvis reported to Tony –Sir, I´ve conducted an exhausting inventory and nothing has been taken or left except for the roses in Mrs. Leah room.-

-All right Jarvis –Tony had almost missed it –Wait … did you said roses?-

-Yes Sir, two roses.-The A.I. reported

-When did the second rose appeared Jatvis?-Tony asked

-Around midnight Sir, 12:32 to be exact.-Jarvis added

-All right show me the recordings from a half hour before till a half hour after- Tony ordere3d the A.I.

-It´s not possible, one second it isn’t there and the next one it just appears! How is he doing that?-Tony rambled puzzled by the recordings not showing anything

-Have you tried infrared?-Bruce asked

-Infrared, heat vision, cold vision, black light, you name it I´ve tried it.-Tony answered exasperated

-Any ideas Thor?-Steve asked

-Heimdall used to praise Loki´s ability to travel between realms without using the Bifrost, he referred to them as travelling between the branches of Yggdrasil, but I never knew what he meant.-Thor dryly told them.

-Between the branches?-Tony repeated-Between what? Dimensions? And if he could do that, why hadn’t he done it before?-

-Because it requires great quantities of magic.-Thor answered-That he could do it for two days straight amazes me.-

-Yeah, yeah! Your little brother is amazing!-Tony grunted

-Hey! Shut up!-Steve suddenly raised his voice.

But I… – Tony complained

-Seriously guys, shut up, I think I can hear something.-Steve added

-Really? –Tony asked surprises

-Play it again, a couple of minutes before the rose appeared, can you amplify the sound a bit?-

-It sounds like … Leah? What is she saying? – Bruce asked while attentively trying to listen.

-I know, I love you too.-Steve answered. – It sounds like she´s having a conversation with someone.

-She might be –Tony snapped –She talks in her sleep.-

Everyone turned their heads with a baffled look at Tony´s words.

-What? I didn´t slept with her! Well … I did but nothing happened, we were just watching a movie … -Tony kept trying to fix it.

-Tony, stop! What did you meant with Leah talking on her sleep?-Natasha interrupted him

-Ah! Well she does, while watching the movie I made a comment and she answered it, I thought she had awoken but she wasn´t so I asked her another question and she answered it again. I asked her the next day but she didn´t remembered a thing, though she told me that her late husband used to tell her she talked in her sleep.-

-But there´s no one else on that recording.-Clint reasoned.

-That might not be true.-Steve said to them –I can hear some background noise, I can´t make it out but there´s something there.-

-You are kidding me?- Tony asked surprised while looking at Steve’s stern expression –All right, let´s fix that, Jarvis filter the audio, clean it up and amplify it all you can.-

-Right away Sir.-the A.I. answered, it only took a couple of minutes.- Mr Rogers is right, there´s a second voice in the recording –Jarvis told them as he played the recording.

-I don´t know what I´m doing anymore love, I´ve promised myself not to see you again unless you or our baby were in danger, and the fact is that I almost lost you and I couldn´t even be at your side and now that´s the only place I want to be. I´m an outcast, I´ll always be, there´s no redemption for me … anywhere and still you make me wish there were. The only thing I know for sure is that I love you. – Loki´s voice flooded the room, the Avenger´s expressions varied from pensive to surprise even to sad.

-I know, I love you too.-Leah voiced followed his.

Jarvis stopped the recording and silence reigned the room for a moment.

-That´s not fair –Tony suddenly spat –Bad guys aren´t supposed to fall in love.-

-Maybe.- Steve answered

-Maybe? – Tony almost yelled back. –We have fucking interstellar star crossed lovers in our hands, and you say maybe? This is a complete mess, I even feel sorry for him!-

-Come down Tony.-Bruce interrupted him.

-Come down?-Tony snapped –Loki has bridge our security twice in two days only to leave her a couple roses, he could´ve stolen the vibranium in our lab or killed us, but he didn´t, what happens when we ran out of luck?-

-I think that if Loki were going tpo do any of those he would´ve done them by now-Clint answered.-He knows we are the only ones standing between Leah and SHIELD or any other menace. For what I heard he wouldn´t risk her safety.-

-So what, we do nothing?-Tony asks

-No.-Steve answered-Keep trying to figure out how is Loki doing this, find a way to track him down when he enters the Tower, you are right about something, we can´t tru7sth him.-

-All right, a problem to solve, I can focus on that.-Tony agreed then suddenly realized –Wait! I can´t believe I almost overlook it! Leah heard Loki!

-Yes, so? – Clint asked intrigued

-She heard him, without any aid.-Tony stated

-Oh my God! She did.-Bruce was the first to understand what Tony meant.-She shouldn´t have been able to! – He explained to them.

-Well, you were looking for side effects-Tony suggested

-And I think we found them.-Bruce agreed

When Leah woke up that morning the first thing she saw was the second rose, for a moment she tentatively stretched her hand to touch it, then changed her mind and rolled over to the opposite side.

It was around midday when Tony walked in to check on her.-Seems the holographic screen is keeping you occupied.-he said as he walked in.

-Yes.-She answered sharply-It does.-

-Why the sour … -Tony noticed the closed rose button.-You hadn’t touched it yet.-

-No.-Leah frowned-I´m not touching it.-

-Why?- Tony questioned her confused –Are you angry at Loki?

-No, yes, not really, I don´t know, I don´t want to.-Leah pouted.

-Come on Leah, what´s wrong? Yesterday you were delighted by the first rose and now you won´t even touch the second one… your Romeo is going through the loops to send you these.-Tony told her trying to make her open up.

Leah sighed –I figured that out when I noticed there were not alarms this time, he´s not teleporting them.-

-No, according to Thor he´s travelling between the branches of Yggdrasil, whatever that means.-Tony explained her.

-But … he said that used too much energy.-Leah answered surprised.

-He must have found another way. Thor is surprised he´s done it two days in a roll.-Tony volunteered

-Maybe … I wished he stopped.-Leah suddenly said a sad expression on her eyes.

-I thought you liked the attention.-Tony stated with a concern frown

-I do … but … they also make me sad and angry.-Leah confessed

-At Loki? – Tony asked trying to make sense of what she was telling him

-No, yes, at myself mostly, I thought I was done getting my hopes up, and I know it´s beyond stupid to wish for something different, neither of us can change what has happened, but I can’t stop myself from wishing that … somehow we could end up together.-

-I think you are not the only one.-Tony smiled gently at her, he wasn´t going to show the recording to her, but now he felt compelled to do it .-I have something to show you.-

As she heard Loki´s voice she was surprised, at the end of the recording she was barely holding back her tears.

-Well, at least this time we are both on the same page. – Leah tried to joke. – Totally clueless.- She barely managed to say as she broke down in tears.

-It´s ok Leah, let it out.-Tony comforted Leah as he hugged her.

After a couple of minutes Leah was able to pull herself together enough to tell Tony. –I wished I could’ve talked to him, I know it’s useless, we´ll never agree and probably would end up with only more heartache, but still I would feel so much better if I could.-

-I can´t believe I´m saying this to you!-Tony sighed, he wanted to help her – Write him a letter.- He suggested.

Leah looked at him puzzled –A letter? But, what good would that do? I don´t know where to send it.-

-I don´t think you´ll have to- He volunteered.-For the moment I don´t know how to stop Loki from doing whatever he´s doing … -Looking at Leah´s alarmed expression he added.-Don´t get me wrong I love the whole romantic rose gesture but I´ll sleep better at night If I know he can´t get in the Tower undetected. But to the point, I´m quite sure that if he can leave something he can take something away. Just leave him the letter beside the roses. I have a feeling he´ll come back and if he doesn´t you´ll only have wasted a couple of paper sheets.-

-Why not? I´ve got nothing to lose. Tony, can you please get me …- Leah started to say

-A pen and some paper? Sure! Sorry going low tech on you, but I´m not sure if whatever Loki is doing to get here can affect electronic devices.-

-Don´t worry about that, and Tony…-

-Yes?- He asked with a smile, he wasn´t sure what had gotten into him but for now he was playing cupid, at least until I figure out how to stop Loki from getting into the Tower unannounced he told himself, meanwhile it won´t hurt to try get these too in a better mood.

-Thank you.-Leah smiled gently at her.

A soon as Tony left Leah turned her attention to the close rose button, she reached for it and as the day before the rose bloomed magically for her.

This time Leah held it near her heart as she relished herself in its fragrance with her eyes closed while softly smiling thinking of Loki.

Another week had gone by, all of the Avengers were now talking to Leah again except for Thor. Leah just sighed in frustration every time he took off whenever they crossed paths.

-Keeping tabs with a flying god while pregnant it´s just impossible-she had complained to Tony at some point.

Then one morning Leah woke up feeling a dampness in her sheets, as she drowsily uncovered herself to find the source of the humidity she was horrified to discover there was blood on her clothes and bedsheets.

-No! – She whispered trembling, it took her a great effort to find her voice and desperately called for Jarvis –Jarvis …. I … I need help.-

The A.I. read her vitals and gave the alarm to all the inhabitants of the tower, Steve was already up training and therefore he was the first to arrive at Leah´s room. She was in shock, trembling visibly as tears ran though her cheeks, rocking herself as she mumbled –Not again, not again.-

Steve gasped as he saw the blood covering her and swiftly picked her up and ran to the medical ward carrying Leah in his arms as he called for Banner and Tony to meet him there.

Natasha and Clint arrived almost at the same time at Leah´s empty room only a couple minutes afterwards and also gasped in horror as they saw the bloody bed realizing what just happened.

-Bruce, are you with her, is she ok?-Natasha asked in the comlink as both her and Clint rushed to the medical ward.

-Yes, I don´t know Natasha, I´m busy right now.-Bruce cut her off sharply.

-Clint, if she loses this baby … -Natasha nervously stated as she stopped walking.

-We don´t know if she has. – Clint stopped and hold her – We need to have faith, Bruce and Tony are with her now, if someone can save her baby is them.-

-But if she does …-Natasha insisted – I don´t think she´ll be able to pull through this time.-

Suddenly another figure caught up with them, it was Thor; it had taken him a while to woke up, when he finally did and asked Jarvis for the source of the commotion he had been distraught to hear about Leah´s condition.

-Is she all right?- he asked as he meet them, their worried looks made him fear for the worst

-We don´t know Thor.- Clint answered –Bruce and Tony are with her right now, we´ll have to wait until they tell us something.-

-I´ve been so angry at her …. if something happens to her …I don´t know what I´ll do.-He told them in anguish

-You should´ve though of that sooner Thor!- Natasha yelled at him furious

-Come on guys! This is not the time to start a fight – Clint said as he stepped between them. – Nothing has happened yet, why don´t we all go to the medical ward and wait there for news.-

-All right.-Natasha growled through clenched teeth

Thor just nodded his head and followed them.

When they arrived there was no one in the waiting room.

-We´d better stay here until someone comes out –Clint suggested – They don´t need us distracting them right now.-

After a good fifteen minutes Steve walked out with his right arm bended upwards, blood stains over his clothes and arms, a very concern look on his face.

-How is she?- Natasha asked worryingly

-We just gave her a blood transfusion –Steve answered in a stern tone

-Are you seriously telling us you gave her your blood? –Clint asked as he nervously brought his hand through his hair. –You don´t know what it could do to her, to them.-

-I know. – Steve answered with a displeased sight.-We ran out of options, Leah has a rare blood type, I´m universal, she was going into shock, we didn’t had time to do anything else.-

-Did it worked? – Thor asked him in earnest.

-I think so, Bruce and Tony are with her right now, they managed to stop the bleeding, all we can do now is wait.-Steve told them – And pray there are no side effects.-

-What do you mean by side effects? – Thor asked worryingly.

-Hydra made lots of experiments with the super soldier serum, most of them unsuccessful and with awful side effects – Natasha informed them. – But they were working with their own version of the formula, nothing like this has ever been done before, especially with a pregnant woman.-

Clint placed his hand on Steve´s shoulder as he said –You did what you though was the best for her Steve, I´m sure Bruce and Tony wouldn´t even considered it if they had an alternative.-

-Why don´t you go change? – Natasha suggested looking at Steve´s bloody clothes –If anything happens we´ll call you.-

Steve took a look at his clothes and agreed –Thank you, I´ll be right back.- as he stepped out in a hurry.

Steve had already returned by the time Tony finally walked into the waiting room.

-They are out of danger for now.-he told them before anyone could asking anything

-What do you mean with for now? – Natasha asked him concerned

-The next hours are critical – he answered in a serious tone – We programmed the nanobots to repair the damage both to the placenta and her uterus, but they were never programmed for this sort of procedure and her bay is only 22 weeks old, she´s too young to be born.-

-She? – They all asked at unison.

-Oh yes- Tony smiled as he realized what he had just said – Leah is expecting a baby girl.-

-Can we see her? – Thor asked anxiously.

-She´s sedated right now, and we think it is better for them to keep her that way until the danger has passed. You´ll be able to talk to her tomorrow.- Tony answered, as he noticed Thor anguished look he added –But you can see her if you want.-

-I … thank you. – Thor said as he nodded in agreement.

-You can all come –Tony said looking back at everyone –But you´ll have to stay outside the operating room.-

-All right. – Steve answered for all of them –Lead the way Tony.-

Bruce was still inside the operating room monitoring the nanobots progress and adjusting their program as needed, Leah was lying in the operating table unconscious, she still had her bloody nightgown on.

-She looks so pale. – Natasha was the first to speak after a long silence.

-Well, she lost a lot of blood –Tony informed them.-I imagine Steve has already told you we gave her a transfusion.-

-Yes, he did.- Clint answered him –Did you considered the possible side effects? –

-Of course we did. Right now we were hoping for an accelerated healing factor –Tony confessed.

-And? – Natasha asked curiously

Tony sighed –Nothing yet, but maybe it´s too early to tell. For the moment the transfusion kept her alive and the nanobots are healing the damage. Both her and her baby are stable – then he suddenly turned to Thor as he said –I´m surprised to see tou here Point Break, I though you weren´t taking to her.-

-Tony!- Both Natasha and Steve scolded him.

-What?-Tony complained – I´m just addressing the huge elephant in the room, now we can talk about it and move on.-

-Tony, that´s …- Steve started to say when Thor interrupted him.

-No, he is right. I allowed my anger to get the best of me, it shouldn’t had come to this to make me realize I was wrong –Thor confessed while looking still at Leah – I just hope I can apologize to her.-

-You will big guy.-Tony reassured him patting his back.

-Is there anything we can do? – Clint asked changing the subject.

-Not for now, but we can always take turns watching her one she´s in the recuperation room. – Tony offered.

-That won´t be necessary –Thor said to them. – I´ll stay with her until she´s awake.-

-I had a feeling you were going to say that.-Tony told him.

About an hour later Leah was moved to a recuperation room in a clean hospital gown, al the blood that covered had been washed, she looked peaceful.

As he had promised Thor was by her side the moment they brought her in, the rest of the day went uneventful, from time to time someone would walk in and spent some minutes with Thor. Steve offered to relieve him at some point during the night but Thor wouldn´t hear of it.

When the new day break dawn, the first sun rays snapped Thor out of his thoughts, as he raised from his chair he walked over to Leah.

-I am so sorry – he whispered – I should not have been so hard on you, I should have been the first to forgive you, not the last. I was not only angry at you for deceiving us and escaping, I am ashamed to say I was jelous … jelous of you and Loki, of the fact that you would go anywhere with him if he asked you. I realise now it was wrong of me, you have never lied to me about your feelings, and I should have already learned to be your friend. If you still have me I want to be your friend and help you protect your baby in the manner you best think fit.-

-So that´s what it takes to make you talk to me again.-Leah´s voice sounded fatigue.

-You are awake!-Thor raised his gaze and was meet by Leah looking back at him.

-Yes, you talk too loud. – Leah joked as she tried to move.

-No, Leah, stay still. Banner told me that you should stay in bed for a week at least.-Thor told her as he placed his hand on her shoulder preventing her of getting up.

-And you really should follow doctor´s orders after all the hard work we went through to make sure you were all right.-Tony motioned her as he walked in –How are you feeling?-

-Like a train hit me.-Leah complained –Are we really ok? – She asked as her eyes pleaded for good news.

-Yes, both of you girls seem to be out of danger, we just want to make sure you stay that way.-Tony explained.

-Girls? – Leah asked raising her eyebrows as she smiled.

-Am I terrible at keeping secrets? – He smirked –Congratulations, it´ a baby girl!-

-A girl! – Leah repeated delighted with the news.

-Can we come in, or it´s a private party?-Clint said as the rest of the team arrived, they had resigned to sleep, they were too worried and had been with Bruce in the kitchen when Jarvis reported to him that Leah had woken up.

-Hi! – Leah greeted them smiling.

After all the hugs, questions and congratulations Leah noticed a closed red rose button in a vase in the night stand next to her bed.

-You really didn´t needed to bring me flowers Thor –She said certain he had been the one who had placed it there.

-Flowers? – Thor asked in return as he turned to look in the same direction Leah was looking –I didn´t bring you that rose Leah.-

Leah looked confused the asked – Tony?-

-Baby, if I´d brought you flowers you would have hundreds of them, not just one.-he jokingly answered.

-It wasn’t me –Bruce answered Leah´s questioning look.

-I´m not a flower kind of guy. – Clint said before Leah turned her gaze to him.

-I didn´t brought it neither.-Natasha said looking worryingly at the rose.

-Then who?-Tony asked, a concern look on his face.

Leah was afraid to even suggest what her heart was telling her.

-Thor, can I see the rose please? – Leah asked as she raised her trembling hand.

-Um, yes, of course.-Thor said as he took the flower off the vase and offered it to Leah.

As soon as the rose touched her skin it emitted a faint glow as it bloomed completely and flooded the room with its delicate fragrance.

Leah gasped in surprise as the rose bloomed in her hand, she could hear her heart beating in her ears like a drum, there was only one person who could´ve sent her that rose, Loki.

It was around noon when Leah finally decided to walk into the kitchen, she wasn´t expecting a warm welcome but she wasn´t prepared for the ice-cold reception the guys gave her, Thor and Bruce practically bolted out of the room without even acknowledging her presence. Tony gave a hurried excuse about having to check some lab results and Clint said he needed to train. The only one who didn´t left was Steve who remained sitting at a stool at the kitchen bar.

As Leah sat next to him she said –They hate me!- with that she sank her head between her arms all the way down the table.

Steve smiled sympathetically –No, they don´t. Just give them some time-

-No Steve, they really do hate me – Leah answered looking back at him.

Steve sighed –No, they are just angry. They care about you, that’s why they are so angry at you.-

-Why aren´t you? – Leah asked intrigued

-I´m angry, but not at you. We tried to keep you safe but we failed to give you what you needed the most, hope.-

-So, you understand- Leah asked hopefully

-Steve laid his hand on her shoulder as he smiles –I do, and they will too eventually, you just have to be patient.-

-It doesn´t seem I can do anything else –Leah confessed- Um, Steve?-

-Yes?- Steve asked raising his eyebrows

-I´m sorry, you got to believe me, I never wanted to hurt any of you-Leah´s eyes glistered with unshed tears she was trying really hard not to shed.

-I forgive you, we all do foolish things when it comes to our loved ones.- Steve reassured her then changed the subject –Have you thought any names for your baby ?-

Leah was surprised by his question –No, I really hadn´t thought about it. Any suggestions?-

-Not really, but I can help you come up with some ideas.-he volunteered

-I would really love that Steve, since you and Natasha seem to be the only one´s talking to me I´m afraid you are stuck with me for a while.-

Steve laughed –I can think of worst things that being stuck with you- then added –Don´t be so hard on yourself, you did what you thought was the best for your child. Although it wasn´t a very good plan.-

-Tell me about it.-Leah answered with a sigh.

The rest of the week went on practically on the same fashion, Leah tried to keep herself occupied with Natasha and Steve who had joined in her training, he wanted to make sure she wouldn´t overdo it.

-It´s not a good idea for you to get hurt, especially when our Doctor refuses to speak to you.- he plainly told her one day.

Clint joined in her training the following week, Natasha had finally convinced him to give Leah another chance.

He acted as if nothing had happened which made Leah feel nervous, so she seized the first opportunity she got to speak to him alone.

-Clint? I … – she started saying

-Don´t- Clint interrupted her

-But … – Leah tried to interrupt him

-It’s not necessary.-He added

-But I think it is. And it will make me feel better – she pleaded

Clint sighed –All right. Go on.-

-I´m sorry I lied to all of you, I´m sorry I escaped and made everyone worry, but most of all I´m sorry I hurt our friendship. I just hope you can forgive me someday.-She told him apologetically as she nervously fidgeted with her fingers.

Clint looked at her sympathetically, she looked as contrite as a scholar who has been caught red handed, he placed a hand on her shoulder as he lean to look into her eyes –I won´t lie to you, I´m still angry. And I might be angry at you for a while, but I do forgive you.-

-Really? – Leah asked in hope.

-Really – Clint answered her –But I´m upholding you to the promise you made Natasha-

-About not escaping again? – Leah inquired

-Yes. – He answered

-Don´t worry, I´ve learned my lesson. I won´t do it again, I promise. – Leah assured him

-We´ll see about that. Now how about you show me what you can do with a bow?- Clint said as he handed her his bow.

Another week went by with no change about the behavior of the rest of the team. Leah´s training had moved on from self-defense to target practice.

-As your pregnancy advances, we´ll have to stick to more theoretical training.-Natasha had told her.

Trying to keep herself occupied wasn´t helping her anymore, so one day she just decided to show up at Tony´s lab, if he wanted to yell at her at least it would be an improvement.

Both Tony and Bruce were at the lab working when she got there, as usually Bruce bolted out of there when he noticed her.

-You just scared out my assistant.-Tony complained still working in some sort of mechanism.

-I didn’t meant to. I just wanted to talk.- Leah apologized

-We don’t have anything to talk about. – Tony icily told her

-Come on Tony, you haven´t talked to me for two weeks now, at least hear me out.-Leah pleaded.

-Why?-Tony buffed –How can I know you´re not lying to me again? You could even by under Loki´s mind control.-

-Then test me.-Leah volunteered – I´m sure you already invented something you can use to tell if I’m saying the truth.-

Tony raised his eyebrows as he kept pensive –As a matter of fact I did.-

Leah sighed relieved, at least he was talking to her, then he directed her to a strange looking examining table.

-This will tell me if you´re under anyone´s influence, hop in.-

Leah looked at him worryingly, then back at the table.

-I assure you it´s quite safe –Tony told her noticing her reticence to get up.

-The things you make me do- Leah sighed as she got up.

Tony activated the device that made a scan of Leah, as it finished he told her –All right, congratulations you are brain wash free!-

-Told you – Leah said with a smile.

-But that doesn´t clear you from willingly working with someone, but this will.-Without any warning Tony punctured her neck with a needle.

-Hey! – Leah protested as she protectively rubbed the spot where the needle had entered.

-Now al we need is to plug you to the polygraph and make some base questions-Tony said without minding Leah´s surprised and annoyed look.

-“Calm down Leah! You are here to make amends, not to start another fight.-“ She reminded herself mentally.

-All set, let´s get started!- Tony said in an almost happy tone.- Yes and no answers please. Your name is Leah?-

-Yes. – Leah answered annoyed

-No attitude – Tony scolded her –Again, your name is Leah?-

-Yes.-Leah said trying to sound normal

-Are you pregnant? – Tony asked her

-Yes – she answered.

-All right, now lie to me. Are your eyes green?-

Yes.- Leah lied

-Do you find me attractive? – Tony smirked as he asked her

-No – Leah answered with a scowl

-Lier- Tony told her smiling –Now, do you have a hidden agenda? – He said in a more serious tone.

-I don´t even know what that means – Leah complained.

-All right, are you working with a supervillain? – Tony rephrased

-No, Leah said seriously

-Have you ever worked with a supervillain?-

No- she answered

-Are you working with an evil organization? – Tony asked again

-No- she answered pouting

-Did you planned your escape alone? – Tony asked looking at her sternly

-Yes. – Leah answered

-Did you knew Loki was following you that day?- Tony asked

-No. – Leah answered annoyed

-Did you had sex with Loki? – Tony asked bluntly

-Are you serious? – Leah asked surprised by the question then pointed to her belly –What do you think? –

-Point taken, ok, did you had sex with Loki the day you ran away?-

Leah looked at him incredulous

-Answer the question please –Tony dryly told her

-Yes – Leah answered clenching her jaw

-Did you enjoyed it? – Tony asked without any second thoughts

-I don’t see how that´s of your concern –Leah answered irritated.

-I´m just trying to figure out if you would sold your friends for a good shag-Tony angrily answered back.

Leah´s face grew red with anger and embarrassment, suddenly she yanked the devices Tony had attached to her and got off the examination table as she shouted at Tony –I had it with you and your games! If you don’t want to believe me, then don´t- then she stormed out of the lab.

She was so angry she didn´t even noticed Bruce on the hallway.

As he walked in the lab he asked Tony- What just happened? I´ve never seen Leah so angry before, she didn´t even noticed me on the hall.-

-I might have insulted her – Tony said scratching his head

-Well, I´m pretty sure you did! – Bruce informed him

-Damn! – Tony exclaimed –That´s why I didn´t wanted to talk to her, I´m not good at this sort of thing.-

-You mean personal relations?-Bruce asked

-Whatever you want to call them –Tony answered –I screwed up.-

-That´s an understatement- Bruce told him

-Hey! You are not doing it any better Mr. I disappear if she walks in. – Tony buffed

-I… have anger management issues.-Bruce said twitching his lips.

-Seriously? You would go Hulk on her?-Tony asked in disbelief

-I don´t know, but I didn´t wanted to risk it. – Bruce confessed.

-Maybe we should give her a break –Tony said looking Bruce in the eye- We both know we can´t keep ignoring her forever, especially now.-

-I know – Bruce acknowledged –We should really be monitoring her pregnancy closely. We have no idea if there could be complications.-

-So, should we give her the good news?-Tony smirked

-Maybe tomorrow. – Bruce answered doubtful

-All right, suit yourself! –Tony told him walking away.

-Where are you going?-Bruce asked

-I owe a lady an apology – Tony explained –And I don´t like to owe anyone anything.-

It was late in the evening when someone knocked on Leah´s doo.

“-Who can be at this hour?-“ Leah asked herself as she went to the door.

-Hi!- Tony greeted her as he stopped with his foot the door Leah tried to slam on him.

-What do you want?- She angrily asked him

-To talk, apologize. – He answered smiling – I bring peace offerings – He lifted a beer bottle and a pizza box

-You know I can´t drink that.- Leah answered with a frown

-That´s why I brought you this one, alcohol free.- He showed her another bottle.

-All right – Leah answered letting him through – But I´m afraid you didn´t added a table to these rooms.-

-No problem. We can have a picnic in your bed.- Tony smirked

Leah was near laughter, so she bit her lower lip trying to stop herself from smiling as she answered –Only if you promise to behave.-

-I promise I will be a perfect gentleman.- Tony answered

She had missed talking to him, after all the rest of the team had more serious personalities.

-Sop what you been up to?- Tony asked taking his first bite

-Training mostly.- Leah answered –I´m not overly popular at the moment you know.-

-I think we can change that- Tony answered her

-I would like that –Leah said smiling

-And how´s training coming along?- Tony asked

-Clint says I´m improving, though I think I´m better with a handgun than a bow.- Leah answered him as she took another bite of pizza.

-I´ll take that in consideration the next time I piss you off- Tony joked

-You know I wouldn´t hurt you, at least not on purpose.-Leah answered offended

-I know – Tony apologized –An I´m sorry I was so mean to you earlier.-

-It´s all right – Leah sighed as she shrugged her shoulders –You were angry at me and with just reason.-

-No, it’s not all right- Tony told her –And I´m not angry at you anymore. I forgive you.-

-Really? – Leah asked with a smile

-Yes, I´m magnanimous that way.-Tony said taking a sip of his beer.-Now that we are picking up where we were, what´s keeping you awake at nights?- he asked in a serious tone.

Leah blushed –Is that obvious? – She asked.

-Yeaph! You can blame it on the dark patches around your eyes, they gave you away.- Tony answered looking at her.

-You´ll think is silly –Leah told him

-If it’s keeping you awake I don´t think it´s silly.- Tony reasoned

-I … I´ve been having nightmares –Leah confessed ashamed

-Really? – Tony asked intrigued –What off?-

-Waking up in strange places, Asgard, SHIELD, prison.- Leah answered a bit distraught.

-Man! He really messed with your head.- Tony exclaimed

-I know – Leah sighed –Asgardian and earth men are alike, they can be real dicks when they want to.-

-Hey! I thought we were cool! –Tony protested

-You practically called me a slut. Now we are even.- Leah smiled at him.

-All right. Point taken –Tony smiled her back –Do you want to watch a movie?-

-But you didn´t installed a TV in here –Leah told him unwilling to take the party elsewhere.

-Who need a tV? –Tony asked –Jarvis, pull through an image of … what do you want to see?- he asked Leah

-Umm, the Princess Bride?-Leah asked taken by surprise

-No, we are not watching a girl’s movie- Tony pouted.

-It´s not a girl´s movie –Leah protested –It has fighting in ti too.-

-Yeah, yeah, no. Jarvis put Artificial Intelligence- Tony told the A.I.

-And that´s not a girl´s movie?- Leah asked laughing

-It´s not, it has science on it. Besides Jarvis likes it, isn´t it right? – Tony asked the A.I.

-Of course Sir.- Jarvis answered.

-You see? Two against one, we win.- Tony smirked

-All right, suit yourself –Leah agreed.

-Come here girl, you look like you need a hug –Tony offered Leah who gladly agreed and got cozy next to him as the movie started.

About a half an hour later Tony turned as he said to Leah –You see, that´s 100% science… -Only then he noticed she had fallen asleep a long time ago.

-Sleep tight kiddo.- He said with a smile as he kissed her head- Jarvis?-

-Yes, sir?-the A.I. answered

-Put up the Princess Bride –Tony told him

-Certainly Sir.-

It as late in the morning when Leah awoke, surprised to find Tony asleep by her side, then she noticed she has slept all through the night without any nightmares, she smiled to herself as she kissed Tony´s cheek and whispered –Thank you.-

-You are welcome – Tony answered as he opened his eyes.

-I thought you were asleep.-Leah said blushing

-No, I just didn´t wanted to wake you up. You seemed so peaceful.-Tony answered as he stretched –I think I´m going to have to but you a life size teddy bear?-

Leah raised her eyebrows as she asked –Why?-

-As pleasant as this was, I have no intention of pissing of any Norse gods- He jokingly answered

Leah blushed bright red as she tried to think an answer.

-I´m just messing with you –Tony said as he winked an eye at her –I know you are taken.-

-Then I´ll accept the teddy bear –Leah answered still flustered

-How about breakfast? I´m famished!- Tony asked her

-Breakfast sounds great. Just let me take a shower and I´ll meet you in tyeh kitchen –Leah answered as she started to get up.

-Do you need any help?-Tony asked while looking at her, her movements were becoming slow due to her growing belly.

-Not yet, ask me again a month.-Leah jokingly told him aware of his concern look.

-All right. I might take a shower myself. I don´t think we need anyone asking why I´m wearing the same clothes I wore yesterday- Tony joked back.

-No, we certainly don´t. – Leah giggled as she walked into the bathroom.

Tony grabbed the empty bottles and pizza box and walked out of her room just as Thor walked by.

“-Fuck!-“ Tony cursed mentally when he looked at Thor´s confused glare –We were just patching up-Tony quickly told Thor.

-It´s not of my business. – Thor angrily replied as he walked away.

“-At least I didn´t got squashed.-“ Tony told himself as he walked to his room.

About an hour later Tony and Leah were at the kitchen talking animatedly.

-So, you are finally talking? – Natasha said as she walked in.

-Yes, we are.-Tony answered –I couldn´t keep being angry at her when she´s the only fun person to talk to.-

Leah blushed as she scolded Tony –That’s so mean!”-

-Don´t worry, I´m used to his sour sense of humor.-Natasha told her smirking –You look rested!-

-I slept better –Leah shyly answered which caused Tony to smile as he plucked a huge teddy bear from behind a counter.

-Oh god! You didn´t- Leah said laughing

-Yes, I did. Here, I present to you your new bed partner …Teddy.- with that he handed the bear to Leah who hugged it happily.

Natasha looked at the scene intrigues –Why do I have the feeling I´m missing something?-

-Nothing important, I assure you.-Tony told her with a smile.

Later in the afternoon Leah was on the library studying a book Natasha had given her when Bruce walked in, Leah was too surprised to move when he just went directly to her and gave her a strong hug.

-Don´t ever do something like that again.-Bruce said to her

-I won´t – Leah answered near tears –I promise, I´m sorry.-

-Shh, I know. I forgive you.-Bruce comforted her.

-Thank you –Leah said holding him tight.

The first thing that told Leah something was wrong as a sudden change in the room temperature, still drowsy she looked for Loki when all she could find was an empty bed all her senses became alarmed as she recognized her own bedroom in the Avenger´s Tower. Loki had sent her back, no matter how much he had promised her he wouldn’t do it, he had sent her back. For a moment Leah just sat there wrapped in the sheet that covered her naked body staring in disbelief at the window, everything was silence except for the beating of her own heart that drummed in her ears.

She couldn´t believe he had done it again, too much emotions ranted on her head until rage beat fear, sorrow and everything else. Furiously she grabbed the lamp that rested on her night table and yanking it from its plug she threw it against her nightstand mirror shattering into pieces, then she stood up and trashed everything she could get her hands into, as she forcefully threw a chair against the window she watched as the chair broke leaving the glass undamaged, it was useless, she was trapped again, as the truth of her situation caught up with her Leah dropped to her knees trembling still in anger as she shouted to the sky.

-You promised! You promised you wouldn´t sent me back! You … -she couldn´t finish her sentence she was crying too hard to be able too.

Just as Loki had sent her back Jarvis had given Tony and the rest of the Avengers the alarm about an intruder in the Tower, the location of the intruder Leah´s room. Steve, Tony and Natasha were the firsts to arrive just as Leah shouted against Loki for his betrayal. They all froze at the heartbreaking scene as Leah bent in pain while crying, the first to react was Steve he pulled out a blanket to cover Leah up, as he wrapped it around her shoulders Leah snapped up trying to fight Steve´s touch in vain.

-No! No! Let me go! – Leah pleaded as she cried, it was pointless and she knew it.

Steve only hold her tight trying to avoid her form hurting herself as she struggled –Leah, come down. It´ll be all right, I promise.-

They had all read her letter where she thanked them all for all their help and patience, also apologized for deceiving them about her true intentions behind her shopping trip. She explained how she feared they wouldn´t be able to find another solution to her situation but to send her to Asgard. That she hated herself for running away from them, but she couldn´t find another solution that would give herself and her child a chance for a normal life, she hoped they could somehow understand how hard taking that decision was and would be able to forgive her. She also thanked them for all the trouble they had gone through to help her and regretted ruining her friendship with all of them, especially Thor and Banner.

By then the rest of the team had arrived.

Leah answered Steve´s between cries –No, it won´t be all right. It will never be all right! He was right, I have no means for defending myself, I´ll never be free – she had stopped struggling and just sobbed with her head vowed down in defeat as tears ran through her cheeks dripping into the blanket and Steve arms.

Natasha walked to them and knelt in front of Leah as she raised Leah’s chin so she could see into her eyes she asked –Who told you that?-

The question itself felt like a dagger had pierced her heart, the pain reflected on Leah´s face as she answered –Loki! – More unrestricted crying followed her confession as Natasha motioned Steve to let Leah go as she hugged her.

-That might be true right now. But it doesn´t have to be- Natasha told her

Leah tried to still her crying, sniffing still she asked –How?-

-I can teach you to defend yourself and your child – Natasha plainly answered

A light of hope lit in Leah´s eyes as she asked between her sniffing –After what I did? You´d still help me? Why?-

-Because we all deserve a second chance –Natasha replied – Just promise me you won´t run away again – the she whispered –You gave us quite a scare-

-I … promise. – Leah accepted as she leaned into Natasha for comfort.

Natasha then asked the rest of the team as she arched her eyebrows motioning them out –Guys, would you mind?-

It took them a moment to react to her request. –Are you sure? – Tony asked

-Yes, I can handle this Tony. If you don’t mind we need to have a girl to girl talk. – Natasha insisted.

-All right guys! Let’s give the ladies some space. Nothing to see! Move on!- Tony herded everyone out before anyone could speak against it.

When they left Natasha asked Leah- Can you get up?-

-Yes, I´m not hurt, if you don´t count my pride and self-respect I´m all right.-Leah answered as she got up still wrapped in the blanket.

-Leah, you don´t have to pretend you are all right, especially when it’s obvious you aren´t – Natasha replied.

-I´m tired of being the weak link Natasha- Leah confessed

-You are not weak, Leah, you´re just …- Natasha made a pause trying to find the right word.

-Broken? – Leah volunteered –A mess? Hopeless? –

-Well, something like that, but I don´t think you are hopeless. Now, do you want to tell me what happened? I´ve read your letter, we all did. But I really don´t understand.-

-Why I refuse to go to Asgard? –

-Mainly yes, according to Thor you would be treated like a princess, why do you hate the idea so much?-

-I don´t feel I can trust them.-Leah confessed.

-The Asgardians? Why? – Natasha asked in disbelief

-Because of Loki, he grew up there with them, and I´m not saying it´s their fault he turned out … bad but they seem to give him a push into that direction even as a child. I´m afraid the same thing will happen to my child especially when they find out who his father is.-

-But you …- Natasha interrupted

-Don´t have to tell them who the father is? Even if Thor and his parents choose to keep the secret I´m sure the truth will come out eventually, plus I don´t think I should start a new life by lying to my child.-Leah explained

-I guess you have a point. – Natasha agreed. –So what was your plan? You must had one or you wouldn´t had run away.-

-Plainly to disappear, the only reason SHIELD found me was because Loki was trying to guide you to me.-

-That´s not that easy. – Natasha scolded her

-I know that now, SHIELD was on my track as soon as I escaped from your watch.-Leah confessed

-What? – Natasha asked incredulous –How you know?-

-Because they almost caught me-Leah nervously laughed as she sat on her bed –And then he rescued me … again.-

-Loki?-Natasha asked in confirmation as she sat next to Leah.

-Yes, must be a bad habit that is adopting.-Leah joked –You know what the real sad part is Natasha? He would be a wonderful father if he gave himself the chance. I´m not that sure about a life´s partner but I can see him being an awesome dad.-

-You are messing with me right? Are we sure we are talking about the same guy? Tall, dark hair, wears a helmet with some huge horns, I do what I want supervillain kind of guy?- Natasha asked in disbelief

-I know, I know and yes, we are. I know it doesn´t sounds like him and yes, he´s … well … a pain in the ass.-Leah was interrupted by Natasha laughing at her last remark –Natasha! – Leah blushed dark red –I didn’t meant it like that!-

-I´m sorry, I know what you meant to say and for the record I wasn´t thinking about that until you mentioned it.-Natasha apologized laughing still at Leah´s embarrassment.

Leah covered her face in shame –Fuck! I´m so screwed!-

Natasha laughed even more –Oh! I have no doubt about that!-

Leah started laughing too –Oh god! I´m just digging myself deeper. Maybe I´ll just shut up.-

-That might be a good idea –Natasha answered between giggles

Suddenly Leah paled –Oh my god! Natasha! Do you think everyone noticed? Oh go! I´m so ashamed! I´ll never be able to see them in the eye again! –She dropped herself on the bed covering her face –Natasha, will you just shoot me?

-Come on, don´t be so melodramatic! And if they hadn’t noticed at some point they will, and it’s not like it hadn’t happened before.-Natasha smirked at her

-Damn it Loki! Couldn´t you sent me here with my clothes on?-Leah complained to the rooftop.

-I guess, it wouldn’t be fun that way –Natasha joked –God of Mischief, remember?

-Maybe –Leah sighed –Maybe it’s just the universe getting even. I´ve been awful to all of you- then she turned to see Natasha as she said –I´m so sorry.-

-It´s all right. I forgive you, but I´m not so sure about everyone else, especially Thor.-Natasha answered

-He must be very angry at me –Leah turned her gaze to the ground.

-More like disappointed.-Natasha added

-That´s worse, angry is easy to cope with. Disappointment … mmm … I don´t know how to deal with that.-Leah confessed.

-One day at a time –Natasha volunteered. – You´ll have enough time to make amends with everyone while I train you.-

-So you weren´t kidding about that? – Leah asked surprised

-I never joke about that sort of stuff Leah. We won’t be able to take a normal training because of your condition but I´ll figure something out. It seems that we will have to establish a special superheroes witness protection program for you.-Natasha elaborated

-So you really are going to help me disappear?-Leah asked in hope.

-It might take some time to get the guys on board this, but yes, that´s the plan. I have a feeling you will try to do something as foolish as the stunt you did yesterday if we don´t help you. I´d rather know you and little one here are somewhere safe –Natasha told her as she touched Leah´s womb.

-Thank you Natasha –Leah told her tears of gratitude on her eyes –I´m sorry I didn´t trusted you before.-

-I´m sorry too –Natasha told her as she hugged Leah –Although you wouldn’t had a rendezvous with your knight in shining armour, so how did that went?-Natasha asked as she let go.

-Not so good –Leah confessed –I feel like bloody Juliet.-

-That sound bad. – Natasha said in a serious tone.

-Basically fi we weren’t who we are, we would be together –Leah sighed.

-But then you wouldn´t had met.-Natasha reasoned

-Yeaph! That´s the problem.-Leah agreed – He sent me back because he thinks you arer the only ones who can keep me safe, he said he need us to be safe.-

-Well, at least you know he cares.-Natasha said trying to cheer Leah up.

-And that makes it worst. If he didn’t cared I´d probably be in SHIELD´s custody by now. But my heart would feel … less broken. – Leah sighed

-Sorry girl, I can´t help you with that. – Natasha said as she shrugged her shoulders. -So how about we deal with what we can do. Today get some rest, tomorrow we’ll start training. And … I´m curious how did you came up with the plan to slip away from Thor and me?-

-Oh! From like … over a dozen movies.-Leah confessed as she blushed

-Really? – Natasha laughed –I think I can beat that easily. Now, how about we search you some clothes and get you installed in another room so you can get some rest?-

-I´d like that, I feel drained.-Leah admitted

-I bet you do!-Natasha answered with a smirk

-You are not going to let me forget it, are you?-Leah asked

-Oh! I will, but the guys might not. You´d better get a thicker skin soon, you´re going to need it. I´d suggest you try to make amends with Tony and Bruce first, we need them on board our plan as soon as we can.-Natasha suggested.

-This is going to be a long week!-Leah pouted

-Make it a long month. – Natasha corrected her

-A month? – Leah asked in disbelief – Do you really think they´ll let me apologize for that long?-

-I don´t have an idea about that, but men are rather touchy about being deceived. I´ll try to put in a good word for you with Clint, apart from that I can´t make any promises.-Natasha added

-I guess I deserve it.-Leah admitted

-I can´t argue about that, but think about this, they wouldn´t be so angry if they didn´t cared. – Natasha agreed then added – And I think Steve is more worried than angry at you, after all he knows better than all of us what is to have your world disappearing in a moment –

-I know, he promised everything would be all right, I´d like to believe him, but I´m afraid to.-Leah confessed

-Stop worrying! It´s not good for both of you. –Natasha scolded her -We´ll figure this out. –